|
|
| accessible |
Refers to tumors that can be approached by a surgical procedure; tumors that are not deep in the brain or beneath vital structures. Inaccessible tumors cannot be approached by standard surgical techniques. |
| |
|
| ACTH |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticotropin |
| |
|
| acromegaly |
A disease caused by the overproduction of growth hormone. [not all cases of acromegaly are due to pituitary tumors] |
| |
|
| acuity |
Refers to clarity or distinctness of hearing or sight. |
| |
|
| ADH |
Antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin |
| |
|
| adrenal glands |
A small pair of glands located above the kidneys that produce cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, and small amounts of sex hormones. |
| |
|
| alopecia |
Loss of hair; baldness in areas where hair is usually present. A common side effect of radiation therapy to the brain and some chemical therapies. |
| |
|
| amenorrhoea |
absence of menstrual cycles |
| |
|
| analgesic |
A medicine used to reduce pain. |
| |
|
| anaplasia |
Characteristics of a cell that make it identifiable as a cancer cell. Malignant. |
| |
|
| angiogenesis |
The growth of new blood vessels from surrounding tissue into growing tissue. |
| |
|
| angiogram |
A diagnostic procedure done in the x-ray department to visualize blood vessels |
| |
|
| anorexia |
Loss of appetite. |
| |
|
| anosmia |
Absence of the sense of smell. Symptom common to tumors of the frontal lobe of the cerebral hemispheres. |
| |
|
| AO |
Adult onset: patients with growth hormone deficiency occurring in adulthood. |
| |
|
| articulation |
Speech. |
| |
|
| artifact |
Something artificial, a distortion that does not reflect normal anatomy or pathology, not usually found in the body. For example, in radiology, the appearance on an x-ray of a surgical metal clip that obscures the clear view of an anatomical structure. |
| |
|
| autologous |
Coming from the same individual, as opposed to being donated by another individual. |
| |
|
| autosomes |
Those chromosomes which are not the sex chromosomes. |
| |
|
| autosomal Kallmann’s syndrome |
A form of inherited Kallmann’s syndrome which affects both men and women, because the sex chromosomes are unaffected. |
| |
|
|
|
| benign |
Not malignant, not cancerous. |
| |
|
| BIA |
Bioelectric impedance. A non-invasive technique for measuring body composition. |
| |
|
| biological response modifier |
A substance used in adjuvant therapy that takes advantage of the body’s own natural defense mechanisms to inhibit the growth of a tumor. |
| |
|
| biopsy |
Examination of a small amount of tissue taken from the patient’s body to make a diagnosis. |
| |
|
| BMD |
Bone mineral density |
| |
|
| BMI |
Body mass index. A measure of obesity calculated from weight and height. |
| |
|
| BMR |
Basal metabolic rate. |
| |
|
| bone density measurement |
Used to assess the strength and "age" of a bone by measuring its density. |
| |
|
| bromocriptine |
An example of a dopamine agonist. |
| |
|
|
|
| calcification |
The strengthening and hardening of a bone in areas where calcium has been deposited. |
| |
|
| cAMP |
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate. |
| |
|
| cancer |
Malignant tissue that is invasive, destroys healthy tissue, and tends to spread to distant locations. |
| |
|
| carcinoma |
A malignant tumor that arises from epithelium found in skin or, more commonly, the lining of body organs, for example, breast, prostate, lung, stomach or bowel. Carcinomas tend to infiltrate into adjacent tissue and spread (metastasize) to distant organs, for example, to bone, liver, lung or the brain. |
| |
|
| catheter |
A flexible, tubular surgical instrument. Used in body cavities or vessels for the removal or insertion of fluids. |
| |
|
| cell |
The basic living unit of body tissue. It contains a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm and is enclosed by a membrane. |
| |
|
| central nervous system (CNS) |
Pertaining to the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord. It does not include muscles or peripheral nerves. |
| |
|
| cerebral |
Referring to the cerebrum. |
| |
|
| cerebrospinal fluid |
