Glossary

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis means learning a whole new language for tests, treatments, symptoms, even body parts. Our glossary provides short definitions for any pancreatic cancer-related term.

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There are currently 13 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter N.
Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane)
One of the approved chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer, it inhibits cell division and promotes cell death. It is often given with gemcitabine.
Naturopathic medicine
Practitioners work with patients to provide nutritional and lifestyle counseling using dietary supplements, medicinal plants, and traditional Chinese medicine.
NED
No evidence of disease.
Neoadjuvant therapy
A treatment given before surgery.
Neoplasm
New growth; a tumor that may be benign or malignant.
Nerve block
Procedure in which a local anesthetic is injected around a nerve to produce numbness or pain reduction.
Neuroablation
Cutting or destroying part of pain fibers to help control pain.
Neuroendocrine
Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Neuropathy
A nerve problem that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet.
Neutropenia
A disorder caused by low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Nodule
A small mass of tissue.
Nonmetastatic recurrence
Cancer that has come back after treatment but has not spread to parts of the body far away from the first (primary) tumor.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Drugs that reduce inflammation and pain.