Decode Medical Terms - Breast Cancer Glossary
Learn the words and phrases to know when understanding this disease and its treatment. Be able to discuss this topic with your health care team, and understand your options for treatment and survival.
Adjuvant - Definition of Adjuvant Treatments for Breast Cancer
After surgery, you may need adjuvant treatments -- these are therapies that help complete the elimination of cancer from your body.
After surgery, you may need adjuvant treatments -- these are therapies that help complete the elimination of cancer from your body.
Angiogenesis - Definition of Angiogenesis for Breast Cancer
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Tumors can release chemicals that cause new blood vessels to grow and supply it with nutrients to increase.
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Tumors can release chemicals that cause new blood vessels to grow and supply it with nutrients to increase.
Areola - Definition of Areola and Relation to Breast Cancer
Areola - a halo of skin around the nipple
Areola - a halo of skin around the nipple
Aspirate – Definition of Aspirate – To Remove Fluid, Gas, Tissue
To use suction to remove something such as fluid, gas, or tissue, during a medical procedure.
To use suction to remove something such as fluid, gas, or tissue, during a medical procedure.
Ativan (lorazepam)- Definition of Ativan (medication)
Ativan (lorazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication sometimes used to control nausea and vomiting.
Ativan (lorazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication sometimes used to control nausea and vomiting.
Autologous Reconstruction - Definition of Autologous Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction refers to plastic surgery that uses your own tissue to replace lost tissue.
Autologous reconstruction refers to plastic surgery that uses your own tissue to replace lost tissue.
Basophils - Definition of Basophils - White Blood Cell Type
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte). These cells help you fight infections by releasing histamine and other chemicals that act on your blood vessels when your immune response is triggered.
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte). These cells help you fight infections by releasing histamine and other chemicals that act on your blood vessels when your immune response is triggered.
Benign – Definition of Benign Breast Lumps and Disease
Benign structures in the breast are not cancer, and are not malignant.
Benign structures in the breast are not cancer, and are not malignant.
Blood Plasma Definition - Definition of Blood Plasma - Breast Cancer Treatment
Plasma is a watery, almost colorless fluid that contains no cells. It accounts for about half the volume of your blood and lymphatic fluid.
Plasma is a watery, almost colorless fluid that contains no cells. It accounts for about half the volume of your blood and lymphatic fluid.
BRCA1 Gene Definition
BRCA1 is a gene that, when healthy, prevents breast tumors from forming. It is associated with hereditary breast cancer.
BRCA1 is a gene that, when healthy, prevents breast tumors from forming. It is associated with hereditary breast cancer.
BRCA2 Gene Definition
BRCA2 is a gene that, when healthy, prevents breast tumors from forming. It is associated with hereditary breast cancer.
BRCA2 is a gene that, when healthy, prevents breast tumors from forming. It is associated with hereditary breast cancer.
Carcinoma - Definition of Carcinoma, Breast Cancer
Carcinoma - malignant growth of cells
Carcinoma - malignant growth of cells
CAT Scan - Definition for Breast Cancer Screening
CAT stands for "computed axial tomography"
CAT stands for "computed axial tomography"
CBC -Definition of Complete Blood Count - Breast Cancer Treatment
A CBC -- Complete Blood Count -- is a routine blood test done regularly during treatment for breast cancer.
A CBC -- Complete Blood Count -- is a routine blood test done regularly during treatment for breast cancer.
Collimated Beam
A collimated beam is a type of X-ray beam that is used for radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment.
A collimated beam is a type of X-ray beam that is used for radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment.
Cyst - Definition of Breast Cyst - Benign Breast Lumps
A cyst is a balloon-like sac filled with fluid, gas, or semisolid substances. These can show up anywhere in your body, and can vary in size.
A cyst is a balloon-like sac filled with fluid, gas, or semisolid substances. These can show up anywhere in your body, and can vary in size.
Duct - Milk Duct - Definition of Breast Milk Duct
A duct is a small, tube-shaped part of the body that carries fluids, such as tears, bile, and breast milk.
A duct is a small, tube-shaped part of the body that carries fluids, such as tears, bile, and breast milk.
Elastography - Definition for Breast Cancer Screening
Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that detects tumors based on their stiffness (elasticity) compared to normal tissue.
Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that detects tumors based on their stiffness (elasticity) compared to normal tissue.
Eosinophils - Definition of Eosinophils - White Blood Cell Type
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that contain uniformly-sized coarse round granules.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that contain uniformly-sized coarse round granules.
Fibroadenoma - Definition (Benign Breast Tumor)
A fibroadenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that is made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are very common in premenopausal women, and they can occur in groups.
A fibroadenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that is made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are very common in premenopausal women, and they can occur in groups.
