Glossary
|A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W X Y Z |
A
ablative therapy - treatment that removes or destroys the function of an organ, as in surgical removal of the ovaries or the administration of some types of chemotherapy that causes the ovaries to stop functioning.
adenocarcinoma - cancer that starts in the glandular tissue, such as in the ducts or lobules of the breast.
adenoma - benign growth starting in the glandular tissue. (See also fibroadenoma).
adjuvant therapy - radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy given after surgery for the removal of cancer as a safety factor to kill any cancer cells that cannot be seen.
adrenal gland - one adrenal gland is located near each kidney; main function is to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and control fluid balance and blood pressure; they also produce small amounts of "male" hormones (androgens) and "female" hormones (estrogens and progesterone).
advanced cancer - stage of cancer in which the disease has spread from the primary site to other parts of the body; when the cancer has spread only to the surrounding areas, it is called locally advanced; when it has spread further by traveling through the bloodstream, it is called metastatic.
allogeneic transplant - the transfer of bone marrow from one person to another.
alopecia - hair loss; often occurs as a result of chemotherapy or less commonly, when radiation therapy is given to the head.
American Cancer Society - An organization that supports research, educational materials and programs, and offers many other services to cancer patients and their families.
androgen - male sex hormone; may be used to treat recurrent breast cancer to oppose the activity of estrogen, thereby slowing growth of the cancer.
anesthesia - loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness; local or regional anesthesia causes loss of feeling only to a specified area.
aneuploid - see ploidy.
antibiotic - chemical substances, produced by living organisms or synthesized (created) in laboratories, for the purpose of killing other organisms that cause disease; some cancer therapies interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection (they suppress the immune system), so antibiotics may be needed along with the cancer treatment to prevent or treat infections.
antibody - protein in the blood that defends against invading foreign agents, such as bacteria; invading agents contain certain chemical substances called antigens – each antibody works against a specific antigen.
antiemetic - drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting (emesis), which are common side effects of chemotherapy.
antiestrogen - substance (for example, the drug tamoxifen) that blocks the effects of estrogen on tumors; used to treat breast cancers that depend on estrogen for growth.
antigen - chemical substance that causes the body’s immune system to react; reaction often involves production of antibodies.
antimetabolites - substances that interfere with the body’s chemical processes, such as creating proteins, DNA, and other chemicals needed for cell growth and reproduction; in cancer treatment, antimetabolite drugs disrupt DNA production, which in turn prevents cell division and growth of tumors.
areola - dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast.
aspiration - removal of fluid or tissue cells from a lump or cyst using a needle.
asymmetry - an area not identical in both breasts. Very often it is normal, but it can also be a sign of abnormal growth
asymptomatic - to be without noticeable symptoms of disease.
atypical - not usual; abnormal; often refers to the appearance of precancerous or cancerous cells. (See also hyperplasia).
autologous transplant - a procedure in which a patient's own bone marrow is removed, treated with anticancer drugs or radiation, then returned to the patient.
axilla - armpit.
axillary node dissection - a surgical procedure in which the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes) are removed and examined to find out if breast cancer has spread to those nodes and to remove any cancerous lymph nodes.
B
benign - not cancer; not malignant; main types of benign breast problems are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes.
bilateral - affecting both sides of the body; for example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer occurring in both breasts at the same time (synchronous) or at different times (metachronous).
biologic response modifiers - substances that boost the body’s immune system to fight against cancer. (See also interferon).
biopsy - procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination of their appearance under a microscope to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present; can be done with a needle or by surgery.
bone marrow transplant - a complex treatment that may be used when breast cancer is advanced or has recurred; bone marrow transplant makes it possible to use very high doses of chemotherapy that would otherwise be impossible.
bone scan - an imaging method that gives important information about the bones, including the location of cancer that may have spread to the bones.
brain scan - an imaging method used to find abnormalities in the brain, including brain cancer and cancer that has spread to the brain from other places in the body.
BRCA1 - gene, which, when damaged (mutated), places a woman at greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer, compared with women who do not have the mutation.
