- ABMTSee autologous bone marrow transplant. -
See autologous bone marrow transplant.
- AbscessAn accumulation of pus, that is infected and that was caused by an infection. -
An accumulation of pus, that is infected and that was caused by an infection.
- AcetaldehydeA known carcinogen formed when alcohol is metabolized. It is a toxic substance that can cause mistakes in the DNA. -
A known carcinogenA cancer producing substance. formed when alcohol is metabolized. It is a toxic substance that can cause mistakes in the DNAThe part of every cell that carries out genetic information on cell growth, division, and function..
- AcuteOccurring suddenly or in a short space of time, as opposed to chronic. -
Occurring suddenly or in a short space of time, as opposed to chronic.
- AdenocarcinomaCancer that is formed from glandular tissue, including breast cancer. -
Cancer that is formed from glandular tissue, including breast cancer.
- Adipose TissueFatty tissue -
Fatty tissue
- AlopeciaThe medical term for the hair loss that accompanies cancer treatment. Often a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. -
The medical term for the hair loss that accompanies cancer treatment. Often a side effectA secondary and undesired result of treatment that can be painful, unpleasant or potentially harmful. of chemotherapyTreatment with drugs to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Often referred to as systematic treatment, because it acts throughout the body, as opposed to localized treatments, like surgery or radiation. or radiation therapy.
- Alternative therapyA therapy that is not a proven standard therapy. These therapies can be dangerous and should be consulted with a health care provider before treatment. -
A therapy that is not a proven standard therapy. These therapies can be dangerous and should be consulted with a health care provider before treatment.
- AmenorrheaThe ceasing of menstruation, usually as a result of chemotherapy. -
The ceasing of menstruation, usually as a result of chemotherapy.
- AnalgesicA general term for a pain-relieving drug. -
A general term for a pain-relieving drug.
- AnastomosisSurgical connection. -
Surgical connection.
- AnatomyThe study of the bodily structures and internal organs. -
The study of the bodily structures and internal organs.
- AndrogenAny male hormone. The most commonly known is testosterone. Sometimes used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. -
Any male hormoneA chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.. The most commonly known is testosterone. Sometimes used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
- AnemiaA lowered red-blood-cell count, which is often the result of chemotherapy. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of energy, and skin pallor. -
A lowered red-blood-cell count, which is often the result of chemotherapy. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of energy, and skin pallor.
- AntibioticMedicines that help stop infections caused from bacteria. -
Medicines that help stop infections caused from bacteria.
- AntiestrogenA substance, e.g., tamoxifen that bind with estrogen receptors to prevent tumor growth in cases of hormone-sensitive cancer. -
A substance, e.g., tamoxifenA drug that blocks estrogen from affecting organs, such as the breast. that bind with estrogenA female sex hormone that is primarily produced by the ovaries. Its primary function is to regulate the menstrual cycle and assist in the production of secondary sex characteristics such as breasts. It may even play a role in the production of cancer cells in the breast tissue. receptors to prevent tumorA mass of cells that can be benign or malignant. growth in cases of hormone-sensitive cancer.
- AntigenA substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies and recognize it as foreign to the body. -
A substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies and recognize it as foreign to the body.
- AreolaThe pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. -
The pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
- Aromatase InhibitorsDrugs that inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which regulates estrogen production in the adrenal glands. An example is anastrozole (Arimidex). -
Drugs that inhibit the enzymeA substance produced by a living organism which causes a specific biochemical reaction. aromatase, which regulates estrogen production in the adrenal glands. An example is anastrozole (Arimidex).
- AspirationDrawing fluid and/or cells into a hollow hypodermic needle, usually done for testing. -
Drawing fluid and/or cells into a hollow hypodermic needle, usually done for testing.
- AsymptomaticWithout symptoms -
Without symptoms
- AtrophyTissue in the body wastes away or breaks down. -
Tissue in the body wastes away or breaks down.
- Atypical cellAn abnormal cell -
An abnormal cell
- AugmentedSomething that is added, such as an augmented breast- implants added to the breast. -
Something that is added, such as an augmented breast- implants added to the breast.
- AxillaryRelated to the armpit. -
Related to the armpit.
- Axillary DissectionA diagnostic procedure involving removal or sampling of the axillary lymph nodes in the armpit. It is performed during breast cancer surgery to determine the Stage of the disease. -
A diagnostic procedure involving removal or sampling of the axillary lymph nodesSmall, bean-shaped collections of immune tissue that filter out cell fluid and bacteria that may be circulating in the body. They help fight infections and play a role in fighting cancer. in the armpit. It is performed during breast cancer surgery to determine the Stage of the disease.
