Glossary of terms

Anaesthetic

Drugs used to put a patient to sleep

Anti-convulsant

A drug which can prevent or reduce seizures/fits

Biopsy

Removing a small piece of the tumour usually for examination

Blood count

A count of red and white cells or platelets

Bone Marrow

A substance found in bones that is involved in the production of blood cells

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that controls balance and movement

Chemotherapy

The use of strong drugs to kill cancer cells

CNS

Central Nervous System, consists of the brain and the spinal cord

Craniotomy

Removal of bone in the skull allowing access to the brain

CT or CAT

(Computerised Axial Tomography) - a scan using x-rays to produce images of cross sections of the brain/body

Dexamethasone

A steroid used to reduce swelling in the brain

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease or illness by a specialist

Fits or seizures

Caused by disturbed electrical activity in the brain

Fractions

Radiotherapy broken down into individual treatments

Hickman Line

Tube inserted under the skin into a large vein to make the giving of drugs and the taking of blood more easy

Lumbar puncture

Taking fluid from the lower spine to check for spread of cancer cells

MRI

(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses electromagnetic radiation to obtain images of the body’s soft tissues, for example the brain and spinal cord

Neurological

Refers to anything to do with the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spine and peripheral nerves

Oncologist

A specialist/consultant in treating tumours/cancer

Paediatrician

A doctor who specialises in children’s diseases

Portacath

A thin tube inserted under the skin through a vein to enable drugs to be given or blood samples to be taken

Protocol

The planned pattern of treatment

Radiotherapy

Treatment using x-rays directed at the body

Shunt

A device put into the brain to drain away fluid

Steroids

A type of drug which is used to reduce any swelling

Tumour

Abnormal lump or growth in or on the body caused by an abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells which may be malignant (cancerous) or benign