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
Absolute Risk
A person's chance of developing a certain disease over a certain time period. The absolute risk of a disease is estimated by looking at a large group of people similar in some way (in terms of age, for example) and counting the number of people in this group who develop the disease over the specified time period. For example, if we were to observe 100,000 women between the ages of 30 and 34 for one year, about 25 would develop breast cancer. Thus, the one-year absolute risk of breast cancer for a 30- to 34-year-old woman is 25 per 100,000 women (1 per 4,000 women).
Acupuncture
Use of fine needles inserted at precise points on the body that may help control pain and other side effects of treatment or breast cancer itself. It is a type of integrative or complementary therapy.
Adjuvant (Systemic) Therapy
Treatment given in addition to surgery and radiation to treat cancer that may have spread to other parts of the body. It may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and/or hormone therapy.
Advocacy (see Breast Cancer Advocacy)
Alopecia
Hair loss.
Alternative Therapy
Any therapy used instead of standard medical treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy). Alternative therapies are different from integrative and complementary therapies, which are used in addition to standard treatments. Alternative therapies have not been shown to be effective in treating breast cancer, so it is not safe to use them.
Amenorrhea
The absence or stopping of menstrual periods.
Anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation. Local or regional anesthesia may be used for a specific part of the body, such as the breast, by injection of a drug into that area. General anesthesia numbs the entire body and puts a person to sleep with drugs that are injected into a vein or inhaled.
Aneuploid (DNA Ploidy)
The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in cancer cells.
Angiogenesis
Blood vessel formation, often occurring with the growth of malignant (cancerous) tissue.
Antibody
A protein made by white blood cells that is part of the body’s immune system. Each antibody binds to a certain antigen (foreign substance, such as bacteria) and helps the body fight the antigen.
Antibody Therapy
A specially made antibody that targets cancer cells.
Anti-carcinogen
An agent that counteracts carcinogens (cancer causing agents).
Antiemetic
A medicine that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.
Antigen
A substance that causes the body to make an immune response. This immune response often involves making antibodies.
Antioxidant
A substance that protects the body from damage by oxidizing agents. Oxidizing agents are always present in the body and are often beneficial. However, when large amounts of oxidants are present in cells, they can cause damage, especially to DNA. This can lead to cancerous growth. Antioxidants include beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E.
Apoptosis
A normal cell process in which a genetically programmed series of events leads to the death of a cell. Cancer cells may block apoptosis.
Areola
The darkly shaded circle of skin surrounding the nipple.
Aromatase Inhibitors
Hormone therapy drugs that stop the conversion of certain hormones into estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.
Aspirate
To remove fluid and a small number of cells.
Atrophic Vaginitis (Vaginal Atrophy)
Vaginal dryness.
Atypical Hyperplasia
Overgrowth of mildly abnormal but benign (noncancerous) cells within the breast milk ducts or lobules.
Autologous
A blood donation or tissue graft from a person’s own body rather than from a donor. For example, autologous breast reconstruction techniques use skin and tissue flaps (grafts) from a person’s own body.
Axilla
The underarm region.
Axillary Dissection (Axillary Sampling)
Surgical procedure to remove some or all of the lymph nodes from the underarm area.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes under the arm.
Ayurveda
An integrative or complementary medical system from India that involves diet, exercise, meditation and massage. Ayurveda means "life-knowledge".
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B
Benign
Not cancerous. Does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Benign Breast Conditions (Benign Breast Disease)
Noncancerous conditions of the breast that can result in lumps or other abnormalities. Examples include cysts and fibroadenomas.
Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy
Surgery where both breasts are removed in order to keep cancer from developing.
Bioimpedance (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis)
A method of measuring the amount of fluid in body tissues.
Biological Therapy
A therapy that targets something specific to the biology of the cancer cell, as opposed to chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells. Often used to describe therapies that use the immune system to fight cancer (immunotherapy). Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an example of a biological therapy agent.
Biopsy
Removal of tissue to be tested for cancer cells.
Bisphosphonates
Drugs used to strengthen bones and decrease the rate of bone fractures and pain due to breast cancer metastases to the bone.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
A measure used to estimate body fat. BMI takes into account a person’s height and weight. Calculate your BMI.
Bone Scan
A test done to check for signs of cancer in the bones. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. It collects in the bones, especially abnormal areas, and is detected by a scanner. Bone scans can show cancer as well as benign bone diseases (like arthritis).
Boost
Additional dose of radiation to the part of the breast that had the tumor.
BRCA1/BRCA2 Genes (BReast CAncer genes)
Genes that help limit cell growth. A mutation (change) in one of these genes increases a person’s risk of breast, ovarian and certain other cancers.
Brachytherapy
A procedure that uses targeted radiation therapy from inside the tumor bed.
Breast Cancer
An uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells.
Breast Cancer Advocacy
Influencing targeted audiences to promote the support of breast cancer issues.
Breast Cancer Survivor (see Survivor)
Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
Surgery that removes only part of the breast—the part containing and closely surrounding the cancerous tumor.
Breast Density
Relative amounts of fat and tissue in the breasts as seen on a mammogram.