- BenignNot harmful; not cancerous (referring to a cell or mass). -
Not harmful; not cancerous (referring to a cell or mass).
- Benign -
Not harmful; not cancerous (referring to a cell or mass).
- BilateralOn both sides. -
On both sides.
- BiomarkersA distinct biochemical, genetic, or molecular characteristic or substance that is an indicator of a particular biological condition or process. -
A distinct biochemical, geneticInherited characteristics., or molecular characteristic or substance that is an indicator of a particular biological condition or process.
- BiopsyThe removal and examination of tissue from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. -
The removal and examination of tissue from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
- Brain MetastasisSpread of cancer to the brain, another site of metastatic breast cancer. Symptoms may include headaches, visual disturbances, vomiting, seizures, loss of balance and other neurological signs. Diagnosed through CT Scans and MRI, and most often treated with radiation therapy. -
Spread of cancer to the brain, another site of metastatic breast cancer. Symptoms may include headaches, visual disturbances, vomiting, seizures, loss of balance and other neurological signs. Diagnosed through CT Scans and MRI, and most often treated with radiation therapy.
- BRCA1A gene which, when damaged or mutated, can put a person at a greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. -
A geneA sequence in the DNA which can be passed down from parent to child. Genes helps determine physical and functional traits for the body. which, when damaged or mutated, can put a person at a greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
- BRCA2A gene which, when damaged or mutated, may put a woman at a greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. This gene is also thought to raise the risk for breast cancer in men. -
A gene which, when damaged or mutated, may put a woman at a greater risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. This gene is also thought to raise the risk for breast cancer in men.
- Breast CalcificationsSmall spots of calcium in the breasts that appear on mammograms and may indicate signs of cancer in a small number of cases. -
Small spots of calcium in the breasts that appear on mammogramsA low dose x-ray picture of the breast that allows a doctor to view glandular tissue and determine the presence of cancer. and may indicate signs of cancer in a small number of cases.
- Breast implantsA saline or silicone filled sac used during plastic surgery to enlarge or restore the shape of the breast. -
A saline or silicone filled sac used during plastic surgery to enlarge or restore the shape of the breast.
- Breast ReconstructionThe creation of an artificial breast performed by a plastic surgeon. -
The creation of an artificial breast performed by a plastic surgeon.
- Carcinogen -
A cancer producing substance.
- ChemoembolizationThe process by which chemotherapy drugs are infused directly into the area where the tumor is. -
The process by which chemotherapy drugs are infused directly into the area where the tumor is.
- Chemotherapy -
Treatment with drugs to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Often referred to as systematic treatment, because it acts throughout the body, as opposed to localized treatments, like surgery or radiation.
- ChronicallyIn a persistent and recurring way. -
In a persistent and recurring way.
- Clinical TrialHuman studies that are used to test new drugs or treatment and compare them to current standard treatments. -
Human studies that are used to test new drugs or treatment and compare them to current standard treatments.
- ColostrumA yellowish liquid, especially rich in immune factors, secreted by the mammary gland of female mammals a few days before and after giving birth. -
A yellowish liquid, especially rich in immune factors, secreted by the mammary glandMilk producing structure found in women. of female mammals a few days before and after giving birth.
- Combined Hormone Replacement TherapyTherapy that introduces synthetic progesterone and estrogen into the body after it has stopped making its own because of natural or induced menopause. HRT relieves the symptoms of menopause, but may also increase risks for developing breast cancer. -
Therapy that introduces synthetic progesteroneA hormone that stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy, produced mainly by the ovaries. Progesterone may play a role in certain breast cancers. and estrogen into the body after it has stopped making its own because of natural or induced menopauseThe end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, defined as 12 consecutive months of no menstrual periods.. HRT relieves the symptoms of menopause, but may also increase risks for developing breast cancer.
- ComorbidityThe simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient -
The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient
- ConceiveTo become pregnant with a child. -
To become pregnant with a child.
- CyclicallyA persistent and recurring way. -
A persistent and recurring way.
- CystA sac of fluid that can accumulate anywhere in the body. Although it may cause discomfort or pain, it is harmless. -
A sac of fluid that can accumulate anywhere in the body. Although it may cause discomfort or pain, it is harmless.
- CytologyThe study of cells. -
The study of cells.
