CANCER LEGAL GLOSSARY

Ileostomy: A surgical opening in the abdomen connected to the small intestine to allow stool to be emptied into a collection bag. 

Immunity (Immune System): The body's ability to fight infection and disease.

Immunosuppression: Weakening of the immune system that causes a lowered ability to fight infection and disease.

Immunotherapy: The artificial stimulation of the body's immune system to treat or fight disease.

In Situ Cancer: Early cancer that has not invaded surrounding tissue. 

Indirect Laryngoscopy: A small, long-handled mirror is inserted in the back of the patient's throat to check for abnormal areas and to see if the vocal cords move as they should. 

Infiltration: The leaking of fluid or medicines into tissues, which can cause swelling. 

Infusion Pump: A device that delivers measured amounts of fluids or medications into the bloodstream over a period of time. 

Infusion: Delivering fluids or medications into the bloodstream over a period of time. 

Inguinal Orchiectomy: An operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin. 

Injection: Pushing a medication into the body with the use of a syringe and needle.

Interferon: A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and diseases). Interferons impede the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon- alpha, -beta, and –gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating some cancers and other diseases. 

Interferon: A naturally produced chemical released by the body in response to viral infections. Interferon can be artificially produced and used as a form of immunotherapy. 

Interleukin: A naturally produced chemical released by the body.

Intramuscular (IM) injection: Injection which goes into the muscle.

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the peritoneal cavity through a thin tube. 

Intraperitoneal: Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs). 

Intravenous (IV) injection: Injection which goes into the vein. 

Intravenous Pyelogram: A special dye is put in the blood stream and X-rays are taken to obtain a picture of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder.  

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