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®)
A system developed by the American College of Radiology to provide a standard way to describe the findings on a mammogram.
Breast Reconstruction
Surgery to restore the look and feel of the breast after mastectomy.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
A tool used by women that may help them become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. BSE is not recommended as a breast cancer screening tool because it has not been shown to decrease mortality (death) from breast cancer.
Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Digitial Mammography)
A tool that uses a digital mammography machine to take multiple two dimensional (2D) X-ray images of the breast. Computer software combines the multiple 2D images into a three dimensional image. Breast tomosynthesis is not a standard breast cancer screening tool.
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C
Cachexia
Loss of appetite and weight.
Calcifications
Deposits of calcium in the breast that appear as bright, white spots on a mammogram. Microcalcifications may indicate precancerous or cancerous cell growth in the area.
Cancer
General name for over 100 diseases with uncontrolled cell growth.
Cancer Staging
Doing tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body (the cancer’s stage 0 to IV). Knowing a cancer’s stage helps determine what treatment is needed and how effective this treatment may be in getting rid of the disease and prolonging life.
Carcinoma in Situ (in Situ Carcinoma)
Condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast, but not in the surrounding breast tissue. In situ means "in place". See ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ.
Case-Control Study
An observational study that looks at two groups--one with people who already have the outcome of interest (cases), and one with people who do not (controls). For example, the cases may be women with breast cancer and the controls may be cancer-free women. The two groups are then compared to see if any characteristic was more common in the past history of one group compared to the other.
Case Series
A health care provider’s observations of a group of patients who are given a certain type of treatment.
Catheter
A small tube used to deliver fluids to (or remove them from) the body.
Centigray (Centigrays)
One centigray describes the amount of radiation absorbed by the body and is equivalent to 1 RAD (radiation absorbed dose).
Chemoprevention
A drug or combination of drugs used to lower the risk of or delay the onset or recurrence of cancer.
Chemotherapy
A drug or combination of drugs given in cycles. These drugs kill cancer cells in various ways.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
A physical exam done by a health care provider to check the look and feel of the breasts and underarm for any changes or abnormalities (such as lumps).
Clinical Trials
Research with people who volunteer to take part in the study. These studies usually test the benefits of possible new ways to detect, diagnose, treat or prevent disease.
Cognitive (function)
Mental processes related to understanding, such as reasoning and problem-solving.
Cohort Study
A study that follows a large group of people (a cohort) over time.
Co-Insurance (Co-Payment)
In an insurance plan, the portion of medical costs a person must pay (the portion not covered by his/her insurance policy).
Complementary Therapies (Integrative Therapies)
Therapies (such as acupuncture or massage) used in addition to standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical therapies.
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan (Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan)
A series of pictures created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. The scan gives detailed internal images of the body.
95% Confidence Interval (95% CI)
A statistical concept that shows there is a 95 percent probability the 'true' measure is found within a range of measures computed from a single study. For example, if the 95% confidence interval for a survival rate is 75 to 90 percent, there is a 95 percent chance the true survival rate falls between 75 and 90 percent.
Core Needle Biopsy
A needle biopsy that removes pieces of tissue from an abnormal area in the breast.
Co-Survivor
A person who lends support to someone diagnosed with breast cancer from the time of diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Co-survivors may include family members, spouses or partners, friends, health care providers and colleagues.
CT Scan (Computerized Tomography Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan)
A series of pictures created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. The scan gives detailed internal images of the body.
Cumulative Risk
The sum of a person's chances of developing a disease (like breast cancer) over the course of a lifetime (usually defined as birth up to age 85). For example, the cumulative (lifetime) risk of breast cancer for all ages of women is about 1 in 8 (or about 12 percent). This means for every 8 women, one (or about 12 percent) will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime (up to age 85).
Cyst
A fluid-filled sac.
Cytopathologist
A pathologist who specializes in looking at individual cells. A cytopathologist is needed to interpret the results of fine needle aspiration.
Cytotoxic
Toxic, or deadly, to cells (cell killing). Often used to describe chemotherapy .
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D
Deductible (Insurance Deductible)
The pre-set amount of medical costs a person must pay before insurance payments begin.
Definitive Surgery
All of the known tumor is removed and no follow-up surgery is needed.
Diagnosis
Identification of a disease from its signs and symptoms.
Diagnostic Mammogram
A mammogram used to further check symptoms of breast cancer or an abnormal finding from a screening mammogram or clinical breast exam. It involves two or more X-ray views per breast.
Diagnostic Radiologist (Radiologist)
A health care provider who specializes in the diagnosis of diseases using X-rays.
Diploid (DNA Ploidy)
The presence of a normal number of chromosomes in cancer cells.
Disease-Free Survival Rate
Percent of people alive and without disease at a certain time (often five years or 10 years) after treatment. Those who die from causes other than the disease under study are not included in this measure.
Distant Recurrence (Metastases)
Return of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver or bone.
Dose-Dense Therapy
Chemotherapy given over a shorter (more condensed) time period compared to standard therapy. The frequency of treatment sessions is increased, but the length of the treatment period is shortened.
Duct (Milk Duct, Mammary Duct)
A pathway in the breast through which milk passes from the lobules to the nipple (see figure).