- CytotoxicA substance that causes cells to die, such as chemotherapy drugs. -
A substance that causes cells to die, such as chemotherapy drugs.
- DifferentiationThe process by which cells mature so they can carry out the jobs they were intended to do. Cancer cells are less differentiated than normal cells. -
The process by which cells mature so they can carry out the jobs they were intended to do. Cancer cells are less differentiated than normal cells.
- DimplingA depression or wrinkle of the skin that may be a visual sign of breast cancer. -
A depression or wrinkle of the skin that may be a visual sign of breast cancer.
- DNA -
The part of every cell that carries out genetic information on cell growth, division, and function.
- Drug ResistanceOccurs when cancer cells are insensitive to cancer drugs, either initially or as a result of prior treatment. -
Occurs when cancer cells are insensitive to cancer drugs, either initially or as a result of prior treatment.
- EngorgeCause to swell with fluid. -
Cause to swell with fluid.
- Enzyme -
A substance produced by a living organism which causes a specific biochemical reaction.
- EpidemiologicalThe study, assessment, and analysis of public health concerns in a given population; the tracking of patterns and effects of diseases. -
The study, assessment, and analysis of public health concerns in a given population; the tracking of patterns and effects of diseases.
- Estrogen -
A female sex hormone that is primarily produced by the ovariesThe female reproductive organs in which ova or eggs and hormones are produced.. Its primary function is to regulate the menstrual cycle and assist in the production of secondary sex characteristics such as breasts. It may even play a role in the production of cancer cells in the breast tissue.
- Estrogen DependentA tumor that grows, or grows more rapidly, in the presence of estrogen. Considered a positive indicator, as it permits hormonal treatment for control of the tumor, thus increasing options for the treatment. -
A tumor that grows, or grows more rapidly, in the presence of estrogen. Considered a positive indicator, as it permits hormonal treatment for control of the tumor, thus increasing options for the treatment.
- Excisional biopsyThe removal of an entire lump, usually with some surrounding tissue. -
The removal of an entire lump, usually with some surrounding tissue.
- False-negativeA test result that indicates that a person does not have a disease when the person does have that disease. -
A test result that indicates that a person does not have a disease when the person does have that disease.
- False-positiveA test result that indicates that a person has a disease when the person does not have that disease. -
A test result that indicates that a person has a disease when the person does not have that disease.
- FibroadenomaA fibrous benign breast tumor that is common in younger women. -
A fibrous benign breast tumor that is common in younger women.
- FISH amplifiedFluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a test that “maps” the genetic material in a person's cells. This test can be used to visualize specific genes or portions of genes. FISH testing is done on breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy to see if the cells have extra copies of the HER2 gene -
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a test that “maps” the genetic material in a person's cells. This test can be used to visualize specific genes or portions of genes. FISH testing is done on breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy to see if the cells have extra copies of the HER2 gene
- Gene -
A sequence in the DNA which can be passed down from parent to child. Genes helps determine physical and functional traits for the body.
- Genetic -
Inherited characteristics.
- GlandAn organ in the human or animal body which releases particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings. -
An organ in the human or animal body which releases particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.
- GynecomastiaWhen a breast tissue in a man or boy becomes swollen. -
When a breast tissue in a man or boy becomes swollen.
- HER2/NeuThis oncoprotein is present in very small amounts on the outer surface of normal breast cells. HER stimulates cell growth, and breast cancer cells that produce too much of this protein tend to be more aggressive. -
This oncoprotein is present in very small amounts on the outer surface of normal breast cells. HER stimulates cell growth, and breast cancer cells that produce too much of this protein tend to be more aggressive.
- Hormone -
A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- HyperplasiaExcessive cell growth. -
Excessive cell growth.
- ImmunosuppressedA state in which the immune system experiences lowered resistance to disease. It is often a result of certain infections or chemotherapy treatments. -
A state in which the immune system experiences lowered resistance to disease. It is often a result of certain infections or chemotherapy treatments.
- ImmunotherapyTreatments that attempt to use the body’s own defenses to control the cancer. Also known as immunomodulation. -
Treatments that attempt to use the body’s own defenses to control the cancer. Also known as immunomodulation.
- In UteroIn the womb or uterus. -
In the womb or uterus.
- IncidenceIncidence refers to the occurrence of new cases of disease or injury in a population over a specified period of time. -
Incidence refers to the occurrence of new cases of disease or injury in a population over a specified period of time.
- Incisional biopsyRemoving a piece of the lump. -
Removing a piece of the lump.