Gadolinium (Breast MRI Contrast Agent)
Gadolinium is a chemical element which can be compounded and dissolved into a clear fluid and used as a contrast agent for a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Gadolinium is a chemical element which can be compounded and dissolved into a clear fluid and used as a contrast agent for a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Genes - Definition and Relation to Breast Cancer
Genes - the biological information that you are born with
Genes - the biological information that you are born with
Genetic Expression and Breast Cancer
Genetic expression is a process that takes inherited information in your genes (like your DNA sequence), and from that information makes a specific functional product (sometimes called a gene product) such as RNA (ribonucleic acid) or protein.
Genetic expression is a process that takes inherited information in your genes (like your DNA sequence), and from that information makes a specific functional product (sometimes called a gene product) such as RNA (ribonucleic acid) or protein.
Hematocrit (HCT) - Blood Test Given During Breast Cancer Treatment
Hematocrit (HCT) is a routine blood test given during treatment for breast cancer, to get a count of your red blood cells and to see what size those cells are.
Hematocrit (HCT) is a routine blood test given during treatment for breast cancer, to get a count of your red blood cells and to see what size those cells are.
Hemoglobin - Definition of Hemoglobin and Relation to Your Complete Blood Count
Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to your tissues.
Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to your tissues.
Hormone - Definition of Breast Cancer Hormones
Hormone - chemicals that affect gender, sexual functions, reproduction, and tumor growth or suppression
Hormone - chemicals that affect gender, sexual functions, reproduction, and tumor growth or suppression
Hyperplasia – Definition of Breast Hyperplasia - Benign Breast Condition
Hyperplasia occurs when cells within an organ or tissue grow larger and faster than expected.
Hyperplasia occurs when cells within an organ or tissue grow larger and faster than expected.
In situ - Definition of In Situ Breast Cancer
In situ - a Latin phrase meaning in one place
In situ - a Latin phrase meaning in one place
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle
The latissimus dorsi is a broad, triangular flat muscle on your back. It is connected to bones in your spine, shoulder and arms.
The latissimus dorsi is a broad, triangular flat muscle on your back. It is connected to bones in your spine, shoulder and arms.
Lobes
Lobes are part of the milk production system within your breast. Cancer can also occur within the breast lobes and lobules. Read more about mammary lobes.
Lobes are part of the milk production system within your breast. Cancer can also occur within the breast lobes and lobules. Read more about mammary lobes.
Lymph Nodes - Definition of Lymph Nodes and Relation to Breast Cancer
Lymph nodes - a small filter in the lymph system
Lymph nodes - a small filter in the lymph system
Lymphedema - Definition of Lymphedema, Lymphatic Obstruction
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged and lymphatic fluid collects in those tissues, causing swelling (edema).
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged and lymphatic fluid collects in those tissues, causing swelling (edema).
Lymphocyte - Definition of Lymphocyte - White Blood Cell
A lymphocyte is one type of white blood cell, part of the immune system, which is found in the blood and lymph systems.
A lymphocyte is one type of white blood cell, part of the immune system, which is found in the blood and lymph systems.
Lymphoscintigraphy Definition - Lymphoscintigraphy Used for Sentinel Node Biopsy
Lymphoscintigraphy is a technique that is used to determine the sentinel lymph node (first lymph nodes the tumor is draining into).
Lymphoscintigraphy is a technique that is used to determine the sentinel lymph node (first lymph nodes the tumor is draining into).
Malignant - Definition of Malignant Breast Disease
A malignant breast tumor is life threatening and must be surgically removed, and examined by a pathologist, in order to get a conclusive diagnosis.
A malignant breast tumor is life threatening and must be surgically removed, and examined by a pathologist, in order to get a conclusive diagnosis.
Mammogram - Definition of Mammogram for Breast Cancer Screening
A mammogram is a diagnostic screening, an important part of early detection. It is not a treatment tool, but is a non-invasive way to look inside the breast tissue.
A mammogram is a diagnostic screening, an important part of early detection. It is not a treatment tool, but is a non-invasive way to look inside the breast tissue.
Mastectomy - Definition of Mastectomy for Treatment of Breast Cancer
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which most or all of the breast tissue is removed, in order to treat breast cancer, and to help prevent recurrence.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which most or all of the breast tissue is removed, in order to treat breast cancer, and to help prevent recurrence.
Metastasize - Definition of Breast Cancer Metastasis
When breast cancer spreads through the blood or lymph systems to other parts of the body, it has metastasized.
When breast cancer spreads through the blood or lymph systems to other parts of the body, it has metastasized.
Micrometastasis
Micrometastasis is a small collection of cancer cells that have been shed from the original tumor and spread to another part of the body. Read more to understand how this affects diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Micrometastasis is a small collection of cancer cells that have been shed from the original tumor and spread to another part of the body. Read more to understand how this affects diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Microsurgery – Definition of Microsurgery
Microsurgery is surgery that is performed under a microscope with specially designed instruments. It is used to perform critical parts of tissue flap breast reconstruction.
