Glossary of terms

5-alpha reductase inhibitors

Medications that treat enlarged prostate glands (like finasteride and dutasteride)

ABCDE

Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving

ACRT

Active Clinical Referral Triage

Actinic keratoses

Dry, scaly patches of skin that have been damaged by the sun

Aero-digestive cancers

Collectively, cancers of various human body sites, such as the oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and larynx

AHP

Allied Health Professional

Alkylating agents

A class of antineoplastic drug that damage DNA, preventing cell replication - used in cancer treatment

ALP

Alkaline Phosphatase - an enzyme found in the body, particularly in the liver and bones

Amelanotic melanoma

A rare subtype of melanoma that lacks the typical dark pigment (melanin), appearing as pink, red, or skin-coloured

Anal excoriation

The abrasion of the skin around the anus

ANP

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (the peritoneum is a membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis)

Auditory meatus

The ear canal, specifically both the external (leading to the eardrum) and internal (connecting the inner ear to the brain) passages

Axillary lump

A swelling or bump in the axillary area (underarm)

B symptoms

In the context of lymphoma refers to a set of systemic symptoms – fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss

Barrett's oesophagus

A condition where the lower section of the gullet is damaged by acid from the stomach causing the cells to change

Basal cell

A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis - the outer layer of the skin

Basosquamous carcinoma

A rare, aggressive non-melanoma skin cancer

BCC

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Benign melanocytic naevi

Commonly known as moles, these are harmless, pigmented skin lesions caused by clusters of melanocytes

Blood borne virus screen

A blood test that checks for the presence of certain viruses transmitted through blood, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C

Blueberry muffin appearance

Skin appearance in newborns characterised by multiple, raised, blue or purple lesions

BMI

Body Mass Index

BRAN

Benefit, Risk, Alternative, Nothing

BRCA

BReast CAncer genes

Brief intervention

A short, structured conversation designed to motivate patients

Bronchiectasis

A long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become widened

CA125

Cancer Antigen 125 - a protein found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and in some normal tissues and some other cancers

Calprotectin

A protein biomarker, specifically a calcium-binding protein, released during inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract

Carcinomas

A cancer arising in the epithelial tissue of the skin or of the lining of internal organs

CfSD

Centre for Sustainable Delivery

Chest x-ray shows consolidation

Indicates that the air-filled spaces in the lungs are replaced with fluid, cells, or other materials, appearing as a white, dense area

Chondrosarcoma

A type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage cells

Clinical Frailty Scale

A way to summarise the overall level of fitness or frailty of an older adult

CLL

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

CML

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

CNS

Central Nervous System

Cognitive change

Alterations in mental processes and abilities

Connective tissue cancers

A group of cancers that originate in the body's supportive and connective tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and nerves

Corpus uteri

The main body of the uterus (womb)

CPES

National Cancer Patient Experience Survey

CRAB

Raised Calcium, Renal Impairment, Anaemia, Bone pain

Cranial nerve palsy

A condition where one or more of the 12 cranial nerves are damaged or dysfunctional, leading to weakness or paralysis of the muscles they control

CRP

C - Reactive Protein

CRUK

Cancer Research United Kingdom

CT

Computed Tomography

CYP

Children and Young People

Cytopenia

A condition where there's a lower-than-normal number of blood cells

Dermatoscope

A hand-held magnifying device used to examine skin lesions

DRE

Digital Rectal Examination

DVT

Deep Venous Thrombosis

Dysphagia

Problems swallowing

Early menarche

Starting menstruation before age 12

ECOG

Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group

ECOG/WHO performance status

Describes a patient's level of functioning in terms of their ability to care for themselves

Embryonal carcinomas

A rare, aggressive type of germ cell tumour that occurs in the ovaries and testes

Endocrine tumours

Growths that develop in the endocrine system - the network of glands that produce hormones

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus (womb)

ENT

Ear Nose and Throat

Epidermis

The surface epithelium of the skin, overlying the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of the skin)

Epididymo-orchitis

Inflammation of both the epididymis (the tube that stores and transports sperm) and the testicle (testis), often caused by infection

Epigastric mass

A swelling or lump in the upper central part of the abdomen, just below the ribcage

Epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose, caused by damage to the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa (soft tissue that lines the body's canals and organs)

EQIA

Equality Impact Assessment

ESR

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Essential thrombocythaemia

A rare blood cancer characterised by the over-production of platelets, which can lead to blood clots and, in some cases, bleeding problems

