Go back to the index of this complete glossary to find the definition of all medical terms for cancers, treatments and health.
Cancer Glossary - I
- Immune system : Complex system by which the body is able to protect itself
from foreign invaders.
- Immunocytochemistry : Study of the chemistry of cells using techniques that
employ immune mechanisms.
- Incisional biopsy : Taking a piece of the lump out.
- Infiltrating cancer : Cancer that can grow beyond its site of origin into surrounding
tissue.
- Informed consent : Process in which the patient is fully informed of all risks
and complications of a planned procedure and agrees to proceed.
- Infusaport : A type of permanent catheter, round in shape, surgically inserted
into a neck vein. Allows administration of IV fluids, blood products and medicines.
Blood can also be drawn through it.
- In situ : In the site of. Refers to tumors that haven’t grown beyond their
site of origin.
- Intrathecal chemotherapy : Injection of anticancer drugs into
the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Intravenous (IV) : Administration of a drug directly into a vein.
- Invasive cancer : Cancers that are capable of growing beyond their site of origin and invading surrounding tissue.