- Inflammatory Breast CancerAn aggressive form of breast cancer, occurring in about one percent of all diagnoses, which rapidly spreads into the lymphatic channels in the breast, causing the tissue to appear red and swollen. Symptoms often resemble a rash or infection. -
An aggressive form of breast cancer, occurring in about one percent of all diagnoses, which rapidly spreads into the lymphatic channels in the breast, causing the tissue to appear red and swollen. Symptoms often resemble a rash or infection.
- Intrauterine DeviceIUD stands for intrauterine device. It is a T shaped object that is inserted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. -
IUD stands for intrauterine device. It is a T shaped object that is inserted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
- Invasive CancerCancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. -
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues.
- Invasive cancerCancer that has grown past its starting area into adjacent tissues. -
Cancer that has grown past its starting area into adjacent tissues.
- InvolutionThe shrinking of an organ in old age. -
The shrinking of an organ in old age.
- LactationThe release of breast milk from the mammary glands. -
The release of breast milk from the mammary glands.
- Lactation -
The secretion of milk by the mammary glands. Also, known as breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
- LesionsA general term indicating a change in body tissue, often used as a synonym for tumors. -
A general term indicating a change in body tissue, often used as a synonym for tumors.
- Ligaments of CooperThe connective tissue that shapes and supports the breast. -
The connective tissue that shapes and supports the breast.
- LobulesThe place within the breast where milk is manufactured in the breast. -
The place within the breast where milk is manufactured in the breast.
- LumpectomySurgical removal of the breast lump and its surrounding tissue. -
Surgical removal of the breast lump and its surrounding tissue.
- Lymph Nodes -
Small, bean-shaped collections of immune tissue that filter out cell fluid and bacteria that may be circulating in the body. They help fight infections and play a role in fighting cancer.
- Lymphatic SystemThis collection of tissues and organs helps rid the body of excess fluid and it plays a major role in the immune response to harmful substances. -
This collection of tissues and organs helps rid the body of excess fluid and it plays a major role in the immune response to harmful substances.
- LymphedemaA condition that is caused by damage to the lymphatic system’s capacity to move lymphatic fluid, often a result from having the axillary lymph nodes sampled or removed at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomy, or having had radiation to the axillary area. Symptoms include the hand, arm and tissues of the upper chest becoming swollen and painful. While it can be controlled with the use of compression sleeves and a massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage, it cannot be cured. Lymphedema can also occur in the feet and legs as a result of node removal in the groin or pelvic area. -
A condition that is caused by damage to the lymphatic system’s capacity to move lymphatic fluid, often a result from having the axillary lymph nodes sampled or removed at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomyAn operation removing all or part of the breast., or having had radiation to the axillary area. Symptoms include the hand, arm and tissues of the upper chest becoming swollen and painful. While it can be controlled with the use of compression sleeves and a massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage, it cannot be cured. Lymphedema can also occur in the feet and legs as a result of node removal in the groin or pelvic area.
- MalignantCancerous. -
Cancerous.
- Mammary Gland -
Milk producing structure found in women.
- Mammograms -
A low dose x-ray picture of the breast that allows a doctor to view glandular tissue and determine the presence of cancer.
- MastalgiaBreast pain. -
Breast pain.
- Mastectomy -
An operation removing all or part of the breast.
- MastitisBreast infection or inflammation. -
Breast infection or inflammation.
- MenarcheThe first occurrence of menstruation. -
The first occurrence of menstruation.
- Menopause -
The end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, defined as 12 consecutive months of no menstrual periods.
- MensesMenstrual flow. -
Menstrual flow.
- MetabolizeTo change one substance into another form that can be used in the body. -
To change one substance into another form that can be used in the body.
- MetastasisCancer cells break away from where they first formed (primary cancer), travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors (metastatic tumors) in other organs of the body. -
Cancer cells break away from where they first formed (primary cancer), travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors (metastatic tumors) in other organs of the body.
- Montgomery GlandsCombination of milk glands and sebaceous (oil) glands on the areola. -
Combination of milk glands and sebaceous (oil) glands on the areola.
- Mortality RateThe measure of the number of deaths in a particular population. -
The measure of the number of deaths in a particular population.
- Multicentric Breast CancerBreast cancer that occurs in a number of areas of the breast tissue. -
Breast cancer that occurs in a number of areas of the breast tissue.
- Multicentric breast cancerBreast cancer that occurs in a number of areas of the breast tissue. -
Breast cancer that occurs in a number of areas of the breast tissue.
