Adjuvant therapy
Treatment given after therapy, such as chemotherapy after surgery, to increase the chances of a cure.
Anemia
Lower than normal red blood cell count; a possible side effect of chemotherapy.
Carcinoma in situ
Describes a condition in the earliest stage, also known as precancerous, or stage 0.
Colon
The first and longest part of the large intestine.
Colonoscopy
A procedure to screen for cancer, in which a flexible tube is placed through the rectum into the colon so the doctor can see the entire colon.
Colostomy
An opening in the abdomen used to rid the body of waste; sometimes needed after surgery for cancer of the rectum (usually temporarily).
Digestive system
The organs (salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and rectum) that turn food into energy for the body and allow waste products to leave the body through bowel movements.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
A test in which a doctor or nurse uses a gloved finger to feel the lower part of the rectum for abnormal areas.
Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis
A condition that occurs in organs like the stomach or colon when small pouches or sacs (diverticula) in the organ walls become inflamed. Diverticulitis may be a risk factor of certain cancers.
Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE)
A DCBE is a series of X rays of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a barium solution, and air is pumped into the rectum. The barium and air outline the colon and rectum on the X rays. Polyps may show up on the X rays.
Endorectal ultrasound (EUS)
A procedure in which an endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the body and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal organs to make a picture (sonogram). Also called endosonography.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
A test used to screen for colorectal cancer, in which a stool sample is examined for blood.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A test to screen for cancer, in which a lighted tube is placed in the rectum so the doctor can look inside.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A general term to describe conditions that cause the colon and rectum to become inflamed. Conditions within IBD include Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A colon disorder involving diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, and passing mucus in the stool.
Leukopenia
Lower than normal white blood cell count; a possible side effect of chemotherapy.
Local therapy
A treatment that affects cancer cells and the area close to the tumor.
Metastasis (mah-tas-tah-sis)
A process that takes place in advanced cancer, in which cancer spreads from the primary site to other parts of the body.
Neoadjuvant therapy
Treatment given before primary treatment, such as chemotherapy before surgery.
Palliative care
Also called supportive care or symptom management, treatment not to cure cancer but instead to improve the quality of life of patients who have serious or life-threatening diseases.
Polyp
A small growth of tissue that develops on the lining of a body passage or cavity. In the colon or rectum, polyps can sometimes become cancerous.
Polypectomy
Surgery performed to remove a polyp (organ growth that may develop into cancer, such as those found in the colon and rectum).
Rectum
The last several inches of the large intestine.
Resection Surgery
Surgery performed to remove tissue in an organ, part of an organ (segmental resection), or an entire organ.
Staging
A way to describe how advanced a cancer is, which helps a doctor to forecast how well a cancer patient may do over time and how to best treat a patient.
Segmental Resection
Surgery performed to remove part of an organ.
Systemic therapy
Treatment that enters the bloodstream and can affect cells all over the body.
Thrombocytopenia
A lower than normal platelet count that results in increased risk of bleeding; a possible side effect of chemotherapy.
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