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Glossary of breast cancer terms
Here you will find an index of medical words and terms that will help you to be better informed when discussing your diagnosis or treatment. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, please contact our Helpline on 0808 800 6000 to talk to someone who can help.
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
Ablation
The removal or destruction of an area of tissue or part of the body. This can be achieved by surgery or by other means such laser, cryo, or thermal therapy.
Adjuvant treatment
A treatment normally given after the main treatment (usually surgery). For women with primary breast cancer, adjuvant treatment is given to reduce the risk of a cancer coming back and can be in the form of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Adriamycin
Also known as doxorubicin. A chemotherapy drug commonly given to women with breast cancer. Part of a family of chemotherapy drugs known as anthracyclines.
Advanced breast cancer
This term refers to cancer that has spread beyond the breast to another part of the body it is also known as secondary or metastatic breast cancer.
Adverse effect
An undesired or harmful side effect of a treatment.
Alopecia
Loss of hair from the head and/or body.
Anastrozole
Also known as Arimidex. It is a hormone therapy and belongs to a group of drugs called aromatse inhibitors. Some breast cancers use the hormone oestrogen to grow. Anastrozole (Arimidex) works by stopping oestrogen being produced.
Anthracyclines
A type of chemotherapy that works by stopping cells dividing by interfering with their DNA. It is commonly used to treat breast cancer; doxorubicin and epirubicin are both examples of anthracycline drugs.
Anti emetics
Drugs given to reduce feelings of nausea or sickness.
Areola
The coloured area of skin around the nipple.
Arimidex
Also known as anastrozole. It is a hormone therapy and belongs to a group of drugs called aromatse inhibitors. Some breast cancers use the hormone oestrogen to grow. Anastrozole (Arimidex) works by stopping oestrogen being produced.
Aromasin
Also known as exemestane, it is an aromatase inhibitor hormone drug treatment. Used to treat post-menopausal women with breast cancer that is positive to oestrogen and/or progestrogen receptors. It blocks the production of oestrogen made by the fat cells in the body.
Ascites
The build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (a membrane which forms the lining of the abdomen). It may be drained in order to relieve symptoms.
Avastin
Also known as bevacizumab. It is a targeted therapy. It works by stopping the formation of new blood vessels that cancer cells need in order to grow, known as anti-angiogenesis.
Axilla
The armpit.
Axillary clearance
An operation to remove all of the lymph glands from the armpit (axilla).
Axillary dissection
An operation to remove some of the lymph glands from the armpit (axilla).
B
Bevacizumab
Also known as Avastin. It is a targeted therapy. It works by stopping the formation of new blood vessels that cancer cells need in order to grow, known as anti-angiogenesis.
Benign
Benign means non cancerous.
Bilateral
Bilateral means affecting both the right and left sides of body, so a bilateral mastectomy means removal of both breasts.
Biopsy
Biopsy means taking out a piece of tissue so that the cells can be looked at under a microscope to tell what they are.
Bone marrow
Bone marrow is spongy, soft tissue, found in the centre of bones. Bone marrow is where red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are made.
Bone metastases
Cancer that has spread from its starting point to the bones.
Bone scan
A bone scan is a test used to measure an increase or decrease in bone growth. It can help to identify any abnormalities such as tumours, infection or fractures.
Brain metastases
Also described as secondary brain cancer. Occurs when cancer cells travel from the original site of the cancer i.e. the breast and settle or metastasise in the brain.
BRCA1
Is an inherited gene mutation or faulty gene which means a permanent change to a person's DNA sequence. Having a BRCA1 mutation can mean an increased susceptibility of developing breast, ovarian or bowel cancer.
BRCA2
Is an inherited gene mutation or faulty gene which is a permanent change to a person's DNA sequence. Having a BRCA2 mutation can mean an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, male breast cancer and malignant melanoma.
Breast
Breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple), which are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissue.
Breast care nurse
A nurse trained to provide information and support to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast-conserving surgery
Breast-conserving surgery, usually referred to as wide local excision or lumpectomy, is the removal of the cancer with a margin (border) of normal breast tissue around it.
C
Calcification
Is a process whereby tissue becomes hardened due to the presence of calcium salts.
Cancer
A group of diseases in which malignant cells grow out of control and may spread to other parts of the body.
Capecitabine
Also known as Xeloda, is a chemotherapy drug that aims to reduce or halt the growth of cancer cells. It can be given in tablet form.
Carcinoma
A malignant new growth.
Cardio toxicity
Damage of the heart muscle causing the heart to become weaker and less efficient in pumping. Maybe caused by some chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
Cell
Cells are the tiny structures that make up the tissues of the body. A cell is too small to be seen by the naked eye.
