Glossary of Terms Commonly Used

A deficiency in red blood cells which can cause fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.

Immature white blood cells not normally found in the blood, which may indicate the presence of leukaemic cells in the bone marrow.

A long, soft, pliable tube that is inserted into a large vein that leads directly into the heart. These catheters are also know as "Broviac" or "Hickman" catheters, and are used to sample blood or administer medication.

Medications used to treat a specific disease; the term is most often used to describe medications used to treat cancer.

An X-ray test using a special machine that rotates around the patient, taking pictures that provide a cross section of the area being evaluated.

The identification of a disease.

A test to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart.

An organism bigger than a bacteria that does not cause serious infections unless there is a problem with the immune system, and then can cause very serious infection.

An injection into a muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm.

A special room where the child stays alone to protect him or her from infection, or to protect others from an infection which the child has.

This procedure is also known as a spinal tap. A needle is inserted in the back along the spine between 2 vertebral bones to remove a sample of the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The fluid is examined under the microscope to look for cancer cells or infection. Medications may be administered through the same needle for children with leukaemia or other forms of cancer.

Also known as "glands", these are collections of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in chains along the lymphatic vessels. These glands assist the body in fighting infection and can become enlarged by infections or cancer.

A type of imaging test that uses magnetic fields instead of X-rays to view the inside of a particular part of the body. Most useful in examining the brain and bones.

Cancer cells that spread from the original tumour site to other parts of the body.

A type of white cell found in the blood.

Inflammation and sores in the mouth and lips. Also called stomatitis or mouth sores, and can be caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

A deficiency in the number of neutrophils or polys in the blood, greatly increasing the risk of infection.

A type of white blood cell: the most important type for fighting bacterial infections. Also called granulocytes or polys.

The liquid portion of the blood.

A particle in the blood which helps the blood to clot.

When no disease can be detected in a patient.

An organ located on the left side of the abdomen, near the stomach, which helps to filter the blood. It may become enlarged in children with leukaemia and other forms of cancer.

Inflammation and sores in the mouth and lips. Also called mucositis, or mouth sores, and can be caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

A decreased number of platelets in the blood, which can lead to easy bruising or increased risk of bleeding.

An intravenous solution which delivers nutrients to children who cannot eat, so that their individual caloric needs can be met.

A mass or swelling; an overgrowth of tissue.

A diagnostic test using sound waves to detect abnormalities or changes in certain internal organs or structures.