- NecrosisDead tissue -
Dead tissue
- NeoadjuvantUtilizing drugs, radiation therapy, or other means of supplemental treatment before cancer surgery or other primary cancer treatment. -
Utilizing drugs, radiation therapy, or other means of supplemental treatment before cancer surgery or other primary cancer treatment.
- NeoadjuvantlyUtilizing drugs, radiation therapy, or other means of supplemental treatment before cancer surgery or other primary cancer treatment. -
Utilizing drugs, radiation therapy, or other means of supplemental treatment before cancer surgery or other primary cancer treatment.
- NodularityThe normal “lumpy” texture of breast tissue that is made up of a combination of glandular, adipose, and fibrous structures. -
The normal “lumpy” texture of breast tissue that is made up of a combination of glandular, adipose, and fibrous structures.
- OncogeneGenes responsible for the uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication -
Genes responsible for the uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication
- OncologistA doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. -
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Oral ContraceptivesA hormonal pill, taken by mouth, used to prevent pregnancy. -
A hormonal pill, taken by mouth, used to prevent pregnancy.
- Ovaries -
The female reproductive organs in which ova or eggs and hormones are produced.
- Paget’s DiseaseA rare form of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple. About three percent of breast cancer patients have this form of the disease. -
A rare form of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple. About three percent of breast cancer patients have this form of the disease.
- PathologistA doctor who specializes in examining tissues and cellular changes. -
A doctor who specializes in examining tissues and cellular changes.
- PathologyThe science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the laboratory examination of tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. -
The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the laboratory examination of tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
- PerimenopauseThe period of a woman's life shortly before the occurrence of menopause, the length varies among women. -
The period of a woman's life shortly before the occurrence of menopause, the length varies among women.
- PhysiologicalRelating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions. -
Relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.
- PredisposeTo make susceptible. -
To make susceptible.
- PrenatalBefore birth. -
Before birth.
- Primary Breast CancerOccurs in the breast, the site from which metastatic or secondary cancer can spread. -
Occurs in the breast, the site from which metastatic or secondary cancer can spread.
- Progesterone -
A hormone that stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy, produced mainly by the ovaries. Progesterone may play a role in certain breast cancers.
- ProgestinA synthetic hormone that maintains pregnancy and prevents further ovulation during pregnancy. -
A synthetic hormone that maintains pregnancy and prevents further ovulation during pregnancy.
- PrognosisThe expected or likely outcome of a disease, usually based on a statistical analysis of large groups of patients. -
The expected or likely outcome of a disease, usually based on a statistical analysis of large groups of patients.
- Proliferation RateMeasures the increasing number of normal cells that grow and divide. -
Measures the increasing number of normal cells that grow and divide.
- ProprioceptorA receptor located in subcutaneous tissues, like muscles, tendons, and joints, that respond to stimuli produced within the body. -
A receptor located in subcutaneous tissues, like muscles, tendons, and joints, that respond to stimuli produced within the body.
- ProsthesisArtificial breast that can be worn under clothing after a mastectomy. -
Artificial breast that can be worn under clothing after a mastectomy.
- PubertyThe period of becoming first capable of reproducing sexually marked by maturing of the genital organs, development of secondary sex characteristics, and in humans the first occurrence of menstruation in the female. -
The period of becoming first capable of reproducing sexually marked by maturing of the genital organs, development of secondary sex characteristics, and in humans the first occurrence of menstruation in the female.
- Punch biopsyA biopsy that punches a small hole in the skin. -
A biopsy that punches a small hole in the skin.
- Radiation OncologistA physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer using high energy x-rays. A radiologist, by contrast, is expert in the diagnosis of diseases through the use of x-rays. -
A physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer using high energy x-rays. A radiologist, by contrast, is expert in the diagnosis of diseases through the use of x-rays.
- RecurrenceThe reappearance of the disease after it has been treated. In breast cancer, recurrence following primary breast cancer can be local (in the same place), regional (in surrounding tissue) or metastatic (in some other part of the body). -
The reappearance of the disease after it has been treated. In breast cancer, recurrence following primary breast cancer can be local (in the same place), regional (in surrounding tissue) or metastatic (in some other part of the body).
- RegressTo return to a former, less developed stage. -
To return to a former, less developed stage.
- RegressionTo decrease or return to a previous state. -
To decrease or return to a previous state.