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS, Intraductal Carcinoma)
A non-invasive breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts of the breast, but has not invaded nearby breast tissue. Also called stage 0 or pre-invasive breast carcinoma.
Ductal Papilloma
A noncancerous breast tumor that begins in the breast duct and usually cannot be felt. Its symptoms include a bloody or clear nipple discharge.
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E
Early Breast Cancer
Cancer that is contained in the breast or has only spread to lymph nodes in the underarm area. This term often describes stage I and stage II breast cancer.
Edema
Excess fluid in body tissues that causes swelling.
Endocrine Manipulation (Hormone Therapy)
Treatment that works by keeping cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
Endometrial Cancer
Cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
Enzyme
A protein that speeds up biologic reactions in the body.
Epidemiology
The study of the causes and prevention of disease.
Estradiol
The most biologically active, naturally occurring estrogen in women.
Estrogen
A female hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It is important to reproduction and may stimulate some cancers to grow.
Estrogen Receptors
Specific proteins in cells that estrogen hormones attach to. A high number of estrogen receptors on a breast cancer cell often means the cancer cell needs estrogen to grow.
Excisional Biopsy
Surgical procedure that removes the entire suspicious area (plus some surrounding normal tissue) from the breast.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (Radiation Therapy)
Treatment given by a radiation oncologist using radiation (energy in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves) to kill or damage cancer cells.
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F
False Negative
A test result that incorrectly reports a person is disease-free when she/he actually has the disease.
False Positive
A test result that incorrectly reports a person has a disease when she/he does not have the disease.
Fat Necrosis
A noncancerous breast change in which the breast responds to trauma with a firm, irregular mass, often years after the event. The mass is the result of fatty tissue dying, after either surgery or blunt trauma to the breast. This breast change does not increase risk of breast cancer.
Fibroadenoma
A benign (noncancerous) fibrous tumor that may occur at any age, but is more common in young adulthood.
Fibrocystic Condition (Fibrocystic Changes)
A general term used to describe a benign (noncancerous) breast condition that may cause painful cysts or lumpy breasts. A type of benign breast condition.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA, Fine Needle Biopsy)
A biopsy procedure that uses a thin, hollow needle to remove a sample of cells from the abnormal area of the breast.
First-Degree Relative (Immediate Family Member)
A person’s mother, father, sister, brother or child.
First-Line Therapy
The initial (first) therapy used in a person’s cancer treatment
Flow Cytometry
A laboratory test done on tumor tissue to measure the growth rate of the cancer cells and to check if the cells have too much DNA.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
A laboratory test done on breast tumor tissue to find out the number of copies of the HER2/neu gene contained in the cancer cells.
Frozen Section
Process where a portion of tissue from a surgical biopsy is frozen so a thin slice can be studied to check for cancer. Frozen section results are only preliminary and always need to be confirmed by other methods.
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G
Gail Model (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool)
A tool that uses personal and family history to estimate a woman’s risk of invasive breast cancer.
Galactocele
A milk-filled cyst.
Genes
The part of a cell that contains DNA. The DNA information in a person's genes is inherited from both sides of a person’s family.
Gene Expression
Process in which a gene gets turned on in a cell to make RNA and proteins.
Gene Mutation
A 'mistake' or 'alteration' of the information contained in a gene.
Gene Variant of Uncertain Significance
A gene mutation not currently known to increase breast cancer risk.
General Practitioner (Internist, Physician)
The personal or family physician who may first find a suspicious area in the breast through a clinical breast exam or mammogram.
Genetic (Hereditary)
Related to genes. The information in a person’s genes can be passed on (inherited) from either parent.
Grade (see Tumor Grade)
Guaranteed Renewable Insurance
A health insurance policy that requires the insurance company to renew your policy for a certain amount of time, even if your health condition changes.
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H
H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) Staining
A laboratory test that gives color to cells so cell structures can be identified.
HER2/neu (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, erbB2)
A protein that appears in high numbers on the surface of the breast cancer cells of about 15 to 20 percent of people with breast cancer. Tumors with high levels of HER2/neu can be treated with the targeted therapy drug trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Herceptin (Trastuzumab)
Brand name for the drug trastuzumab. Trastuzumab is a specially made antibody that targets cancer cells with a lot of the protein called HER2/neu on their surfaces. When attached to the HER2/neu protein, trastuzumab slows or stops the growth of the cancer cells. Trastuzumab is used to treat HER2/neu-positive breast cancer.
Hereditary (Genetic)
Related to genes. The information in a person’s genes can be passed on (inherited) from either parent.
Homeopathy (Homeopathic Medicine)
A medical system based on a belief that “like cures like.” Natural substances are specially prepared in small amounts to restore health. These substances cause symptoms similar to the condition they are meant to treat in healthy people. There are limited data on the safety of these substances.
Hormones
Chemicals made by certain glands and tissues in the body, often in response to signals from the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland. Hormones have specific effects on specific target organs and tissues. Examples include estrogen and progesterone. Hormones can also be made in a laboratory.
Hormone Receptors
Specific proteins on cells that hormones attach to. A high number of hormone receptors on a breast cancer cell often means the cancer cell needs the hormone to grow.