Ewings Sarcoma

A type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the bones and the soft tissue around the bones

Extragonadal germ cell tumours

Germ cell tumours that develop outside the gonads (testicles or ovaries)

Extramedullary leukaemic disease

A rare manifestation of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) where leukaemic cells form a solid tumour outside of the bone marrow

FBC

Full blood count

Fibrosarcoma

A rare, cancerous tumour that develops from the uncontrolled overgrowth of cells called fibroblasts (a type of cell that plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining connective tissue)

Finger clubbing

Changes in the shape of the ends of the fingers and fingernails

Focal chest signs

Decreased chest expansion, dullness on percussion, decreased entry of air, bronchial breathing, and crackles (none, some, or all of these may be present)

Focal neurological deficit

A localised impairment of nerve, spinal cord, or brain function affecting a specific area of the body or a specific function

FOSSIT

Feeling of Something Stuck In the Throat

Fungating

A tumour that breaks through the skin creating a wound or growing into a fungus-like shape that can also become ulcerated and infected

Gender reassignment

Proposing to undergo, undergoing or having undergone a process to reassign your sex

Germinomas

A type of germ cell tumour, most commonly found in the brain

GI

Gastrointestinal

Globus sensation

The persistent but painless feeling of a lump or foreign body in the throat, even when there's nothing physically there

Glottis

Part of the larynx (voice box) that contains the vocal cords.

Glycosylated haemoglobin (HBA1c)

A blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months

GP

General Practitioner

GP gut feeling

An intuitive, often uneasy feeling that a General Practitioner (GP) experiences, suggesting a patient may be seriously ill, even without clear symptoms

Gynaecomastia

An increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men

Haemachromatosis

An inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years

Haematoma

A localised collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by injury or trauma, where blood leaks into surrounding tissues

Haematospermia

Blood in the semen

Haematuria

Blood in the urine

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocystosis

A rare, potentially fatal disease characterised by an overactive immune system, leading to inflammation and organ damage, often affecting children but also adults

Haemoptysis

Coughing up blood from the lungs or airways

Help seeking behaviours

Any actions an individual takes to obtain assistance or support

Hepatoblastoma

A rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver

Hepatomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of the liver

Hepatosplenomegaly

Simultaneous enlargement of both the liver and spleen

High grade malignancies

Tumours with cells that appear very abnormal under a microscope, indicating a higher likelihood of aggressive growth and spread, often requiring more aggressive treatment

HIS

Health Care Improvement Scotland

Histiocytoses

A group of rare disorders characterised by the accumulation of histiocytes (a type of white blood cell) in various tissues and organs, potentially causing tissue damage or tumour formation

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV serology

The use of blood tests to detect HIV antibodies and/or antigens

Horner’s syndrome

A rare neurological syndrome that affects your eye and the surrounding area on one side of your face

HPB

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary

HPV

Human Papilloma Virus

HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hypercalcaemia

A condition in which the calcium level in the blood becomes too high

Hyperkeratotic

Abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin due to an overproduction of keratin

Hypopharynx

The lowest part of the throat (pharynx), located behind the voice box (larynx) and above the oesophagus

IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

ICD

International Classification of Disease

IDA

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Immunocompromised

A condition where your immune system isn't working as well as it should

Indolent

A slowly progressing cancer that may not require immediate treatment

Induration

An area of tissue that has become abnormally hard or thickened

Inherited genetic alteration

A change in a gene that is passed down from a parent to their child, present in almost every cell of the body from birth

Intersex

Individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical binary definitions of male or female, encompassing variations in chromosomes, genitals, hormones, or internal reproductive organs

Intra-abdominal

Something situated within, occurring within, or administered by entering the abdomen

Inverse Care Law

The availability of good medical care tends to vary inversely with the need for it in the population served

Irradiation

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours

Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis

A rare disorder characterised by the abnormal accumulation of Langerhans cells - a type of immune cell, which can form tumours or damage tissues and organs

LDH

Lactate Dehydrogenase (an enzyme found in almost all body tissues that plays a crucial role in energy production)

LEGO-C

Lung, Endometrial, Gastric, Oesophageal and Colorectal cancer

Lichen sclerosis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition causing thin, white and wrinkled patches, most commonly affecting the genitals and anal areas

Lymphadenopathy

Swelling of lymph nodes

Lymphocyte count

The number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system) in a blood sample

Lymphocytosis

Having more lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in your blood than normal