The clear fluid made in the ventricular cavities of the brain that bathes the brain and spinal cord. It circulates through the ventricles and the subarachnoid space. |
| |
|
| cerebrum |
The largest area of the brain, the cerebrum occupies the uppermost part of the skull. It consists of two halves called hemispheres. Each half of the cerebrum is further divided into four lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital. |
| |
|
| chemotherapy |
The use of chemical agents to treat brain tumors. |
| |
|
| circumscribed |
Having a border, localized. Often associated with a capsule and benign tumors of the brain. for example, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and acoustic neuromas. See diffuse. |
| |
|
| clinical |
That which can be observed in patients. Research that uses patients to test new treatments. as opposed to laboratory testing or research in animals. |
| |
|
| clinical cooperative group |
A group of medical institutions cooperating to perform clinical research. |
| |
|
| CNS |
See central nervous system. |
| |
|
| CO |
Childhood onset: adult patients with growth hormone deficiency from childhood. |
| |
|
| colonoscope |
An instrument which allows visualization of the inside of the colon. |
| |
|
| congenital |
Existing before or at birth. |
| |
|
| cranial cavity |
The skull. |
| |
|
| craniectomy |
Surgery performed on the skull where pieces of bone are removed to gain access to the brain. and the bone pieces are not replaced. |
| |
|
| craniotomy |
Surgery performed on the skull where a portion of bone is removed to gain access to the brain, and the bone is put back in its place. |
| |
|
| CRH |
Corticotropin releasing hormone. |
| |
|
| CSF |
See cerebrospinal fluid. |
| |
|
| CT or CAT scan |
An x-ray device linked to a computer that produces an image of a predetermined cross-section of the brain. A special dye material may be injected into the patient’s vein prior to the scan to help make any abnormal tissue more evident. |
| |
|
| cytotoxic |
Capable of killing cells. |
| |
|
|
|
| debulk |
A surgical procedure to decrease mass effect by removing a portion of a tumor or dead tissue. See mass effect. |
| |
|
| Decadron® |
Dexamethasone. A glucocorticosteroid medication used to reduce brain tissue swelling. |
| |
|
| decompressive |
Refers to a surgical procedure during which bone, tissue, or tumor is removed to lessen intracranial pressure. |
| |
|
| dedifferentiate |
A mature cell returning to a less mature state. See differentiate, undifferentiated. |
| |
|
| delivery |
See drug delivery. |
| |
|
| density |
The amount of darkness or light in an area of a scan reflects the compactness and density of tissue. Differences in tissue density are the basis for CT and MR scans. |
| |
|
| DEXA, DXA |
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A technique used to measure bone mineral density, but which can also be used to measure body composition. |
| |
|
| diabetes insipidus |
A problem with water balance in the body causing excess urine production and great thirst, due to pituitary-hypothalamic damage. Diabetes mellitus, which has the same symptoms, is due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. |
| |
|
| differentiate |
The process cells undergo as they mature into normal cells. Differentiated cells have distinctive characteristics, perform specific functions, and are less likely to divide. See dedifferentiate, undifferentiated. |
| |
|
| diffuse |
Lacking a distinct border, not localized, spread out. See circumscribed. |
| |
|
| diplopia |
Double vision. |
| |
|
| dopamine agonists |
Medications with predominant effects on pituitary cells that harbor receptors for the chemical transmitter dopamine. |
| |
|
| DPA |
Dual photon absorptiometry. A technique used to measure body composition. |
| |
|
| drug delivery |
The method and route used to provide medication. |
| |
|
| duramater |
The outermost, toughest, and most fibrous of the three membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. |
| |
|
| dysarthria |
Impairment of speech (articulation), caused by damage or disorder of the tongue or speech muscles. Symptom may indicate pressure on the brain stem (medulla oblongata) or elsewhere in the posterior fossa. |
