Glossary of Lung Cancer Terms
Endobronchial ultrasound
For endobronchial ultrasound, a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted, flexible tube) is fitted with an ultrasound device (a device that uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your body) at its tip. It is passed down into the windpipe to look at nearby lymph nodes and other structures in the chest. This is done with numbing medicine (local anesthesia) and light sedation. A hollow needle can be passed through the bronchoscope and guided by ultrasound into an area of concern to take biopsy samples. Learn more about EBUS.
Endocannabinoids
A chemical substance in the body belonging to a group resembling organic chemicals found in cannabis.
Endoscopic esophageal ultrasound
This test is much like an endobronchial ultrasound, except that an endoscope (a lighted, flexible tube) is used. It is passed down the throat and into the esophagus.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors
Drugs that block receptors of proteins that aid in cancer cell growth.
External beam radiation (external beam)
Doses of radiation are aimed at lungs or surrounding areas.
