Tumor-Node-Metastasis is a standardized way clinicians describe how far a cancer has spread. It summarizes the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant spread. It is commonly used in solid tumors to assign a cancer “stage.” Staging helps organize diagnosis, treatment planning, and communication across care teams.
TNM staging is a standardized way to describe how far a solid tumor cancer has spread in the body. It summarizes the **T**umor size/extent, nearby **N**ode involvement, and distant **M**etastasis. TNM staging is commonly used in oncology clinics, pathology reports, and multidisciplinary cancer conferences. It helps clinicians communicate clearly about cancer extent at diagnosis and after treatment.
Oocyte preservation means collecting and freezing eggs (oocytes) for possible future use. It is a form of fertility preservation used when a person may lose ovarian function or fertility. In oncology, it is commonly discussed before treatments that can harm the ovaries. It may also be used for non-cancer reasons, such as delaying childbearing for personal or medical circumstances.
Sperm banking is the collection and freezing of sperm for possible future use in reproduction. It is also called sperm cryopreservation. It is commonly used before cancer treatment that may affect fertility. It may also be used before certain surgeries, medical therapies, or life events that could reduce sperm quality.
Cryopreservation is the controlled freezing and storage of living cells, tissues, or reproductive material at very low temperatures. It is used to pause biological activity so the material can be used later. In cancer care, it is commonly used for fertility preservation and for storing cells or tissue for transplant, research, or specialized therapies.
Oncofertility is the area of medicine that connects cancer care with reproductive medicine. It focuses on preserving the ability to have a biological child when cancer treatment may affect fertility. It is commonly used in oncology clinics, fertility centers, and survivorship programs. It can apply to children, adolescents, and adults of any sex who are starting or receiving cancer therapy.
Fertility preservation is a set of medical options used to help protect the ability to have a biological child in the future. It is most often discussed before cancer treatment, because chemotherapy, radiation, and some surgeries can affect reproductive organs. It may also be used before treatment for certain non-cancer conditions that can harm fertility. Care is typically coordinated between oncology and reproductive medicine teams.
Tumor lysis prophylaxis is a set of steps used to prevent tumor lysis syndrome during cancer treatment. Tumor lysis syndrome happens when many cancer cells break down quickly and release their contents into the blood. This prevention approach is most commonly used in blood cancers starting chemotherapy or other fast-acting therapies. It can also be used in selected solid tumors when the risk of rapid tumor breakdown is higher.
Multimodality therapy means using more than one type of cancer treatment as part of a coordinated plan. It commonly combines local treatments (like surgery or radiation) with systemic treatments (like chemotherapy or immunotherapy). It is used across many cancers to improve tumor control and address cancer cells in different locations. It is planned and delivered by a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Local therapy is cancer treatment directed at a specific tumor or a defined body area. It aims to remove, destroy, or control cancer where it is located rather than treating the whole body. It is commonly used in solid tumors and in selected situations for symptom relief. It may be used alone or combined with systemic therapy (treatments that circulate throughout the body).