| |
|
| dysfunctional |
Working improperly or abnormally. |
| |
|
| dysphagia |
Difficulty in swallowing or inability to swallow. Symptom usually indicates tumors involving the lower brain stem. |
| |
|
|
|
| edema |
Swelling due to an excess of water. |
| |
|
| ELISA |
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. |
| |
|
| emesis |
Vomiting. |
| |
|
| encapsulated |
Refers to a tumor that is wholly confined to a specific area, surrounded by a capsule. Localized. |
| |
|
| endocrine glands |
Those parts of the body which produce and secrete (release) hormones. |
| |
|
| endocrinologist |
A doctor who specialises in diseases of the endocrine glands and their hormones. |
| |
|
| endocrinology |
The study of the endocrine glands and their hormones. |
| |
|
| epidemiology |
The study of the distribution of disease and its impact upon a population, using such measures as incidence, prevalence, or mortality. |
| |
|
| etiology |
The study of the cause of a disease. |
| |
|
|
|
| FFM |
Fat-free mass |
| |
|
| focal |
Limited to one specific area. |
| |
|
| FSH |
The Follicle Stimulating Hormone; a gonadotrophin secreted by the pituitary gland, the hormone promotes fertility in men and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women. |
| |
|
|
|
| GFR |
Glomerular filtration rate |
| |
|
| GH |
The Growth Hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland; one of the hormones responsible for normal bone development and teenage growth. |
| |
|
| GHRH |
Growth hormone releasing hormone. |
| |
|
| GHRIH |
Growth hormone release inhibiting hormone (same as SRIF). |
| |
|
| GHRP |
Growth hormone releasing peptide. |
| |
|
| GnRH |
The Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone, secreted by the hypothalamus; GnRH stimulates the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland. |
| |
|
| GnRH pulsatile therapy |
A form of treatment which uses a portable, battery-driven pump to replace the missing GnRH by releasing it in pulses at regular intervals, typically every 90 minutes. |
| |
|
| generic |
A drug not protected by a trademark. Also, the scientific name as opposed to the proprietary, brand name. |
| |
|
| genesis |
The beginning of a process. |
| |
|
| genetic engineering |
A laboratory technique sometimes used to identify a defective gene in an unborn child which may cause a particular disease. |
| |
|
| gland |
An organ of the body that produces materials (hormones) released into the bloodstream, such as the pituitary or pineal gland. Hormones influence metabolism and other body functions. |
| |
|
| glucagon test |
An alternative to the insulin tolerance test; used to test for normal function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland; glucagon increases blood sugar levels, causing a number of hormones to be released in response. |
| |
|
| glucose |
A type of sugar found in the blood; an important source of energy in the body. |
| |
|
| glucocorticosteroids |
Medications used to decrease swelling around tumors. Medication to duplicate the effects of cortisol. |
| |
|
| gonadotrophin |
A hormone which regulates the function of the gonads; the two main gonadotrophins are LH and FSH, both released from the pituitary gland. |
| |
|
| growth factor |
A naturally occurring protein chemical that stimulates cell division and proliferation. It is produced by normal cells during embryonic development, tissue growth, and wound healing. Tumors, however, produce large amounts of growth factors. |
| |
|
| GRS |
Growth hormone research society. |
| |
|
| gynaecomastia |
abnormal enlargement of the breasts, usually due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen |
| |
|
|
|
| hCG |
The Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin; a hormone which behaves like LH; made by the placenta, hCH may be extracted and used together with hMG to treat hypogonadism. |
| |
|
| hCG/hMG therapy |
A type of treatment on offer to hypogonadal patients who wish to become fertile. |
| |
|
| HDL |
High-density lipoproteins |
| |
|
| hemianopsia |
Loss of one half of the field of vision (the area that can be seen by each eye when staring straight ahead). |