Hormone Receptor Status
Shows whether or not a breast cancer needs hormones to grow. A hormone receptor-positive cancer needs hormones to grow. A hormone receptor-negative cancer does not need hormones to grow. See Hormone Receptor.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (Postmenopausal Hormone Use)
The use of hormone pills containing estrogen (with or without progestin) to replace natural hormones in the body in order to ease symptoms of menopause.
Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy)
Treatment that works by keeping cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
Hospice
A philosophy of care focusing on improving quality of life and easing pain and other symptoms at the end stage of a terminal illness. Hospice care provides support services to patients and their families.
Hyperplasia (Usual and Atypical Hyperplasia)
A proliferative breast condition where breast cells multiply (proliferate). Although non-cancerous, it increases the risk of breast cancer. In usual hyperplasia, the proliferating cells look normal under a microscope. In atypical hyperplasia, the proliferating cells appear abnormal.
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I
Immediate Family Member (First-Degree Relative)
A person’s mother, father, sister, brother or child.
Immunotherapy
Therapies that use the immune system to fight cancer. These therapies target something specific to the biology of the cancer cell, as opposed to chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells. See Biological Therapy .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
A laboratory test done on tumor tissue to detect the amount of a certain genetic protein in the cancer calls.
Implant (Breast Implant)
An "envelope" containing silicone, saline or both, that is used to restore breast form after a mastectomy (or for other cosmetic reasons).
In Situ Carcinoma (Carcinoma in Situ)
Condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast, but not in the surrounding breast tissue. In situ means "in place". See ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ.
In-Network Provider
The health care providers and medical facilities (hospitals and other treatment centers) that are part of a particular group health plan or health maintenance organization (HMO).
Incidence
The number of new cases of a disease that develop in a specific time period.
Incisional Biopsy
Surgical biopsy that removes only part of the tumor.
Indemnity Policy
A prepayment insurance plan that gives services or a cash payment for medical care needed in times of illness or disability.
Induction Chemotherapy (Primary Chemotherapy, Preoperative Chemotherapy or Neoadjuvant Therapy)
Chemotherapy used as a first treatment, often used for large or advanced cancers to shrink tumors before surgery.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
A rare and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer. Its main symptoms are swelling (inflammation) and redness of the breast. The skin on the breast may look dimpled, like the skin of an orange, and may be warm to the touch.
Informed Consent
The process through which a person learns about the possible benefits and side effects of a treatment plan and then accepts or declines the treatment. The person is usually asked to sign a consent document, and may decide to stop the treatment at any time and get other medical care.
Insurance Payment Cap
A maximum amount an insurance company will pay out in a given time period.
Insurance Premium (Premium)
The cost of insurance coverage for a certain period of time.
Integrative Therapies (Complementary Therapies)
Therapies (such as acupuncture or massage) used in addition to standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical therapies.
Intraductal
Within the milk duct. Intraductal can describe a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) process.
Intraductal Hyperplasia
An excess of cells growing within the milk ducts of the breast.
Intravenous
Being within or entering the body by way of the veins.
Invasive Breast Cancer
Cancer that has spread from the original location (milk ducts or lobules) into the surrounding breast tissue and possibly into the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Invasive ductal cancer begins in the milk ducts. Invasive lobular cancer begins in the lobules of the breast.
Investigational New Drug (New Experimental Treatment)
A chemical or biological drug that has been approved for use by researchers in studies, but is not yet available outside of a clinical trial.
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L
Lactation
The process of producing milk and breastfeeding a child.
Large Veins (Deep Veins)
The large veins deep inside the legs that carry blood from the legs back to the heart.
Lesion
Area of abnormal tissue.
Lifetime risk
The chance of developing a disease (like breast cancer) over the course of a lifetime (usually defined as birth up to age 85). For example, the lifetime risk of breast cancer for all ages of women is about 1 in 8 (or about 12 percent). This means for every 8 women, one (or about 12 percent) will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime (up to age 85).
Linear Accelerator
The device used during radiation therapy to direct X-rays into the body.
Liver Scan
An image of the liver that can show the presence or absence of a tumor.
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS, Lobular Neoplasia in Situ)
A condition where abnormal cells grow in the lobules of the breast. LCIS increases the risk of breast cancer.
Lobular Neoplasia in Situ (Lobular Carcinoma in Situ)
A condition where abnormal cells grow in the lobules of the breast. LCIS increases the risk of breast cancer.
Lobules
Ball-shaped sacs in the breast that produce milk.
Local Anesthetic
Anesthesia that only numbs the tissue in a certain area.
Local Treatment
Treatment that focuses on getting rid of the cancer from a certain (local) area. In breast cancer, this includes the breast, the chest wall and lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes).
Localized Breast Cancer
Cancer that is contained in the breast and has not spread to nearby tissue, lymph nodes or other organs.
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (Stage III Breast Cancer)
Cancer that has spread beyond the breast to the skin or chest wall, but not to distant organs like the lungs or liver. It also refers to a tumor that is > 5 cm (about 2 inches) in size.
Local Recurrence (Recurrence)
The return of cancer to the same breast or chest wall.