BRCA2 - gene, which, when damaged or mutated, places a woman at a much higher risk for developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer than the general population.
breast density – breast tissue that has many glands together which is a common condition of younger women. Dense tissue shows up as white areas on mammography and may make it more difficult to detect abnormalities.
breast cancer - cancer that starts in the breast.
breast conservation therapy - surgery to remove a breast cancer and a small amount of benign tissue around the cancer without removing any other part of the breast. This procedure is also called lumpectomy, segmental excision, limited breast surgery, or tylectomy. (See also lumpectomy.)
breast density - breast tissue that has many glands together which is a common condition of younger women. Dense tissue shows up as white areas on mammography and may make it more difficult to detect abnormalities.
breast implant - a manufactured sac that is filled with silicone gel (a synthetic material) or saline (sterile saltwater); sac is surgically inserted to increase breast size or restore the contour of a breast after mastectomy. Because of concern about possible (but unproven) side effects of silicone, silicone implants are presently available only to women who agree to participate in a clinical trial in which side effects are carefully monitored.
breast reconstruction - surgery that rebuild a breast mound after mastectomy.
breast self-examination (BSE) - technique of checking one’s own breasts for lumps or suspicious changes; recommended for all women over age 20, to be done once a month, usually at a time other than the days before, during, or immediately after her menstrual period.
breast specialist - term describing health care professionals who have a dedicated interest in breast health. While they may acquire specialized knowledge in this area, medical licensing boards do not certify a specialty in breast care.
biological therapy (also immunotherapy or BRM (biological response modifier therapy) - therapy used to get the patient's own body to restore natural defenses against disease.
biopsy - the removal of a sample of tissue from the body to be examined for cancer cells.
bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which a patient's bone marrow is replaced that is diseased or destroyed by anticancer drugs or treatment.
C
calcifications – calcium deposits, singular or in clusters, that are usually found by mammography. Also referred to as macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. It can signify a change within the breast which could result in close monitoring, more frequent mammograms and/or biopsy depending on its presentation. This condition could indicate non-cancerous (benign) breast conditions or breast cancer.
cancer – a term for more than 100 diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control.
carcinoma - cancer found in body tissues that cover or line surfaces of organs, glands, or body structures.
carcinoma in situ – a cancer in its early stage, the tumor has not invaded other parts of the organ or spread to other organs (metastasized). These types of cancers are usually curable.
chemotherapy (also systemic treatment) - drugs used to kill cancer cells.
clinical trials - research studies designed to advance medical knowledge and provide information to improve disease prevention, detection and treatment.
cyst – a fluid-filled sac. Most cysts are benign (non-cancerous).
core needle biopsy - obtaining a sample of tissue from a mass using a special larger needle. The procedure is most often performed in your doctor’s office.
D
detection – finding disease. The key to a good outcome in breast cancer is early detection or finding the cancer before there are symptoms of the disease.
diagnosis – identifying a disease by signs, symptoms, radiologic images and laboratory findings.
diagnostic mammography – special x-ray views of the breast when unusual visible or palpable breast changes occur.
digital mammography – a newer technology which makes it possible to capture and display x-ray information on computers. Digital images can then be enhanced, magnified and corrected for under/over exposure.
dimpling – an indentation or puckering of the skin on the breast which may indicate an underlying cancer.
discharge (nipple) – any liquid coming from nipple. Bloody or clear discharge should be evaluated by a physician and may indicate a more serious problem.
dissection – surgery to separate, divide or remove tissue.
ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer and is highly curable. Cancer cells inside the ducts do not spread through the walls of the ducts to the fatty tissue of the breast.
E
estrogen - a female hormone produced mainly by the ovaries.
excisional biopsy - surgery to remove tissue for examination.
F
fat necrosis – painless, round and firm lumps formed by damaged fatty tissue usually following an injury. This condition can easily be mistaken for cancer.
fibroadenoma – A benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor which is solid and composed of structural (fibro) and glandular (adenoma) tissues. Most common in younger women.
fibrocystic change – premenopausal women who have swelling, tenderness, pain or increased lumpiness which may develop because of extra fluid collecting in you breast tissue prior to your period.
fine needle aspiration – removal of fluid or tissue cells from a lump or cyst with a small needle and syringe for analysis.
frozen section – microscopic examination of a specimen of tissue that has been quick “frozen” for a quick diagnosis (often while the patient is having surgery) The diagnosis is confirmed a few days later with a more detailed study called a permanent section.
G
grade – the grade of breast cancer reflects how abnormal the tissue looks under the microscope. There are several types of grading systems, but all divide cancers into the least abnormality (Grade 1 – well differentiated), intermediate features (Grade 2 or moderately differentiated) and the greatest abnormality (Grade 3 or poorly differentiated). Higher grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly.
H
Herceptin – (Trastuzumab) a drug used to treat advanced breast patients whose tumors over express the HER2 growth factor.