- RemissionA decrease or disappearance in the signs and symptoms of cancer for any period of time. In clinical trials, a partial remission (PR) means a decrease in observed illness by at least 50 percent, and complete remission (CR) means no measurable evidence of cancer is present in the body. -
A decrease or disappearance in the signs and symptoms of cancer for any period of time. In clinical trials, a partial remission (PR) means a decrease in observed illness by at least 50 percent, and complete remission (CR) means no measurable evidence of cancer is present in the body.
- RetinoidsSubstances such as vitamin A and synthetic compounds similar to vitamin A that induce cell differentiation in cancer treatment. Also referred to as retinoic acid. -
Substances such as vitamin A and synthetic compounds similar to vitamin A that induce cell differentiation in cancer treatment. Also referred to as retinoic acid.
- Risk FactorsAnything that increases or decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease. -
Anything that increases or decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease.
- Roentgenologyanother term for radiology. -
another term for radiology.
- SarcomaCancer that begins in the connective tissue -
Cancer that begins in the connective tissue
- SecreteTo produce, discharge or give off. -
To produce, discharge or give off.
- Side Effect -
A secondary and undesired result of treatment that can be painful, unpleasant or potentially harmful.
- StagingThe process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. Although there is more than one system for staging, the TNM system provides three important pieces of information: T - referring to the size of the Tumor, N - describing how far the cancer has spread to nearby Nodes and M - showing whether the cancer has spread or Metastasized to other organs of the body. Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M provide a patient with more details about each of these factors. The TNM descriptions can also be grouped together into Stages labeled with Roman numerals. In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. The higher the number, the more serious the cancer is. -
The process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. Although there is more than one system for staging, the TNM system provides three important pieces of information: T - referring to the size of the Tumor, N - describing how far the cancer has spread to nearby Nodes and M - showing whether the cancer has spread or Metastasized to other organs of the body. Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M provide a patient with more details about each of these factors. The TNM descriptions can also be grouped together into Stages labeled with Roman numerals. In general, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. The higher the number, the more serious the cancer is.
- Stem CellsCells from which all blood cells develop. -
Cells from which all blood cells develop.
- Stereotactic RadiosurgeryFocused, multiple low-intensity beams of radiation programmed to converge on a tumor site in the brain that may be inaccessible to surgery. Also referred to as “gamma knife” surgery. -
Focused, multiple low-intensity beams of radiation programmed to converge on a tumor site in the brain that may be inaccessible to surgery. Also referred to as “gamma knife” surgery.
- Subareolar AbscessGlands under the nipple that become infected. -
Glands under the nipple that become infected.
- SusceptibilityThe state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. -
The state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
- Systemic TreatmentA treatment like chemotherapy or hormonal therapy that affects the whole body or system, as opposed to localized treatment, such as surgery or radiation. -
A treatment like chemotherapy or hormonal therapy that affects the whole body or system, as opposed to localized treatment, such as surgery or radiation.
- Tamoxifen -
A drug that blocks estrogen from affecting organs, such as the breast.
- Tamoxifen -
A drug that blocks estrogen from affecting the organs, such as the breast
- TerminalA term used to describe far-advanced metastatic disease where there is a very limited time before death anticipated. -
A term used to describe far-advanced metastatic disease where there is a very limited time before death anticipated.
- ThelarcheBreast development before the onset of puberty. -
Breast development before the onset of puberty.
- ThoracicRefers to anything related to the chest area of the body. -
Refers to anything related to the chest area of the body.
- Tumor -
A mass of cells that can be benign or malignant.
- Tumor BoardA hospital-based panel of medical experts that makes treatment recommendations in difficult cases. -
A hospital-based panel of medical experts that makes treatment recommendations in difficult cases.
- Tumor MarkerOne of several substances in the body that usually increases with tumor growth and decreases with tumor regression. Examples for breast cancer are CEA and CA 27-29 or CA 15-3. -
One of several substances in the body that usually increases with tumor growth and decreases with tumor regression. Examples for breast cancer are CEA and CA 27-29 or CA 15-3.
- Tumor-suppresser GeneOne of a number of genes responsible for controlling cell growth in the body. If damaged or mutated this can lead to cancer. -
One of a number of genes responsible for controlling cell growth in the body. If damaged or mutated this can lead to cancer.
- Two-cut biopsyA needle biopsy that removes a small core from the lump. -
A needle biopsy that removes a small core from the lump.
- WeanTo cause a baby to stop feeding on a mother's breast milk and begin eating other foods. -
To cause a baby to stop feeding on a mother's breast milk and begin eating other foods.