Lymphatic fluid Watery fluid that carries nutrients and proteins and collects any harmful substances found in the cells and tissues. Lymphatic system A group of organs, vessels and tissues that protect us from infection and keep a healthy balance of fluids in our bodies. Margin The amount of healthy tissue that is removed around melanoma during surgery. Melanocytes The cells that color our skin. Melanin also gives our eyes and hair their color. Our freckles and moles are dense clusters of melanocytes, which make our skin appear darker. Metastasis The spreading of cancer. When cancer cells spread beyond where they began into distant parts of the body. Also called stage 4 (IV) cancer. MRI A noninvasive imaging test that uses a large magnet and radio waves to make detailed images of organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels inside a person’s body. Mucosal melanoma Melanoma in mucous membranes, such as the mouth, sinus cavity, genitals or digestive tract. Neoadjuvant treatment (or therapy) Treatment that tries to shrink the tumor before surgery. This is usually offered through clinical trials.
Gene expression profile (GEP) A measurement of how many genes are active in a cell or tissue at a given time. GEP tests can likely give more information about whether to do sentinel lymph node biopsy or additional imaging. Genetic mutations Changes in the genes, or DNA, of cells that can be passed down from our parents or can happen randomly. Immunotherapy Treatment that boosts or changes how a person’s immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells. In-situ When abnormal cells that could become cancer are found only in the place where they began, and haven’t spread to nearby tissue. Also called stage 0 cancer. In-transit metastasis When cancer spreads through a lymph vessel and starts to grow more than 2 cm (centimeters) away, but before it reaches the nearest lymph node. Lymph nodes Small glands in our bodies that filter germs and help fight infection. We have lymph nodes all over our bodies, but they’re mostly in our neck, armpits and groin (pelvic area). Lymph vessels
Thin tubes that carry lymphatic fluid and white blood cells through the lymphatic system.
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