Lump
Any mass in the breast or elsewhere in the body.
Lumpectomy (Breast Conserving Surgery)
Surgery that removes only part of the breast—the part containing and closely surrounding the cancerous tumor.
Lymphatic System
The network of lymph nodes and vessels in the body.
Lymphedema
Swelling due to poor draining of lymph fluid that can occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes or after radiation therapy to the area. Most often occurs in the upper limbs (arm, hands, fingers), but can occur in other parts of the body.
Lymph Nodes (Lymph Glands)
Small groups of immune cells that act as filters for the lymphatic system. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest and abdomen.
Lymph Node Status
Shows whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Lymph node-positive means that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Lymph node-negative means that cancer has NOT spread to the lymph nodes. See Lymph Nodes.
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M
Macrobiotics (Macrobiotic Diet)
Integrative or complementary dietary therapy that includes a mostly vegetarian, organic food diet with certain methods of food preparation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An imaging technique that uses a magnet linked to a computer to make detailed pictures of organs or soft tissues in the body.
Malignant
Cancerous.
Mammary Duct (Milk Duct, Duct)
A pathway in the breast through which milk passes from the lobules to the nipple (see figure).
Mammary Duct Ectasia
A noncancerous breast condition resulting from the inflammation (swelling) and enlargement of the ducts behind the nipple. Often there are no symptoms, but calcifications seen on a mammogram may point to its presence. No treatment is needed if the woman is not having symptoms (burning, pain or itching in the nipple area).
Mammary Glands
The breast glands that produce milk.
Mammogram
An X-ray of the breast.
Margins
The area of normal tissue around a tumor after it has been surgically removed. A margin is clean (also known as uninvolved or negative) if there is only normal tissue (and no cancer cells) at the edges. Clean margins show the entire tumor was removed. With involved (also known as positive) margins, normal tissue does not completely surround the tumor, and therefore the entire tumor was not removed.
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of the breast. The exact procedure depends on the diagnosis. See Total Mastectomy and Modified Radical Mastectomy.
Mastitis
An inflammation (swelling) of the breast usually occurring during lactation (breastfeeding). Symptoms include pain, nipple discharge, fever, redness and hardness over an area of the breast.
Mean
The average of a group of numbers.
Mean Survival Time
The average time from the start of treatment (or diagnosis) that people in a study stay alive.
Median
The middle value (50th percentile) of a group of numbers.
Medical Oncologist
A physician specializing in the treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.
Melatonin
Hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain. It is an important part of the body's internal timing system.
Menarche
The first menstrual period.
Menopause
The ending of the normal menstrual cycle in women. It occurs most often in the late forties or early fifties.
Meta-Analysis
A method for taking the results reported in a group of studies and 'averaging' them to come up with a single, summary result.
Metabolized
The chemical process whereby drugs and food are broken down by the body.
Metastases
Spread of cancer to other organs through the lymphatic and/or the circulatory system.
Microcalcifications
Small, clustered deposits of calcium in the breast that may be seen on a mammogram. These may or may not be related to breast cancer.
Microvascular Surgery
Surgery that involves connecting small blood vessels.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Surgical removal of the breast, the lining of the chest muscles and some of the lymph nodes in the armpit. Used to treat early and locally advanced breast cancer.
Molecular Breast Imaging (Nuclear Medicine Imaging)
A technique under study for use in the early detection of breast cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging uses short-term radioactive agents given through an IV. Cancer cells absorb these agents and can be imaged with a special camera. Nuclear medicine imaging is not a standard breast cancer screening tool.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Immune proteins that can locate and bind to cancer cells. They can be used alone or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins or radioactive material directly to tumor cells. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an example of a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer.
Mortality Rate
Number of deaths in a given group of people over a certain period of time.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique that uses a magnet linked to a computer to make detailed pictures of organs or soft tissues in the body.
Multifocal Tumors
One or more tumors that develop from the original breast tumor.
Multimodality Therapy
Use of two or more treatment methods (such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy) in combination or one after the other to get the best results.
Mutation (Gene Mutation)
A 'mistake' or 'alteration' of the information contained in a gene.
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N
Naturopathy (Naturopathic Medicine)
A medical system based on a belief in using natural elements to maintain health and to help the body heal itself. It includes therapies such as nutrition and massage.
Needle Localization (Wire Localization)
Insertion of a very thin wire into an abnormal area of the breast to highlight the location of a nonpalpable lesion so it can be removed during biopsy or lumpectomy.
Neoadjuvant Therapy (Induction Chemotherapy, Primary Chemotherapy or Preoperative Chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy or hormone therapy used as a first treatment. Often used for large or advanced cancers to shrink tumors before surgery.
Neoplasia
Abnormal growth.
Neoplasm
Excess number of cells in a mass that can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Nested Case-Control Study
A case-control study done within a prospective cohort study. The major advantage of a nested case-control study over a regular case-control study is the exposure of interest (for example, diet or alcohol use) is measured before any of the participants have disease, making it less subject to bias.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
A breast reconstruction procedure that removes the tumor and margins as well as the fat and other tissue in the breast, but leaves the nipple and areola intact.
