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Glossary of Terms

Introduction

Parts of this glossary have been taken or adapted from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Dictionary and the American Breast Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Dictionary.

This glossary does not contain definitions of medications. To learn more about specific medications, visit the website of the National Cancer Institute.

Many thanks to the healthcare practitioners who reviewed portions of this glossary:

  • Mechelle Barrick, RN, BSN, OCN, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
  • Debra S. Copit, MD, Albert Einstein Medical Center
  • Ann L. Honebrink, MD, Penn Health at Radnor
  • Isabel I. Law, RN, South Carolina Comprehensive Breast Center
  • Judith Macon, RN, MA, Suburban Hospital Cancer Program
  • Suzanne McGettigan Bensman, MSN, CRNP, AOCN
  • Lisa McGinty, RN, BSN, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania
  • Maria Rocktashel, MSN, CRNP, Delaware Valley Surgical Associates
  • Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center
  • Michele D. Stolper, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Fionda N. Williams, RN, BSN, Baltimore City Cancer Program

Glossary

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Click on a glossary term below to search the site for the selected term.
3-D

3-dimensional. A graphic display of depth, width, and height.

3-dimensional

3-D. A graphic display of depth, width, and height.

3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy
Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun)

A procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. Also called 3-dimensional radiation therapy.

3-dimensional radiation therapy
Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun)

A procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. Also called 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.

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Glossary of Terms