| |
|
| hereditary |
Transferred via genes from parent to child. Also called genetic. |
| |
|
| herniation |
Bulging of tissue through an opening in a membrane, muscle or bone. |
| |
|
| heterogeneous |
Composed of varied cell types. |
| |
|
| hMG |
The Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin; derived from the urine of post-menopausal women, hMG not only contains LH but also FSH. |
| |
|
| homogeneous |
Composed of identical cell types. |
| |
|
| hormone (adj. hormonal) |
A chemical "messenger" which is made and secreted by an endocrine gland and which targets one or more parts of the body, modifying its structure or changing the way it works. |
| |
|
| Hormone Replacement Therapy |
The name given to a form of treatment in which missing or deficient hormones can be replaced, the body being encouraged to behave normally as if it were making the hormones naturally. |
| |
|
| hydrocephalus |
Hydro = water, cephalo = head. Excess water in the brain due to blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow, increased production. or decreased absorption. |
| |
|
| hyperfractionation |
An increased number of smaller dosage treatments of radiation therapy. |
| |
|
| hypogonadism (adj. hypogonadal) |
The inability of the gonads to function normally. |
| |
|
| hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism |
The inability of the gonads to function normally because of subnormal levels of the gonadotrophins LH and FSH. |
| |
|
| hypophysis |
Pituitary gland. |
| |
|
| hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis |
The name given to the "team" of endocrine glands which is responsible for regulating sexual development. |
| |
|
| hypothalamus |
A thumbnail-sized endocrine gland located in the brain just above the pituitary gland to which it is connected; the hypothalamus normally contains cells which make and release GnRH. |
| |
|
| hypotonicity |
Diminished muscle tone; limp muscles. |
| |
|
|
|
| ICP |
Intracranial pressure, harmful when increased. |
| |
|
| IGFBP-3 |
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3. |
| |
|
| IGF-1 |
Insulin-like growth factor-1. |
| |
|
| IICP |
Increased intracranial pressure. |
| |
|
| IL-6 |
Interleukin-6. |
| |
|
| immunotherapy |
Use of the body’s immune system to fight tumors. See biological response modifier. |
| |
|
| inaccessible |
See accessible. |
| |
|
| infiltrating |
Refers to a tumor that penetrates the normal, surrounding tissue. |
| |
|
| informed consent |
The right to have information explained to you so that you fully understand and agree to the nature of the proposed treatment. |
| |
|
| interstitial radiation therapy |
The implantation of radioactive seeds directly into a tumor. |
| |
|
| intestinal polyps |
Small growths in the bowel with the potential for further growth. May transform from a benign to a malignant state. |
| |
|
| intracranial |
Within the skull. |
| |
|
| intramuscular |
Into a muscle. |
| |
|
| intratumoral |
Into a tumor (usually performed during surgery). |
| |
|
| intravenous |
lnto a vein. |
| |
|
| intraventricular |
Into a ventricle |
| |
|
| invasive |
Refers to a tumor that invades healthy tissues. The opposite of encapsulated. Also called diffuse or infiltrating. |
| |
|
| IRMA |
Immunoradiometric assay. |
| |
|
| irradiation |
Treatment by ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, or radioactive sources such as radioactive iodine seeds. See radiation therapy. |
| |
|
|
|
| LBM |
Lean body mass |
| |
|
| LDL |
Low-density lipoproteins |
| |
|
| LH |
The Luteinizing Hormone; a gonadotrophin secreted by the pituitary gland, the hormone promotes masculinity in men and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women in conjunction with FSH. |
| |
|
| LHRH |
The Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone; another name for GnRH. |
| |
|
| LIF |
Leukaemia inhibiting factor. |
| |
|
| laser |
An acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical tool that creates intense heat and power when focused at close range, destroying cells by vaporizing them. |
| |
|
| lethargy |
Sluggishness, drowsiness, indifference. |
| |
|
| local |