Microsurgery is surgery that is performed under a microscope with specially designed instruments. It is used to perform critical parts of tissue flap breast reconstruction.
MRI - Definition of MRI for Breast Cancer Screening
MRI stands for "magnetic resonance imaging."
MRI stands for "magnetic resonance imaging."
Neutropenia - A Side Effect of Treatment for Breast Cancer
Neutropenia is a result of treatment for breast cancer, and indicates a low level of neutrophils, which is the type of white blood cell that fights infection.
Neutropenia is a result of treatment for breast cancer, and indicates a low level of neutrophils, which is the type of white blood cell that fights infection.
Neutrophil - Type of White Blood Cell (WBC) - Breast Cancer Treatment
A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell (WBC). Neutrophils are an important part of your immune system.
A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell (WBC). Neutrophils are an important part of your immune system.
Pathology Definition - Definition of Pathology - Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Pathology is the science of studying the nature of disease, with attention to its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
Pathology is the science of studying the nature of disease, with attention to its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
PET Scan - Definition of PET Scan for Breast Cancer Screening
PET scan stands for "positron emission tomography"
PET scan stands for "positron emission tomography"
Platelets Definition - Definition of Platelets - Breast Cancer Treatment
Platelets are very small fragments of cells. Their main function is to prevent bleeding. Platelets assist in creating blood clots.
Platelets are very small fragments of cells. Their main function is to prevent bleeding. Platelets assist in creating blood clots.
Radiologist - Definition of Medical Doctor, Breast Cancer Specialist
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the reading and interpretation of X-rays and other medical images.
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the reading and interpretation of X-rays and other medical images.
Rectus Abdominus Muscles
Your rectus abdominus muscles stretch all the way from your pubic area up to your central ribs and sternum. Learn what functions the rectus abdominus muscles serve.
Your rectus abdominus muscles stretch all the way from your pubic area up to your central ribs and sternum. Learn what functions the rectus abdominus muscles serve.
Remission - Definition of Breast Cancer Remission
After treatment is complete, if no signs of cancer can be found, the disease is declared to be in remission.
After treatment is complete, if no signs of cancer can be found, the disease is declared to be in remission.
Sentinel Node Biopsy - Definition of Sentinel Node Biopsy - Diagnosis, Staging
Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical diagnostic procedure done to remove (biopsy) a small sample of lymph nodes to which the cancer may be draining. Learn how this is different from axillary node dissection.
Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical diagnostic procedure done to remove (biopsy) a small sample of lymph nodes to which the cancer may be draining. Learn how this is different from axillary node dissection.
Stem Cell Definition
Stem cells are "generic" cells that can divide themselves into exact copies, and divide themselves into specific cell types. Learn more about stem cells.
Stem cells are "generic" cells that can divide themselves into exact copies, and divide themselves into specific cell types. Learn more about stem cells.
Technetium - Definition of Technetium - Breast Cancer Imaging Agent
Technetium is a chemical used in nuclear medicine to locate cancer tumors and for other imaging purposes. It is a nuclear medicine tracer agent, and is given through an intravenous (IV) line or by injection.
Technetium is a chemical used in nuclear medicine to locate cancer tumors and for other imaging purposes. It is a nuclear medicine tracer agent, and is given through an intravenous (IV) line or by injection.
Technetium - Definition of Technetium, A Nuclear Medicine Tracer Agent
Technetium is a chemical element used in nuclear medicine to locate cancer tumors and for other imaging purposes. It is used during lymphoscintigraphy (imaging for a sentinel lymph node test) and for a MuGA scan (Multiple Gate Acquisition scan) before Adriamycin can be given to treat breast cancer.
Technetium is a chemical element used in nuclear medicine to locate cancer tumors and for other imaging purposes. It is used during lymphoscintigraphy (imaging for a sentinel lymph node test) and for a MuGA scan (Multiple Gate Acquisition scan) before Adriamycin can be given to treat breast cancer.
Ultrasound - Definition of Ultrasound for Breast Cancer Screening
an ultrasound uses sound waves that are used in medical imaging of soft tissues.
an ultrasound uses sound waves that are used in medical imaging of soft tissues.
Ultrasound Transducer - Definition of Transducer, Diagnosis
An ultrasound image may be needed if your mammogram reveals a mass that need closer inspection. A transducer is part of the ultrasound equipment that creates the image.
An ultrasound image may be needed if your mammogram reveals a mass that need closer inspection. A transducer is part of the ultrasound equipment that creates the image.
White Blood Cells - Definition of WBC
White blood cells are an important part of your immune system. Your complete blood count will include a WBC count, to see if you can fight infections, or if you are at risk.
White blood cells are an important part of your immune system. Your complete blood count will include a WBC count, to see if you can fight infections, or if you are at risk.
X-ray - Definition of X-ray Used in Medical Imaging
an X-ray is a type of ray used in medical imaging to diagnose diseases
an X-ray is a type of ray used in medical imaging to diagnose diseases