Biopsy - The removal of a sample of tissue (to see if cancer cells are present, for example)¹.

Chromosome - The part of a cell that contains genetic information². Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes².

CUP - CUP stands for cancer of unknown primary. It is a kind of cancer that is found when the disease has spread to one or more sites and doctors are not sure where it started³.

DNA - DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic "blueprint" found in each cell³. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function³.

Gene - A piece of DNA that has information on hereditary traits such as hair color, eye color, and height³. Genes can also reveal susceptibility to certain diseases³.

Genome - The total DNA in a single cell, representing all of the genetic information of the organism³.

Genomics - The study of genomes.

microRNA (miRNA) - MicroRNAs are short strands of ribonucleic acid, or RNA⁴. Like RNA, they carry messages that direct the body's functions⁵. They have been linked with cancer and development⁵.

1. American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 22, 2009.
2. National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed March 2, 2009.
3. Overview: cancer of unknown primary: what is cancer of unknown primary? American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 25, 2009.
4. American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 22, 2009.
5. Asbestosis mesothelioma information and resource guide. Accessed February 22, 2009.
6. Meiri E, Spector Y, Cohen L, et al. MicroRNAs as powerful diagnostic tools for the differential diagnosis of lung tumors. Presented at: 44th American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2008; Chicago, IL. Abstract 11112.
7. Minnesota partnership researchers discover disease "fingerprint"
   : interferon signature in dermatomyositis. Mayo Clinic Web site. Published April 2, 2007. Accessed February 23, 2009.