In the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area. |
| |
|
| lumbar puncture |
Spinal tap. Needle penetration into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spine. Used to withdraw a sample of spinal fluid for examination. Also used to inject a dye into the spine prior to a myelogram. |
| |
|
|
|
| MRI scan |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a scanning device that uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. Signals emitted by normal and diseased tissue during the scan are assembled into a image. |
| |
|
| malignant |
Cancerous or life-threatening, tending to become progressively worse. |
| |
|
| mass effect |
Damage to the brain due to the bulk of a tumor, the blockage of fluid, or excess accumulation of fluid within the skull. |
| |
|
| median survival |
Median means the middle value. An equal number of people live longer as die earlier than the median. |
| |
|
| medroxyprogesterone actetate |
A semi-synthetic medication which is close in structure and function to the naturally occuring female sex hormone, progesterone. |
| |
|
| membrane |
Thin layer of tissue covering a surface, lining a body cavity, or dividing a space or organ. |
| |
|
| monoclonal antibodies (MAB) |
A biological response modifier with unique ‘homing device" properties. Chemicals or radiation tagged to the MAB may be delivered directly to tumor cells. Or, the MAB itself may be capable of tumor cell destruction. |
| |
|
| mutate |
Change in the genetic material (DNA) inside the cell. |
| |
|
|
|
| neoplasm |
A tumor, either benign or malignant. |
| |
|
| neuron |
Nerve cell; conducts electrical signals. |
| |
|
| nervous system |
The entire integrated system of nerve tissue in the body: the brain, brain stem, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. |
| |
|
| nucleus |
The center of the cell containing the genetic information (genes and chromosomes, DNA, etc.). The appearance of the nucleus is used as a criterion to determine the malignant potential of a cell or tissue. |
| |
|
|
|
| olfactory cells |
Specialized cells found at the top of the nasal cavity which converts a smell detected by the olfactory hairs into tiny electrical signals. |
| |
|
| olfactory bulb |
One of two structures connected to the olfactory tracts to which the olfactory cells are anchored. |
| |
|
| olfactory tract |
One of two structures containing neurons which carry the "smell" from the olfactory cells, where it has been converted into an electical signal, to the area of the brain where the smell can be identified. |
| |
|
| osteoporosis (adj. osteoporotic) |
A condition characterised by weakened and brittle bones, arising from an hormonal imbalance; also known as brittle bone disease. |
| |
|
|
|
| PAI-1 |
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. |
| |
|
| palliative care |
Caring for a patient by maintaining the best quality of remaining life. Also offering support and guidance to the patient and family. |
| |
|
| palsy |
Loss of function. |
| |
|
| panhypopituitarism |
Loss of all pituitary hormones. |
| |
|
| papilledema |
Swelling of the optic nerve. Indicates increased intracranial pressure on the optic nerve. Also called choked disk. |
| |
|
| paralysis |
Loss of muscle function due to injury or disease of the nervous system. |
| |
|
| paresis |
Weakness |
| |
|
| paresthesia |
Abnormal sensations, such as burning, prickling. |
| |
|
| PET scan |
Positron Emission Tomography. A scanning device which uses low-dose radioactive sugar to measure brain activity. this is a limited-use diagnostic tool. |
| |
|
| Phenobarbitol® |
A sedating medication used to control seizures. |
| |
|
| pituitary gland |
A small oval endocrine gland attached to the brain. This gland plays a central role in the regulation of secretion from many other hormone-secreting glands of the body. |
| |
|
| pituitary stalk |
A tiny structure which connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. |
| |
|
| PQCT |
Peripheral quantitative computerized tomography. An imaging technique used to measure body composition. |
| |
|
| primary amenorrhoea |
The inability to menstruate, caused by a failure of sexual maturation and function. |
| |
|