Lymphoplasmacytic malignancies

A type of lymphoma characterised by the accumulation of abnormal B cells, often in the bone marrow

Lynch syndrome

An inherited condition that increases the risk of developing certain cancers

Lytic

The disintegration of a cell by disruption of its plasma membrane

Malaise

A general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify

Malignant spinal cord compression

A cancerous tumour that damages or presses on the nerves in the spinal cord, potentially leading to weakness, paralysis, and other neurological issues

Mastitis

Inflammation of the mammary gland in the breast, typically due to bacterial infection

Melanocytic naevi

Commonly known as moles

Merkel's tumour

A rare, aggressive type of skin cancer that arises from Merkel cells, which are located in the outer layer of the skin near nerve endings

Mesothelioma

A cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the mesothelium - a thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs

Metastatic cancer

Also known as advanced or secondary cancer, occurs when cancer cells from the primary tumour spread to other parts of the body, forming new tumours

MCN

Managed Clinical Network

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance - a condition where the body produces an abnormal protein (paraprotein) and in some cases can progress to cancer.

Microcytosis

Red blood cells that are smaller than normal

Micronodular

Presence of extremely small nodules, typically less than 3 millimetres in diameter

Missingness lens

A focused approach that identifies and addresses the repeated tendency of individuals to miss or not take up healthcare opportunities

Modifable factors

Behaviours or exposures that can be changed to reduce the risk of developing certain conditions

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

A group of blood cancers where the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells that don't mature properly, leading to low levels of healthy blood cells

Myeloproliferative neoplasms

A group of rare blood cancers characterised by the bone marrow producing too many blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and/or platelets

Nasopharynx

The top part of the throat (pharynx) that connects the nose to the respiratory system

NDD

Neuro-Developmental Difference

Neoplasms

A new and abnormal growth of tissue in a part of the body, especially as a characteristic of cancer

Neuroblastoma

A cancer that starts in cells called neuroblasts

Neuroblasts

Immature nerve cells

NHL

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

NHS

National Health Service

NHS Scotland

National Health Service Scotland

NICE

National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Nocturia

Waking up more than once each night to urinate

Non binary

People who do not identify as exclusively male or female

Nulliparity

A woman who has never given birth to a live child, even if she has been pregnant or experienced a miscarriage or abortion

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing

OG

Oesophago-Gastric

OGD

Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy - a medical procedure used to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine using a thin, flexible tube with a camera

OMFS

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Oropharynx

The middle part of the throat

Orthopnoea

Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) that occurs when lying flat

Otitis externa

An inflammation or infection of the skin in the ear canal; also known as “swimmers' ear”

Papilloedema

Optic nerve head swelling which can be due to raised intracranial pressure

Palpable

Something that can be felt or touched

Paranasal

Structures or conditions located near the nose – often used to describe the sinuses

Paraproteins

A monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chain present in the blood or urine

PCSCI

Primary Care Secondary Care Interface Group

Peau d’orange

Describes a characteristic skin appearance, often appearing as dimpled or pitted, resembling the texture of an orange peel

Peri-ocular

Condition or treatment that involves the structures around the eye

Periorbital bruising

Bruising around the eyes that can indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a skull fracture or can be caused by trauma or other medical conditions

Peripheral neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves, which are located outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, particularly in the hands and feet

Periungual wart

Warts that develop around the fingernails or toenails, often appearing as rough, cauliflower-like bumps, and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Persistent intermenstrual bleeding

Bleeding between periods

Petechiae

Tiny spots of bleeding under the skin or in the mucous membranes (mouth or eyelids)

Pharynx

Throat

PHS

Public Health Scotland

Plasma viscosity

A measure of blood thickness

Pleural effusion

A build-up of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity

Polycythaemia Rubra Vera

A rare blood cancer - causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst

Polyposis

The development of numerous polyps (growths that protrude from a mucous membrane)

Polyuria

Production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine

Post-coital bleeding

Bleeding after sex

Postmenopausal bleeding

Any vaginal bleeding occurring after a year or more of no periods

PPV

Positive Predictive Value

Precocious puberty

The development of secondary sexual characteristics before 8 years of age in girls and 9 years in boys

Prehabilitation

The process of preparing a person's body and mind for a medical or surgical intervention, like cancer treatment, to improve outcomes and reduce complications

Primary myelofibrosis

A rare blood cancer where the bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue

Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs)

