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Medical glossary

Commonly confused words

Medicine has many words that look alike but mean different things. Telling them apart makes conversations with your doctor easier.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A paper speech bubble with a cut-out question mark
Figure 1.If similar words confuse you, ask

01Short answer

Remission is not cure: remission means no signs of disease; cure is a judgement made after many years. Leukopenia is not neutropenia: one is all white cells, the other only neutrophils. Leukaemia and “leukosis” (a term used in some countries) mean the same disease. Acute is not the same as severe: acute means developing fast. Chronic is not the same as mild: chronic means slow and long-lasting. Biopsy is not aspiration: tissue versus liquid. Relapse is the disease returning; refractory means not responding. Autologous means your own cells; allogeneic means donor cells.

02Simple explanation

Remission is not cure.

Acute is not severe.

Leukosis means leukaemia.

Autologous is not allogeneic.

03Scientific explanation

The NCI Dictionary explains each term separately; check it when in doubt.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Why they get confused

They sound alike or share a topic.

Comparison
Figure 2.Comparison — Commonly confused words

What to do

Ask your doctor: “Is this X or Y?”

Clarity
Figure 3.Clarity — Commonly confused words

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why they get confusedThey sound alike or share a topic.
What to doAsk your doctor: “Is this X or Y?”
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Relapse
The disease coming back.
Refractory
Not responding to treatment.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Are “leukosis” and “leukaemia” different?

No, they name the same disease.

Does “acute” mean more dangerous?

It means fast-developing and needing urgent treatment.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are “leukosis” and “leukaemia” different?

  2. Does “acute” mean more dangerous?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neutropenia
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: red blood cell
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: hemoglobin
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sepsis
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute myeloid leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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