Node-Negative (Lymph Node-Negative)
Cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes. See Lymph Node Status.
Node-Positive (Lymph Node-Positive)
Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. See Lymph Node Status.
Nonpalpable
Describes a breast lump or abnormality that cannot be felt but can be seen on an imaging test (such as a mammogram).
Normal Tissue
Cells that are free from cancer.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Molecular Breast Imaging)
A technique under study for use in the early detection of breast cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging uses short-term radioactive agents given through an IV. Cancer cells absorb these agents and can be imaged with a special camera. Nuclear medicine imaging is not a standard breast cancer screening tool.
Nucleus
The part a cell that contains the genetic material DNA. Nucleui is the plural of nucleus.
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O
Observational Study
A research study where participants live their daily lives as usual and report their activities to researchers.
Odds Ratio
A measure reported in case-control studies that describes the increase (or decrease) in disease risk related to a risk factor. An odds ratio is interpreted in the same way as a relative risk, though it is calculated differently.
Oncologist
The physician who is in charge of planning and overseeing cancer treatment.
Oophorectomy
Surgical removal of the ovaries.
Opiate
A drug used to treat pain that contains opium or a substance made from opium.
Opiod
A drug used to treat pain that does not contain opium or any substances made from opium.
Osteoporosis
A condition marked by a loss of bone mass and density that causes bones to become fragile.
Out-of-Network Provider
Any health care provider or medical facility (hospital or other treatment center) that is not part of a particular group health plan or health maintenance organization (HMO).
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P
Paget's Disease of the Nipple
A tumor that grows from underneath the nipple and then breaks out onto the surface of the nipple. It may be present with in situ carcinoma or invasive breast cancer.
Palliative Therapy (Palliative Care, Palliation)
Care focused on relieving or preventing symptoms (like pain) rather than treating the disease.
Palpable
Describes a breast lump or abnormality that can be felt during a clinical breast exam.
Palpation
To examine, using the hands and fingers.
Partial Mastectomy (Lumpectomy, Breast Conserving Surgery, Wide Excision, or Excisional Biopsy)
Surgery that removes only part of the breast—the part containing and closely surrounding the cancerous tumor.
Pathologist
The physician who uses a microscope to study the breast tissue and lymph nodes removed during biopsy or surgery and determines whether or not the cells contain cancer.
Peri-Menopause
The time in a woman’s life prior to menopause when menstrual periods become irregular and some menopausal symptoms may begin.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
A small tube used to deliver medicine to the body through a vein. Instead of being reinserted for each use, a PICC is left in place to allow access for a long period of time (weeks to months).
Permanent Section
A method used in diagnosis. Thin slices of tissue are processed and put on a slide so that a pathologist can study them under a microscope. These sections are of better quality than frozen sections.
Perometer
A device that uses infrared light beams to measure limb volume.
Personalized Medicine
Using information about a person's genes, molecular characteristics and environment to prevent, diagnose and treat disease (such as the use of targeted therapies).
PET (see Positron Emission Tomography)
Phyllodes Tumor
A rare sarcoma (cancer of the soft tissue) in the breast.
Pituitary Gland
A part of the brain that controls growth and other glands in the body, such as the ovaries.
Placebo
An inactive medicine given to have a comparison when testing a new drug in a clinical study. May be called a "sugar pill".
Pooled Analysis
A method for collecting the individual data from a group of studies, combining them into one large set of data and then analyzing the data as if they came from one big study.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A procedure where a short-term radioactive sugar is given through an IV so that a scanner can show which parts of the body are consuming more sugar. Cancer cells tend to consume more sugar than normal cells. PET is sometimes used as part of breast cancer diagnosis or treatment, but is not used for breast cancer screening.
Postmenopausal Hormone Use (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
The use of hormone pills containing estrogen (with or without progestin) to replace natural hormones in the body in order to ease symptoms of menopause.
Predictive Factors
Factors (such as hormone receptor status) that help guide treatment for a specific cancer case.
Predispose
To make more at risk for a disease.
Premenopausal Women
Women who have regular menstrual periods.
Premium (Insurance Premium)
The cost of insurance coverage for a certain period of time.
Preoperative Chemotherapy (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Induction Chemotherapy, Primary Chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy used as a first treatment. Often used for large or advanced cancers to shrink tumors before surgery.
Prevalence Rate
The proportion (percentage) of people in a population who have a certain disease, behavior or characteristic at a defined point in time.
Prevention
Steps taken to lower the risk of a disease or delay the onset of a disease.
Preoperative Chemotherapy (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Induction Chemotherapy, Primary Chemotherapy)
Chemotherapy used as a first treatment. Often used for large or advanced cancers to shrink tumors before surgery.
Primary Tumor
The original cancer in the breast.
Progesterone
A hormone made by the body that is important in menstrual cycles and pregnancy. May be made in a laboratory (called progestin) and used in birth control pills, postmenopausal hormone therapy and other types of hormone treatments.
Progesterone Receptor
Specific proteins on cells that progesterone hormones attach to. A high number of progesterone receptors on a breast cancer cell often means the cancer cell needs progesterone to grow.
