Glossary

Blood count— a blood test used to determine the number of the various types of blood cells.

Bone marrow— the inner cavity of bone which normally contains the spongy substance which produces red and white blood cells and platelets.

Cancer— a broad term for a large group (more than 100) diseases where there is uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal, malignant cells.

Cell— the individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body.

Chemotherapy— a treatment using drugs.

Complete blood count— a blood test done to determine if the bone marrow is working normally.

Eosinophil— a type of white blood cell that fights infection.

Granulocyte— a type of white blood cell that kills bacteria.

Leukocyte— another name for white blood cells. A leukocyte is a type of cell in the blood which helps defend the body against diseases caused by bacteria, virus or parasites.

Lymphocyte— a type of white blood cell.

Nadir— the lowest point, usually in reference to blood counts related to chemotherapy.

Monocyte— a type of white blood cell.

Neutropenia— a decreased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

Neutrophil— a mature white blood cell that fights bacterial infections. Also called segmented neutrophils or sets. If the neutrophil or seg count is less than 500, the patient is at increased risk for infection.

Platelet— a blood cell that assists in blood clotting. Patients are at risk to bleed if the platelet count is less than 50,000.

Platelet count— the number of platelets in a blood sample.

Radiation therapy— treatment of cancer with high energy x-rays which kills cancerous cells.

Red blood cell— the blood cells that carry oxygen and are responsible for the red color of blood.

Red blood count— a blood test to count the number of red blood cells.

Segmented neutrophils— a type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infections. Also called segs or neutrophils. If the seg count is less than 500 the patient is at increased risk for infection.

Segs— another word that is sometimes used for neutrophils or segmented neutrophils. If the seg count is less than 500 the patient is at increased risk for infection.

Toxic— undesirable side effects of a drug or treatment.

Vaccine— a substance when injected into the body can stimulate resistance to a specific disease.

White Blood Cells— a type of blood cell, which is responsible for fighting germs, infections and cancer.

White blood count— a blood test that counts the number of white blood cells in a given blood sample.