A group of rare, malignant tumours that arise from primitive nerve cells

Proptosis

When one or both eyes bulge from their natural position

Pruritus

Itching

PSA

Prostate Specific Antigen

qFIT

Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test

RCDS

Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service

RCGP

Royal College of General Practitioners

RDS

Right Decision Service

Realistic medicine

An approach to healthcare that aims to put the patient at the centre of decisions made about their care

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy

Also known as vocal cord paralysis - occurs due to damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to vocal cord immobility and symptoms like hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and swallowing problems

Red flag’ or ‘alarm symptoms’

Warning signs that indicate a potentially serious underlying medical condition requiring prompt evaluation and often, a referral to a specialist or emergency department

Retinoblastomas

A kind of eye cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the retina

Rhabdoid tumours

A rare fast growing childhood cancer

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma in children

Rhinosinusitis

Commonly known as sinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages

Sacrococcygeal

The region encompassing the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone)

Serosanguinous

Discharge that contains both blood and a clear, watery fluid known as serum, often appearing as a light pink or red colour

SCC

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Schwannomas

Benign, slow-growing nerve tumour of the nerve sheath

SCI

Scottish Care Information

Sebaceous cysts

Round lumps often filled with fluid or pus

Seborrheic keratosis

A common non-cancerous (benign) skin growth

Serum immunoglobulins

Proteins produced by plasma cells that play a crucial role in the immune system

Serum protein electrophoresis

A laboratory test that separates and measures different types of proteins in the blood serum

sFLC

Serum Free Light Chains

Skin tethering

A visible dimpling or puckering of the skin

Solid tumours

Abnormal masses of tissue, often cancerous, that typically don't contain cysts or liquid areas

SPCCG

Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group

Splenomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of the spleen

Squamous

Flat cell that looks like a fish scale under a microscope

SRG

Scottish Referral Guidelines [for Suspected Cancer]

Sternomastoid muscle

A powerful neck muscle that allows a person to bend their neck and turn or tilt their head

Stridor

A high-pitched, harsh, noisy breathing sound, often heard during inhalation, indicating a partial obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway

Subungual

Something situated or occurring under a fingernail or toenail

Superior vena cava obstruction

A condition where blood flow to the heart from the upper body is blocked or restricted

Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy

Swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone

SVFT

Semantic Verbal Fluency Test

Tamoxifen

A hormone therapy drug to treat breast cancer in women and men

Teratomas

A rare type of germ cell tumour that may contain immature or fully formed tissue, including teeth, hair, bone and muscle

Testosterone blockers

Medications that prevent androgens like testosterone from exerting their effects in the body

Thrombocytosis

A condition characterised by having a higher-than-normal platelet count in the blood

Transabdominal USS

A non-invasive procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen

Transgender

A person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth

Transvaginal USS

A common imaging procedure used to diagnose conditions affecting reproductive organs

Tumour markers

Any substance in the body that provides information about a cancer

Unclassified myeloproliferative disorders

A rare blood cancer type, often presenting with features that overlap or are not fully developed

Urinary Bence Jones Proteins

Abnormal proteins (specifically, monoclonal light chains) found in the urine of some patients with myeloma or other lymphoid malignancies

Urine culture

A laboratory test that checks for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, guiding treatment decisions

Urine dipstick

A thin, plastic stick with strips of chemicals on it —the strips change colour if certain substances are present in the urine, or if levels are above typical levels

Uterine fibroids

Non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, often causing heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen

USC

Urgent Suspicion of Cancer

USS

Ultrasound Scan

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection

UV

Ultraviolet

UV-A photochemotherapy

Combines psoralen medication with UVA light exposure to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema etc.

Vagino/ vulvoplasty

Gender reaffirming surgery that creates the external female genitalia (vulvoplasty) and vaginal canal (vaginoplasty)

Vasculitis

A group of rare conditions, that damage blood vessels by causing inflammation

Virilisation

The development of male physical characteristics

Visual field loss

Loss of part of the usual field of vision

White or absent pupillary red reflex

An abnormal finding that can indicate serious eye conditions

WHO

World Health Organisation

Wilms tumours

The most common type of kidney cancer in children, typically affecting children under 5 years of age

WoS

West of Scotland

Wry neck

The muscles supporting the neck on one side become painful and stiff, often causing the head to tilt to one side

Yolk-sac tumours

A rare, malignant germ cell tumour that often occurs in the gonads (ovaries or testicles) but can also occur in other areas of the body