Progestin
Any substance (laboratory-made or natural) that has some or all of the effects of progesterone in the body.
Prognosis
The expected or probable outcome or course of a disease (the chance of recovery).
Prognostic Factors
Factors (such as tumor type, size and grade) that help determine prognosis.
Progression
The growth or spread of cancer, with or without treatment.
Proliferative
Rapidly growing and increasing in number.
Prophylactic Mastectomy
Preventive surgery where one or both breasts are removed in order to keep cancer from developing. When both breasts are removed, the procedure is called bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Prospective Study
An observational study that follows people forward in time. See Cohort Study
Prosthetic (Breast Prosthetic, Prosthesis)
An artificial breast form that can be worn under clothing after a mastectomy.
Protocol
An outline or plan for the use of an experimental drug, treatment or procedure in cancer therapy or diagnosis.
Punch Biopsy
Removal of a small circle of skin (with a special instrument called a punch or trephine) to be tested for cancer cells.
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Q
Quadrantectomy
Surgery where one quadrant or 25 percent of the breast is removed. See Lumpectomy.
Quality of Care
Measures of how well breast cancer is treated and how well a person is cared for during and after treatment.
Quality of Life
A measure of a person’s well-being and his/her overall enjoyment of life.
Quartiles
Categories of an exposure (like body weight or exercise) based on four equal parts of the total number of people in the study.
Quantiles
Categories of an exposure (like body weight or exercise) based on equal parts of the total number of people in the study. When the total number of people is divided into thirds, the categories are called tertiles. When the total number of people is divided into quarters, the categories are called quartiles.
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R
RAD (dose of radiation)
Short for "radiation absorbed dose." This term describes the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissues. One RAD is equal to one centigray. See Centigray .
Radiation Oncologist
A physician specializing in the treatment of cancer using high energy X-rays.
Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
Treatment given by a radiation oncologist using radiation (energy in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves) to kill or damage cancer cells.
Radical Mastectomy (Halsted Radical)
Surgical removal of the breast, chest muscles and underarm lymph nodes. Used only when the breast tumor has spread to the chest muscles.
Radio-opaque
Does not allow radiation to pass through. A radio-opaque object will show up on an X-ray.
Radiologist
A physician who reads and interprets X-rays, mammograms and other scans related to diagnosis or follow-up. Radiologists also perform needle biopsy and wire localization procedures.
Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)
Treatment given by a radiation oncologist using radiation (energy in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves) to kill or damage cancer cells.
Raloxifene
A drug first used to treat osteoporosis and now also used to lower the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk.
Randomized Controlled Trials
Studies where researchers change some participants' behavior or provide a certain therapy to see how it affects health. Participants are randomly assigned (as if by coin toss) to either an intervention group (such as one taking a chemoprevention drug) or a control group (such as one taking an inactive placebo).
Reconstruction (Breast Reconstruction, Reconstruction Mammoplasty, Reconstructive Surgery)
Surgery to recreate the breast's shape after a natural breast has been removed. Procedures may involve the use of implants or natural tissues.
Recurrence (Relapse)
Return of cancer. Local recurrence is the return of cancer to the same breast or chest wall. Distant recurrence is the return of cancer to another location, such as the lungs or liver. See Metastases.
Regimen
A treatment plan.
Regression
The shrinking of a tumor.
Relative Risk
A measure used to describe the increase (or decrease) in risk related to a specific risk factor. A relative risk is the ratio of two absolute risks: the numerator is the absolute risk among those with the risk factor, while the denominator is the absolute risk among those without the risk factor.
Relative Survival Rate
A measure used to compare the survival of people who have a certain disease with those who do not at a given time after diagnosis or treatment. The relative survival rate shows whether the disease shortens life. If relative survival is 100 percent at five years after treatment, there is no difference in survival between those who have the disease and those who do not five years after treatment.
Remission
A temporary or permanent disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer.
Retrospective Study
A study where both the exposure (such as alcohol use) and the outcome (such as breast cancer) occur before the start of the study.
Risk (of disease)
Probability (chance) of disease developing in a person during a specified time period.
Risk-Benefit Ratio
The relationship between the possible (or expected) side effects and benefits of a treatment or procedure.
Risk Factor
Any factor—from a lifestyle choice (such as diet) to genetics to an environmental exposure (such as radiation)—that increases or decreases a person's risk of developing a certain disease.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
A molecule made by cells containing genetic information that has been copied from DNA. RNA performs functions related to making proteins.
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S
Saline
A saltwater solution similar to that found in IV fluids that can be used to fill a breast implant.
Scalp Cooling
The use of a cap filled with a chilled substance during chemotherapy. Scalp cooling is under study as a technique for reducing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
Schedules
The different combinations and timing for chemotherapy and other drugs.
Screening
A test or procedure used to find cancer or a noncancerous condition in a seemingly healthy person without symptoms.
Screening Mammogram
A test used to find early signs of breast cancer in a woman who is not having any breast problems or symptoms. It involves two X-rays views of each breast.
Second Primary Tumor
A second breast cancer that arises in a different location from the first. Different from a local recurrence which is the return of the first breast cancer.