Cell proliferation
An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemical substances to treat disease cytotoxic drugs, often used in combinations, e.g. FEC are used to treat cancer and to kill cancer cells.
Chest wall
The muscles, bones and joints that make up the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen.
Chronic
A persistent or lasting disease or medical condition, or one that has developed slowly. Chronic describes a disorder that continues for a long period of time.
Clinical
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Applied sciences and professions e.g. clinical psychology.
Specific procedures e.g. clinical trial – carefully monitored and planned testing of a new drug or treatment.
Complementary therapies
Used alongside conventional medical treatments. Complementary therapies look at the whole person including their physical and emotional wellbeing. This is known as an holistic approach. Complementary therapies may help to relieve some of the problems linked to a breast cancer diagnosis or the side effects of medical treatment. e.g. massage can encourage relaxation; acupuncture can be helpful with nausea, pain and emotions.
Contra Lateral
This means the opposite side, the other breast.
CT scan (computerised tomography scan, also called a CAT scan)
A type of scan that uses X rays to take a series of detailed pictures across the body.
D
DCIS
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. This is a breast cancer that has stayed inside the ducts and not spread outside. Some doctors call this intraductal or non-invasive.
Diep Flap
Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. This is a breast reconstruction method which uses the skin and fat between the belly button and the groin. It is then placed on the chest to make a breast shape.
Differentiation
A cell process of change. In breast cancer, differentiation is graded as 1, 2 or 3. The less the cell looks like its original cell the higher the grade and a higher grade gives an estimate of how aggressive the cancer might be.
Docetaxel
Also known as Taxotere, this is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called taxanes.
E
EGFR
This means Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. All cells have a number of these receptors on its surface. Some breast cancers have an increased amount and may benefit from specific receptor targeted treatments. Newer drug treatments are being developed to target these receptors. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets HER2 receptor which is a member of the EGFR family.
Embolism
An obstruction in a blood vessel. This is caused by an embolus, which is a name given to something that is circulating through the bloodstream until it gets stuck in a blood vessel.
Encapsulated
This is when a foreign body (such as a breast implant) becomes surrounded by a build-up of fibrous tissues, which can cause pain and discomfort. This is a continuous potential problem with any implantation of a foreign body.
Endometrial cancer
Cancer of the womb. The endometrium lines the womb and the cancer has developed from the womb lining, this is a rare side-effect of tamoxifen, and only usually occurs after 10 or more years of treatment with the drug.
Epoetin
Treatment for anaemia, low red blood cell count. For example in breast cancer, prolonged anaemia induced by chemotherapy.
Exemestane
Also known as Aromasin, it is an aromatase inhibitor hormone drug treatment. Used to treat post-menopausal women with breast cancer that is positive to oestrogen and/or progestrogen receptors. It blocks the production of oestrogen made by the fat cells in the body.
F
Faslodex
This is a hormone treatment, also known as fulvestrant. It is an oestrogen receptor down-regulator. Used to treat post-menopausal women with secondary breast cancer that is positive to oestrogen and/or progestrogen receptors. It blocks the action of oestrogen and reduces the number of the oestrogen receptors on the cancer cell.
Femara
Also known as letrozole, it is a drug used to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women whose breast cancer is oestrogen receptor positive. It is a type of hormone treatment and is a member of a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors.
Fibrocystic
A non cancerous breast condition in which multiple cysts or lumpy areas develop in one or both breasts. It can be accompanied by discomfort or pain.
Filgrastim
Also known as neupogen – a growth factor which promotes reproduction and maturation of white blood cells. It is effective in decreasing the incidence of neutropenia (a decrease in the number of white cells essential for fighting infection) in people receiving chemotherapy.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) this uses a fine needle and syringe to take a sample of cells for analysis under a microscope.
FISH
Fluorescence in situ hybridization is a testing procedure used to measure the amount of HER2 – Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2/neu gene in each cell. FISH-negative means that normal levels of the gene are present. FISH-positive – excessive amounts of the gene are present, and so will be classed as HER2+.
FNA
Fine Needle Aspiration - is where cells are drawn off using a fine needle and syringe. The sample is sent to the laboratory where the cells are looked at under a microscope. Sometimes the results are available on the same day.
Fractionation
Each radiotherapy treatment is known as a fraction. Fractions of radiotherapy are administered over a period of days or weeks.
Fulvestrant
This is a hormone treatment, also known as Faslodex. It is an oestrogen receptor down-regulator. Used to treat post-menopausal women with secondary breast cancer that is positive to oestrogen and/or progestrogen receptors. It blocks the action of oestrogen and reduces the number of the oestrogen receptors on the cancer cell.
