| tumor | 1. <oncology> An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division that is uncontrolled and progressive, also called a neoplasm. Tumours perform no useful body function. They may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant. 2. Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations, morbid enlargement. Origin: L. Tumere = to swell (12 May 1997) |
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| tumor marker | <investigation, oncology> A substance in the body that usually indicates the presence of cancer. These markers are usually specific to certain types of cancer and are usually found in the blood or other tissue samples. Examples are alphafetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). They may be indicators of tumour stage and grade as well as useful for monitoring responses to treatment and predicting recurrence. Many chemical groups are represented including hormones, antigens, amino and nucleic acids, enzymes, polyamines, and specific cell membrane proteins and lipids. (18 Jul 2002) |
| tumor necrosis factor | <cytokine> Originally described as a tumour inhibiting factor in the blood of animals exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide or Bacille Calmette-Guerin. Preferentially kills tumour cells in vivo and in vitro, causes necrosis of certain transplanted tumours in mice and inhibits experimental metastases. Human Tumour Necrosis factor alpha is a protein of 157 amino acids and has a wide range of pro inflammatory actions. Usually considered a cytokine. Synonym: cachectin. Acronym: TNF (13 Nov 1997) |
| glial | Pertaining to glia or neuroglia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| glial cell | <pathology> Specialised cells that surround neurons, providing mechanical and physical support and electrical insulation between neurons. (17 Dec 1997) |
| glial fibrillary acidic protein | <protein> This protein, found in microfilaments of glial cells, helps distinguish glial from nonglial tumours. A laboratory stain is used to test for its presence. (16 Dec 1997) |
| glial filament | <cell biology> Intermediate filaments of glial cells, made of glial fibrillary acidic protein. (17 Dec 1997) |
| glial limiting membrane | A dense, resilient membrane forming the true capsule of the brain and spinal cord, composed of the processes of astrocytes (macroglia cells) and covered throughout by the pia mater, which firmly adheres to it; the two membranes are collectively called the pial-glial membrane. Synonym: membrana limitans gliae. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pial-glial membrane | The dual outer lining of the brain and spinal cord, composed of the glial limiting membrane and the pia mater. (05 Mar 2000) |