HER2 or HER-2/neu - a protein present in small amounts on the surface of normal breast cells which is a key component in regulating cell growth. When the gene is altered, an increase of HER2 receptors can result. An overexpression of HER2 causes increased cell growth and production, often resulting in more aggressive tumor cells.
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – using prescription drugs to "replace" the hormones that the ovaries stop making at the time of menopause.
hormone therapy - therapy used to change the way hormones work in the body.
hormones - chemicals produced by glands in the body to control actions of some cells and organs.
I
immunotherapy - treatment that stimulates your immune system to fight disease.
incision - a surgical procedure.
invasive cancer - cancer that begins in one area and then spreads deeper into the tissues of that area.
J
K
L
lobe - a part of the breast.
lobule - a subdivision of a lobe in the breast.
lumpectomy - surgery to remove abnormal breast tissue and a small margin of surrounding normal tissue.
lymph nodes – small bean shaped organs located in the lymphatic system surrounding normal tissue that remove waste and fluid and help to fight infection.
lymph node dissection – surgery to remove some or all of the lymph nodes in an area. See also sentinel node biopsy.
lymphedema – a side effect that can occur in some patients following breast cancer treatment which causes a disruption of normal drainage of lymph from the arm which causes build up.
M
magnetic resonance (MRI) of the breast – uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create images of the breast. It is useful as a breast diagnostic tool and excellent for imaging augmented breasts. Its limitations include cost, availability, failure to distinguish some abnormalities, and limitations as a screening tool
magnification mammography views – special images that magnify (2X) and provide a clearer evaluation of the borders and tissue structures of a suspicious area or mass. Often used to evaluate microcalcifications.
malignant - cancerous cells that can invade other parts of the body.
mammogram – a low dose x-ray of the breast; used to screen for breast abnormalities and breast cancer, particularly those that are too small to be felt on physical examination.
mass – any group of cells that are grouped together more densely than the surrounding breast tissue. They can be palpable (felt), non-palpable (unable to feel), cancerous and non-cancerous.
mastectomy - surgery to remove portions or all of the breast.
menopause- when a women stops menstruating and can no longer bear children.
metastasize - when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
microcalcifications - tiny flecks of calcium found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. Clusters of numerous microcalcifications in one area can be a sign of ductal carcinoma in situ or even invasive cancer.
modified radical mastectomy - the removal of the breast, some lymph nodes in the armpit, the lining of the chest muscles, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles.
multicentric breast cancer – breast cancer that occurs in more than one area of the breast.
N
National Cancer Institute - The US government agency for cancer research and information.
needle localization - (also called wire localization.) a procedure which locates a breast abnormality that can be seen on mammogram or ultrasound, but cannot be felt. A radiologist locates the abnormality on a mammogram or sonogram just prior to the biopsy, and uses the mammogram or ultrasound as a guide to insert a fine wire so the tip rests in or near the suspicious area. A second mammogram/sonogram is taken to verify that the wire is on target. Additionally, when the suspicious area is removed by the surgeon, another mammogram will verify the surgical specimen contains the abnormality.
neoadjuvant therapy - chemotherapy given before surgery or radiation therapy.
nipple - located at the tip of the breast, it contains the opening of milk ducts from the breast.
nipple discharge - fluid that comes from the nipple. Most are not a sign of disease, however, a physician should evaluate any nipple discharge, especially bloody
nodal status - an indication of whether breast cancer has spread (node positive) or has not spread (node negative) to the auxiliary (armpit) lymph nodes.
nodule - a small solid mass that you are able to feel (also called mass)
non-cancerous (benign) - no cancer is present
non-invasive breast cancer - cancer cells that are confined to the breast ducts or lobules and has not invaded surrounding fatty tissues in the breast or spread to other organs in the body Most common type is Ductal Carcinoma m situ (DCIS).
nonpalpable - An abnormality present in the breast, but unable to detect with touch. mammograms/ultrasound can assist in detecting non-palpable breast abnormalities and breast cancer at an early stage.
O
oophorectomy - surgical removal of the ovaries, the primary source of estrogen.
oncologist - a physician who specializes in treating cancer, including surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pediatric oncologist, gynecologic oncologist, and medical oncologist.
ovaries - female reproductive organs that produce hormones.
