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Medical glossary

The doctor said this: common phrases

Some phrases doctors use can sound frightening or unclear. Knowing their plain meaning lowers anxiety.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A doctor talking with a worried patient across a desk
Figure 1.You can ask the doctor to explain

01Short answer

“Your counts have dropped” may mean the expected low point after treatment. “You are in remission” means no signs of disease, though treatment may continue. “MRD-negative” means a sensitive test found nothing left. “Active monitoring” means no treatment is needed yet and check-ups continue. “Refractory” means the disease has not responded and another route is being sought. “Prophylaxis” means a preventive medicine. “Let's wait” often means time is needed for a result or recovery. After each phrase, ask: “What does this mean for me, and what is the next step?”

02Simple explanation

Ask for the plain meaning.

Write it down.

Ask again.

What is the next step?

03Scientific explanation

NCI: talking openly with your doctor and asking questions is an important part of care.

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

04What happens in the body?

Preparing for the talk

Write down questions and bring someone close.

Translation
Figure 2.Translation — The doctor said this: common phrases

If it is unclear

“Could you explain that in simple words?”

A notebook
Figure 3.A notebook — The doctor said this: common phrases

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
Preparing for the talkWrite down questions and bring someone close.
If it is unclear“Could you explain that in simple words?”
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

Prognosis
The expected course.
Nadir
The lowest point of the counts.
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

Is it rude to ask again?

No, it is normal.

Can I record the conversation?

Yes, with permission.

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. Is it rude to ask again?

  2. Can I record the conversation?

  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. Using Trusted Resources
  3. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute promyelocytic leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic myelogenous leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fusion gene
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: human leukocyte antigen
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: CAR T-cell therapy
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: petechiae
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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