| primary brain tumor |
Original source of tumor in the brain rather than other areas of the body. |
| |
|
| primitive |
Undeveloped or in early stages of development, undifferentiated. |
| |
|
| progesterone |
A sex hormone which is made in the ovaries and during pregnancy, by the placenta as well; helps to build up the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. |
| |
|
| prognosis |
A forecast as to probable outcome. |
| |
|
| protocol |
An outline of care; a treatment plan. |
| |
|
|
|
| quality of life |
Refers to the level of comfort, enjoyment, ability to pursue daily activities. Often used in discussions of treatment options. |
| |
|
|
|
| radiation therapy |
The use of radiation energy to interfere with tumor growth. See irradiation. |
| |
|
| radioresistant |
Resistant to radiation therapy |
| |
|
| radiosensitive |
Responsive to radiation therapy |
| |
|
| radiosurgery |
See stereotactic radiosurgery |
| |
|
| recurrence |
The return of symptoms or the tumor itself, as opposed to a remission. |
| |
|
| rehabilitation |
The return of function after illness or injury, often with the assistance of specialized medical professionals. |
| |
|
| REM |
Rapid eye movement (sleep) |
| |
|
| remission |
The disappearance of symptoms; the disappearance of the tumor. |
| |
|
| resection |
Surgical removal of a tumor. |
| |
|
| residual |
Remaining tumor. |
| |
|
| respiration |
Breathing. To inhale and exhale. |
| |
|
| rGH |
Recombinant growth hormone, somatropin. |
| |
|
| RIA |
Radioimmunoassay. |
| |
|
| seizure |
Convulsions. Epilepsy. Due to temporary disruption in electrical activity of the brain. |
| |
|
|
|
| skinfold thickness |
A non-invasive measurement made with callipers from which the percentage body fat can be estimated. |
| |
|
| spasticity |
Increased involuntary muscle contraction (the opposite of hypotonicity). |
| |
|
| spinal fluid |
See cerebrospinal fluid |
| |
|
| SRIF |
Somatotropin release inhibiting factor (same as GHRIH) |
| |
|
| stalk |
A stem. Usually refers to the pituitary stalk that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus. |
| |
|
| stereotactic |
Precise postioning in three dimensional space. Refers to surgery or radiation therapy directed by various scanning devices. |
| |
|
| stereotactic radiosurgery |
A radiation therapy technique that uses a large number of narrow, precisely aimed, highly focused beams of ionizing radiation. The beams are aimed from many directions circling the head, and meet at a specific point. |
| |
|
| steroids |
See glucocorticosteroids |
| |
|
| STH |
Somatotropin (growth hormone, GH) |
| |
|
| subcutaneous |
Beneath the skin. |
| |
|
| systemic |
Circulating throughout the body. |
| |
|
|
|
| T3 |
Triiodothyroninine. The active metabolite of thyroxine. |
| |
|
| T4 |
Thyroxine |
| |
|
| TBW |
Total body water. |
| |
|
| testosterone |
The main male sex hormone, its production encouraged by LH from the pituitary gland; small amounts also present in women. |
| |
|
| TG |
Triglycerides |
| |
|
| tissue |
A group of similar cells united to perform a specific function. |
| |
|
| TNF |
Tumour necrosis factor |
| |
|
| transsphenoidal surgery |
A surgical procedure through the sphenoid sinus permitting access to the pituitary gland. |
| |
|
| TRH |
Thyrotropin releasing hormone. |
| |
|
| TSH |
Thyroid stimulating hormone, thyrotropin |
| |
|
| tumor |
An abnormal growth. Tumors may be benign or malignant by cell type, or life-threatening by their location. |
| |
|
| tumor marker |
Substances found in blood or other fluids that identify the presence of a tumor, and/or the tumor type. |
| |
|
|
|
| ultrasound |
Visualization of structures in the body by recording the reflections of sound waves directed into tissues. May be used during surgery. |
| |
|
| undifferentiated |
An immature, embryonic, or primitive cell. It has a nonspecific appearance with multiple nonspecific activities and functions poorly. See differentiate, dedifferentiate. |
| |
|
|
|
| vascular |
Relating to blood vessels. |
| |
|
| vascularity |
The blood supply of a tumor. |
| |
|
|
|
| Waist:hip ratio |
a measure of truncal obesity, a particular feature of GH deficient patients
|