P
palpable - able to be felt on examination.
palpation - to manually feel the breast for the presence of lumps.
pathologist - a physician who specializes in the examination of specimens and diagnosis of disease after conducting laboratory testing. The pathologist determines if a lump is cancerous or non-cancerous.
pathology - microscopic examination of body tissue to look for evidence of disease.
pelvic exam - a physician examination of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.
pleomorphic - many or various shapes. This term usually describes microcalcifications which can indicate ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) a form of early detected breast cancer.
progesterone - a hormone found in women.
prognosis - the expected outcome after treatment of a disease.
partial mastectomy - surgery to remove a portion of the breast.
peripheral stem cell transplantation - a process in which the stem cells (immature cells from which blood cells develop) are removed, treated with anticancer drugs, and frozen until they are returned to the patient.
polymorphic - an irregular or various shapes. This term often describes microcalcifications which can indicate ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) a form of early detected breast cancer.
post menopausal - describes the time in a woman’s life after her monthly menstruation cycles have stopped and the level of hormones produced by the ovaries decreases.
pre-cancerous - abnormal changes of cells that can indicate a higher risk of developing a cancer at that site.
progesterone - a hormone released by the ovaries to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and to stimulate milk production.
progesterone receptor assay - a test performed in a laboratory to determine if the breast cancer specimen depends on progesterone for growth.
prosthesis (breast) - an artificial form that can be worn in a bra after a mastectomy.
protocol - a formal outline or plan.
Q
R
radical mastectomy - surgery to remove the breast, chest muscles, and all lymph nodes in the armpit area.
radiation therapy - therapy that uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. May be external radiation by an x-ray machine that sends the x-ray through the skin, or internal radiation by putting radioisotopes into the body through thin plastic tubes.
radioisotopes - materials that produce radiation.
radiologist - a physician who specializes in the interpretation of diagnostic imaging such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans etc.
raloxifene - (Evista) - a drug used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Since it is chemically similar to the drug tamixofen, it is currently being studied to determine the safely and efficacy of preventing breast cancer in women at higher risk.
recurrence - return of cancer after treatment.
S
screening - to search for disease ( such as cancer) in a person without symptoms.
segmental mastectomy - surgery to remove a portion of the breast.
sentinel node biopsy - A newer procedure performed in order to determine whether breast cancer has spread to auxiliary (underarm) lymph nodes. A blue radioactive tracer and/or blue dye is injected into the area of the breast tumor. The lymphatic vessels carry the dye or radioactive material, to a "sentinel node". This sentinel node is thought to be the first lymph node receiving fluid from the tumor and the one most likely to contain cancer cells if the cancer has spread. Only if the sentinel node contains cancer cells are more lymph nodes removed.
simple mastectomy - surgery to remove the whole breast and sometimes lymph nodes in the armpit area.
skin dimpling - indentations of the skin on the breast
spot compression mammography - a special x-ray view of a specific area of the breast by using a small compression plate or cone. This procedure results m better tissue separation and allows better visualization of the area m question.
stage - the measurement of the extent of the cancer.
staging - A process to determine and describe the extent of cancer. TNM (Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis) system is the one most often used for breast cancer.
stereotactic needle biopsy - a newer method of biopsy that relies on a three-dimensional x-ray to guide the needle biopsy of a non-palpable mass.
surgeon - a physician with advanced training in surgical techniques. Some surgeons specialize in specific areas of the body such as breast.
suspicious - a breast abnormality that may indicate a breast cancer.
systemic treatment or therapy - treatment or therapy that reaches and affects cells throughout the body.
T
tamixofen -(Nolvadex) - a medication in pill form that interferes with the activity of estrogen (female hormone).
tamoxifen - a drug used in hormone therapy.
tissue expander - a device used to stretch the remaining breast skin after a mastectomy is performed. The process can take up to four months at which time the plastic surgeon can replace the expander with a permanent breast implant.
TMN classification - used in staging a cancer (0-4) tumor size (T), Nodes (N), extent of spread to other areas (metastasis).
total mastectomy - surgery to remove the whole breast and sometimes lymph nodes in the armpit area.
tumor – a lump or mass that has formed due to an excessive accumulation of cells. Can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
U
ultrasound - an imaging method that works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the breast. The pattern of echoes from these waves are converted into an image of the breast's interior. Ultrasound can distinguish between masses that are solid and fluid filled cysts.
unilateral - Affecting one side of the body.
V
W, X, Y, Z
wire localization (also called needle localization) - a procedure which locates a breast abnormality that can be seen on mammogram or ultrasound, but cannot be felt. A radiologist locates the abnormality on a mammogram or sonogram just prior to the biopsy, and uses the mammogram or ultrasound as a guide to insert a fine wire so the tip rests in or near the suspicious area. A second mammogram/ultrasound is taken to verify that the wire is on target. Additionally, when the suspicious area is removed by the surgeon, another mammogram will verify the surgical specimen contains the abnormality.