cancer
(KAN-ser)
A term for
diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and
can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells
can also spread to other parts of the body through the
blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of
cancer. Carcinoma is a
cancer that begins in the skin or
in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a
cancer that begins in bone,
cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective
or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a
cancer that begins in blood-forming
tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes too many
abnormal blood cells to be made. Lymphoma and multiple
myeloma are cancers that begin in the
cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers
are cancers that begin in the tissues of
the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.