Cancer Legal Glossary: B

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Barium Enema: A procedure in which a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum and colon by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray.

Barium Swallow: The use of a milky solution (barium sulfate) given orally to allow x-ray examination of the upper intestinal tract.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer.

Benign Growth: A swelling or growth that is not cancerous and does not spread from one part of the body to another.

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A benign (non-cancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.

Benign: Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Biological Therapy: Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. May also be referred to as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire lesion or tumor is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.

Bladder Tumor Marker Studies: Urine is examined for "markers" associated with cancer.

Blood Cells: Minute structures produced in the bone marrow; they consist of red blood, white blood cells and platelets.

Blood Count: The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a sample of blood.

Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration: The procedure by which a needle is inserted into a bone to withdraw a sample of bone marrow.

Bone Marrow Suppression: A decrease in the production of blood cells

Bone Marrow Transplant: The infusion of bone marrow into a patient who has been treated with high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients may use their own marrow, which in some cases has been frozen.

Bone Marrow: The soft sponge-like tissue in the center of bones that produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Bone Scan: A picture of the bones which is taken by using a radioactive dye that shows any injury, disease, or healing. This is a valuable test to determine if cancer has spread to the bone, if anticancer therapy has been successful, and if affected bony areas are healing.

Brachytherapy: A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor.

Breast Self-Examination: A manual self-examination of the breasts.

Bronchial Tube: Also called the bronchus. This tube is a large air passage that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to the lung.

Bronchogenic Carcinoma: A cancer originating in the lungs or airways.

Bronchoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the nose or mouth. This allows examination of the inside of the trachea and bronchi, as well as the lung. Bronchoscopy may be used to detect cancer or perform some treatment procedures.

Buccal Mucosa: The inner lining of the cheeks and lips.

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