G
Gemcitabine
This is a chemotherapy drug, also known as Gemzar, that can be used for treating breast cancer. It may be given as a drip through a fine tube inserted into a vein, over a short period of time.
Gemzar
This is a chemotherapy drug, also known as gemcitabine, that can be used for treating breast cancer. It may be given as a drip through a fine tube inserted into a vein, over a short period of time.
Gene
An inherited instruction that tells cells how to make a particular protein. Genes contain information that you inherit from your parents, such as eye or hair colour. Humans have around 30,000 genes.
Grade
This is the system used to classify cancer cells according to how different they are to normal breast cells and how quickly they are growing.
Growth factors
Are special proteins produced naturally in the body to stimulate the bone marrow to make blood cells. They can also be made as a drug, for example filgrastim, to increase the number of white blood cells in the blood.
H
HER2
Human epidermal growth factor receptor2 is a protein found in small amounts on normal breast cells. It is made by a specific gene called the HER2 gene. It is one of the proteins involved in the growth of cells. Some breast cancer cells have a lot more HER2 receptors than others. This is known as being HER2 positive. It is thought that 20-25 per cent of breast cancers will be HER2 positive.
Herceptin
Also called trastuzumab. This is a drug that treats breast cancer and improves the way the body fights breast cancer cells. It belongs to a new group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, also known as targeted therapies. Only patients who have HER2 positive breast cancers will benefit from trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Heredity
The transfer of genetically controlled characteristics from one generation to the next. The tendency to develop a particular disease may be inherited.
Hormone therapy
Treating a disease by giving hormones or giving drugs (medication) that will prevent the natural action of hormones. As the female hormone oestrogen can play a part in stimulating some breast cancers to grow, there are a number of hormone therapies that work in different ways to block the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Teatment using female sex hormones, either oestrogen alone or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone, to help control menopausal symptoms.
Hypercalcaemia
An above normal level of calcium in the blood. Can be caused by cancer affecting the bones.
Hyperplasia
Unusual growth caused by an excessive multiplication of cells.
I
Immune response
A defense function of the body that protects it from invasion by infection, foreign tissues and malignancies.
Immunosuppression
Prevention or reduction of the immune response. Can be caused by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Infertility
The persistent inability to conceive a child.
Inflammatory
Inflammation is the reaction of living tissues to injury, infection or irritation. Anything that stimulates this response is said to be 'inflammatory'. There is a type of breast cancer called 'inflammatory breast cancer' which is so called because the overlying skin of the breast may have a red appearance, similar to that seen with some infections of the breast.
Intraductal
A non invasive condition in which cancerous cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The cancerous cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Also known as ducal carcinoma in situ.
Intramuscular (IM)
An injection into the muscle.
Intravenous
Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. It can be intermittent or continuous. Continuous administration is called an 'intravenous drip'. The word intravenous simply means 'within a vein', but is most commonly used to refer to intravenous drug therapy.
J
K
L
Lapatinib
Also known as Tyverb, it is a targeted therapy and is one of a group of cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Letrozole
Also known as Femara, it is a drug used to treat breast cancer in post menopausal women whose breast cancer is oestrogen receptor positive. It is a type of hormone treatment and is a member of a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors.
Local treatment
Treatment to a specific area of the body, for example surgery or radiotherapy.
Lumpectomy
The name given to the operation to remove a breast lump or cancer with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. Sometimes called a wide local excision, or breast conserving surgery. It is also a term used to describe removal of a benign (non-cancerous) lump.
Lymph nodes
May also be called lymph glands. They are small 'bean' shaped structures located throughout the lymphatic system. They are found throughout the body particularly in the armpit (axilla), neck and groin which fight infection and filter lymphatic fluid.
Lymphatic system
A filtering system for the blood that includes lymph nodes, lymph fluid and lymph vessels.
M
Mammogram
The process of using low-dose x-rays to examine the breast to create an image. Radiologists then analyse the image to look for any abnormalities.
Mastectomy
Surgery to remove the whole of the breast tissue including the nipple area.
Metastases
Sometimes abbreviated to 'mets.' It refers to the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another site that is not connected. For example in breast cancer there may be spread of the cancer to the liver or lungs. Only malignant cells have this capacity. It may also be referred to as advanced or 'secondary cancer.'
Mets
This is an abbreviation of the word 'metastases'. It refers to the spread of cancer from one organ or part of the body to another site that is not connected. For example in breast cancer there may be spread to the liver or lungs. Only malignant cells have this capacity. May also be referred to as 'secondary cancer.'
