A type of thin plastic tube inserted into a vein. The CVAD gives access to a vein so blood or chemotherapy can be given, and blood can be taken. Types of CVADs include central lines, Hickman lines, peripherally inserted central…

The soft, spongy material inside bones. Bone marrow contains stem cells that produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

The formation of new blood vessels. This enables tumours to develop their own blood supply, which helps them grow.

The area in the chest between the lungs. It contains the heart and large blood vessels, the oesophagus, the trachea and many lymph nodes….

The system that removes wastes from the blood and expels them from the body in urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra….

A small machine, usually attached to a finger or toe, that measures how much oxygen is in the blood….

A condition in which red blood cell levels are higher than normal….

A specialist who studies diseases to understand their nature and cause, and who interprets the results of tests (such as a biopsy or blood count)….

A type of white blood cell that defends the body against bacteria….