Selection Criteria
In a summary research table, the specific standards (such as study design and number of participants) a study has to meet to be included.
Sensitivity
The proportion (or percentage) of people who truly have the condition of interest who 'test positive' for that condition.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
The surgical removal and testing of the sentinel node (first axillary node in the underarm area filtering lymph fluid from the tumor site) to see if the node contains cancer cells.
Silicone Gel
Medical-grade silicone rubber gel used for breast implants that feels similar to a normal breast.
Simple Mastectomy (Total Mastectomy)
Surgical removal of the breast but no other tissue or nodes. Used for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ and, in some cases, recurrent breast cancer. Also used in prophylactic mastectomy.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
A breast reconstruction procedure that keeps as much of the skin surrounding breast as possible intact. This skin can then be used to cover a tissue flap or an implant instead of having to use skin from other parts of the body.
Sonogram (Ultrasound)
Diagnostic test that uses sound waves to make images of tissues and organs. Tissues of different densities reflect sound waves differently.
Specificity
The proportion (or percentage) of people who truly do not have the condition of interest who 'test negative' for that condition.
Stage of Cancer (Cancer Stage)
A way to indicate the extent of the cancer within the body. The most widely used staging method for breast cancer is the TNM system, which uses Tumor size, lymph Node status and the absence or presence of Metastases to classify breast cancers.
Staging (Cancer Staging)
Doing tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body (the cancer’s stage 0 to IV). Knowing a cancer’s stage helps determine what treatment is needed and how effective this treatment may be in getting rid of the disease and prolonging life.
Standard Treatment (Standard of Care)
The usual treatment currently in widespread use and considered to be of proven effectiveness on the basis of scientific evidence and past experience.
Statistical Significance
Describes whether or not the result of a study is very unlikely due to chance. A result that is statistically significant likely shows a true relationship between a risk factor and a disease of interest.
Stereotactic Needle Biopsy
Core needle biopsy done with the use of stereotactic (three-dimensional) mammography guidance.
Stereotactic Mammography
Three-dimensional mammography used when taking a needle biopsy of a breast abnormality that cannot be felt.
Surgeon
Physician who does any surgery, including surgical biopsies and other procedures related to breast cancer.
Surgical Oncologist
A physician specializing in the treatment of cancer using surgical procedures.
Survivor (Breast Cancer Survivor)
A person living with breast cancer (from the time of diagnosis).
Systemic (Adjuvant) Treatment
Treatment of the whole body with drugs or other therapies that travel through the bloodstream and affect cancer cells all over the body.
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T
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
A hormone therapy drug used to treat some cases of both early and advanced stage breast cancer. Taken in pill form, tamoxifen prevents tumor growth by blocking the hormone estrogen from cancer cells that are estrogen receptor-positive.
Targeted Therapy
Drug therapies designed to attack specific molecular agents or pathways involved in the development of cancer.
Tertiles
Categories of an exposure (like body weight or exercise) based on three equal parts of the total number of people in the study.
Therapeutic Touch
Integrative or complementary therapy where trained practitioners enter a semi-meditative state and hold their hands just above a person’s body to sense energy imbalances due to illness. Healing energy is then said to transfer to the person.
Tissue
A group or layer of cells.
Tomosynthesis (see Breast Tomosynthesis)
Total Mastectomy (Simple Mastectomy)
Surgical removal of the breast but no other tissue or nodes. Used for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ and, in some cases, recurrent breast cancer. Also used in prophylactic mastectomy.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
A drug that is a specially made antibody that targets cancer cells that have high a lot of the protein called HER2/neu on their surfaces. When attached to the HER2/neu protein, trastuzumab slows or stops the growth of the cancer cells. Trastuzumab is used to treat HER2/neu-positive breast cancer.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
A breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2/neu-negative. These factors limit treatment choices. Most triple negative tumors are basal-like tumors. These breast cancers tend to be aggressive and are more common in African American women.
Tumor
An abnormal growth or mass of tissue that may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Tumor Grade
Describes how closely cancer cells look like normal tissue. The higher the grade, the less they look like normal tissue and the faster the cancer's rate of growth is likely to be.
Two-Step Procedure
Biopsy and further surgical treatment done at two separate times.
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U
Ultrasound (Sonogram)
Diagnostic test that uses sound waves to make images of tissues and organs. Tissues of different densities reflect sound waves differently.
Usual Hyperplasia
A benign breast condition where breast cells multiply (proliferate). The proliferating cells look normal under a microscope. Although noncancerous, it increases the risk of breast cancer.
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W
Wedge Excision
A surgical procedure that removes of a portion of the breast tissue. However, the amount of tissue is not specified. It is important that a woman find out from the surgeon how much tissue was removed. See Lumpectomy.
Wire Localization (Needle Localization)
Insertion of a very thin wire into an abnormal area of the breast to highlight the location of a nonpalpable lesion so it can be removed during biopsy or lumpectomy.
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X
X-ray
Radiation that can be useful at low levels in the diagnosis of cancer and, at high levels, in its treatment.
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*Parts of this glossary were adapted from the National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Glossary.
**Glossary terms relating to radiation therapy adapted from the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy’s Glossary of Terms.
Updated 04/25/12
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