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A type of scan that uses magnetism and radio waves to produce a series of cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. It does not use x-rays and can be used on most parts of the body. It is a painless procedure but rather noisy, involving entry into a cylinder shaped machine with the patient lying on a moving bed.
N
Navelbine
Also known by its generic name, vinorelbine, Navelbine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat people who have regionally or locally advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to areas around the breast) or secondary breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).
Neo-adjuvant
A non-surgical treatment that is given first, before any surgery. In breast cancer neo-adjuvant treatment is usually given to shrink the cancer, sometimes making surgery easier and less extensive. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies can all be given as neo-adjuvant treatments, but chemotherapy is the most commonly used.
Neoplasm
New and abnormal growth of tissue which may be benign or cancerous.
Neutropenia
A condition which occurs when the level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) falls below the normal range. A condition which can occur as a result of receiving chemotherapy, due to the action of the drugs.
O
P
Paclitaxel
Also known as Taxol, this is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called taxanes.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
A type of scan that produces a three dimensional image giving details on both the structure and function of organs or tissue being looked at, sometimes combined with a CT scan.
Prosthesis
An artificial breast form used to restore shape when some or all of the breast has been removed.
Q
R
Recurrence
Mean when a cancer has returned after initial treatment. It is sometimes described as local recurrence, if the cancer has returned in the same breast or near the surgery scar. When it spreads to areas around the breast such as the skin, the muscles on the chest wall, the lymph nodes under the breast bone, collarbone or ribs it is called regional recurrence. A recurrence is not the same as secondary breast cancer.
S
Secondary breast cancer
Sometimes abbreviated to 'mets.' It refers to the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another site that is not connected. For example in breast cancer there may be spread of the cancer to the liver or lungs. Only malignant cells have this capacity. It may also be referred to as advanced or 'secondary breast cancer'.
Secondary disease
Another term for secondary breast cancer.
SNB (Sentinel Node Biopsy)
Also known as sentinel lymph node biopsy, this is a method to detect whether any cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Blue dye and/or a radioactive material are injected into the breast and will travel to the first or 'sentinel' node that would normally receive lymph fluid from the area of the breast containing the cancer. The sentinel node is identified by the surgeon and removed (sometimes it is necessary to remove more than one). If there are no cancer cells in the sentinel node then it usually means the other nodes are clear too. This avoids the need to remove lymph nodes unnecessarily. However, sentinel node biopsy is not appropriate for everyone and your surgeon will discuss whether or not this procedure is an option for you.
Subcutaneous injection
An injection into the fatty tissue under the skin
Systemic treatment
Drugs that treat the whole body, for example, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.
T
Tamoxifen
Also known as Nolvadex, it is a drug used to treat hormone sensitive breast cancer. It works by preventing the hormone oestrogen from stimulating breast cancer cells. It is normally taken for several years.
Targeted therapies
A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and work by blocking specific ways that breast cancer cells divide and grow without harming normal cells.
Taxol
Also known as paclitaxel, this is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called taxanes.
Taxotere
Also known as docetaxel, this is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called taxanes.
Thrombosis
Occurs when blood changes from a liquid to a solid state and forms a clot. If the clot occurs in a major vein, the condition is known as a 'deep vein thrombosis' or DVT.
Terminal
End stage of life.
Trastuzumab
Also called Herceptin. This is a drug that treats breast cancer and improves the way the body fights breast cancer cells. It belongs to a new group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, also known as targeted therapies. Only patients who have HER2 positive breast cancers will benefit from trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Tyverb
Also known as lapatinib, it is a targeted therapy and is one of a group of cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
U
Ultrasound
A scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of an area in the body. It is not an x-ray. Commonly used to examine the breast in conjunction with a mammogram.
V
Vacuum assisted biopsy
You may be offered a vacuum assisted biopsy. This may be referred to as a Mammotome biopsy, which is one brand name of the equipment used. The patient is given an injection of local anaesthetic then a small cut is made in the skin. A hollow probe connected to a vacuum device is placed through this. Using ultrasound or mammography as a guide, breast tissue is sucked through the probe by the vacuum into a collecting chamber. This enables removal of several tissue samples which are sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope.
Vinorelbine
Also known by its brand name, Navelbine, vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat people who have regionally or locally advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to areas around the breast) or secondary breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).
W
WLE
Abbreviation for Wide Local Excision, the name given to the operation to remove a breast cancer with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. Sometimes called breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy.
X
Xeloda
Also known as capecitabine, is a chemotherapy drug that aims to reduce or halt the growth of cancer cells. It can be given in tablet form.
X-ray
An x-ray is an image of the shadows produced by the more dense tissues in the body such as bone the images are similar to photos.
