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714-X (PDQ®)     
Last Modified: 07/24/2006
Patient Version
Overview



Glossary Terms

camphor
A substance that comes from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in the laboratory. It has a very unique smell and taste and is used in commercial products (for example, mothballs). Camphor is used in topical anti-infective and anti-pruritic (anti-itching) agents.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. 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.
Food and Drug Administration
An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.
immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
scientist
A person who has studied science, especially one who is active in a particular field of investigation.


Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/714-X/patient/20.cdr#Section_20
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/714-X/patient/22.cdr#Section_22
3http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/714-X/patient/25.cdr#Section_25
4http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/714-X/patient/27.cdr#Section_27