Oncogene: A type of gene. When these genes are
abnormally “turned on” (activated), they cause excessive growth and other
characteristics of malignancy.
Oncologist: A
physician who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists specialize in the use of
chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer. Radiation
oncologists specialize in the use of x-rays and other radiation to kill tumors. Surgical oncologists specialize in performing
operations to remove cancer.
Oncology: The branch of medicine that deals with
cancer and tumors.
Oncology nurse
specialist: A registered nurse who has taken additional courses and specialized
training in the care of cancer patients. Oncology nurse specialists may prepare and
administer treatments, monitor patients, prescribe and provide aftercare, and teach and
counsel patients and their families. Some oncology nurse specialists are also certified
nurse practitioners. (See also case manager,
nurse practitioner).
Oncology social worker:
A person with a master’s degree in social work who has specialized in working with
cancer patients. The oncology social worker provides counseling and assistance to people
with cancer and their families, especially in dealing with the non-medical crises that can
result from cancer, such as financial problems, housing when treatments must be taken at a
facility far away from home, and child care.
One-step procedure: Surgery during which the
procedure to diagnose the presence of breast cancer (see biopsy) is followed immediately
by treatment (such as mastectomy—removal of the breast). The patient is given general
anesthesia and does not know until she wakes up if the diagnosis was cancer or if a
mastectomy was performed. Once the only option in breast cancer treatment, the one-step
procedure is now rarely used. (See also two-step
procedure).
Oophorectomy: Surgery to remove the ovaries, the
primary source of estrogen. It may be performed to remove a lump, tumor, or abscess, or to
treat endometriosis. Oophorectomy is also a
preventive measure to reduce the risk of breast cancer by stopping the production of
estrogen.
Osteoporosis:
Breakdown of bone, resulting in diminished bone mass and reduced bone strength.
Osteoporosis can cause pain, deformity (especially of the spine), and fractures (broken
bones). This condition is common among post-menopausal women. (See also estrogen replacement therapy).
Ovarian cancer: A
cancer of the ovary. The ovary is one of the
pair of female sexual reproductive organs (gonads) found on each side of the lower
abdomen, beside the uterus. Ovarian cancer
occurs in approximately one in 55 women.
Ovary:
Reproductive organ in the female pelvis. Normally a woman has two ovaries. They contain
the eggs (ova) that, when joined with sperm, result in pregnancy. Ovaries are also the
primary source of estrogen. (See also estrogen).
Updated: August 2006
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