A
abdominal hysterectomy. An operation to remove the uterus that’s performed by way of an incision in the abdomen.
absolute risk. The actual numeric chance of developing a condition, such as cancer, during a specified time.
adenocarcinoma. Cancer that starts in glandular tissue or cancer that forms glandular-like structures.
adjuvant therapy. Additional treatment that’s given to a person with no visible evidence of any remaining (residual) cancer after completion of the first (primary) treatment.
advanced (metastatic) cancer. Cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs or liver.
angiogenesis. Development of new blood vessels, allowing cells to receive nutrients.
antibody. An immune system protein whose function it is to bind to and eliminate a foreign substance (antigen).
anti-emetic.A medication given to prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting.
antigens.Foreign substances that elicit an immune system response.
antioxidants. Substances that protect the body’s cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, highly reactive and potentially toxic oxygen molecules.
areola. The area of dark skin around a nipple.
aromatase inhibitors. Breast cancer medications that block the production of estrogen.
ascites. Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
axillary node dissection. Surgical removal of lymph nodes under the arm in an attempt to remove cancer cells that may have spread from a tumor in the adjacent breast.
axillary nodes. Lymph nodes located under the arm (in the axilla).
B
benign. Not cancerous.
benign tumor. A growth that doesn’t invade surrounding tissue or spread to distant parts of the body.
bilateral. Affecting both sides. Bilateral breast cancer is breast cancer that occurs in both breasts at the same time. Bilateral oophorectomy is the removal of both ovaries.
biologic therapies. Nonchemotherapy approaches to treat cancer, such as immunotherapy and growth factor blockers. They target tumor cells through biologic pathways.
biopsy. Removal of a small sample of tissue for analysis in a pathology laboratory.
bone scan. A test to look for bone damage, possibly caused by spread of cancer to bone.
brachytherapy. See internal radiation (brachytherapy).
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genes that help govern a cell’s response to DNA damage. When altered, they result in a marked predisposition to breast and ovarian cancers.
breast reconstruction. A surgical procedure designed to restore a relatively natural-shaped breast mound after breast tissue removal.
breast self-examination (BSE). Examination of your own breasts for lumps or changes.
C
calcifications. Calcium deposits in body tissues, including the breast. Depending on their size and clustering pattern, they may signal a benign or malignant process.
cancer. Growth of an abnormal population of cells that have acquired aggressive properties, including the ability to spread to new tissues in the body.
CA 125 blood test. A blood tumor marker test that measures the level of CA 125 in blood. CA 125 is a protein that’s produced by most ovarian cancers.
carcinogen. A cancer-causing agent.
carcinoma. Cancer that originates in epithelial tissue, which covers or lines an organ or body structure.
carcinoma in situ. Cancer cells that are confined to the layer of cells in which they started to develop. Also known as noninvasive cancer.
cell proliferation. Cell multiplication by way of cell division.
cervix. The lower, neck-like portion of the uterus, which extends into the upper portion of the vagina.
chemoprevention. Use of medication to reduce the risk of cancer.
chemotherapy. Medications that can kill cancer cells.
chromosome. One of 46 (23 pairs) rod-shaped structures in the nucleus of human cells that carry genetic instructions for each cell.
clinical breast examination (CBE). Examination of the breasts for lumps or changes by a health care professional.
clinical trial. A research study in humans that tests new approaches for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a condition, or for relief of symptoms.
complementary therapies. Treatments used in addition to mainstream medicine.
complete blood count (CBC). A test to count levels of white and red blood cells and platelets.
complete remission. After treatment, disappearance of all evidence of cancer by physical examination and medical tests.
computer-aided detection (CAD). A computer technique that gives radiologists an additional tool to help them detect questionable areas on a standard mammogram.
computerized tomography (CT) scan. An X-ray technique that produces more detailed images of the internal organs than do older X-ray studies.
contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. A means of lowering the risk of a new breast cancer by removing the unaffected breast.
core needle biopsy. A type of biopsy in which a needle is used to withdraw a small core of tissue from a mass. A smaller needle is used for fine-needle aspiration.
corpus. The upper, larger portion of the uterus.
cyst. A fluid-filled sac that’s benign.
cytokines. Immune system proteins, some of which either attack and kill cancerous cells directly or stimulate the body’s immune system cells to help attack a cancer.
D
debulking (cytoreduction). Surgical removal of as much cancer as possible.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The chemical code of genes found in the nucleus of cells that carries hereditary information.
diagnostic mammogram. A breast X-ray used to investigate breast changes, evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram or evaluate breasts with implants.
dilation and curettage (D&C). Opening (dilating) the cervix and scraping the lining of the uterus (endometrium) with an instrument called a curet.
disease-free interval. The time extending from the initial diagnosis of a cancer to the time when a recurrence becomes apparent.
distant cancer. Cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. Also called metastasis.
dosimetrist. An individual who calculates and measures radiation dosage and delivery.
doubling time. The time it takes for a tumor to become twice its size.
ductal carcinoma. Cancer that begins in the ductal cells of the breast.
ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). A noninvasive breast cancer in which the abnormal cells haven’t spread through duct walls into the connective or fatty tissue of the breast.
ductal cells. Cells that line the milk ducts in the breast.
ductal lavage. Injecting saline into a breast duct through the nipple openings and then withdrawing the solution for analysis.
ductoscopy. Use of a very slender catheter with a microscopic video camera at its tip that’s inserted into openings in the nipple of the breast to visualize the lining of the ducts of the breast and look for cellular changes.
ducts. Thin tubes within the breast that connect the milk-forming bulbs, lobules and lobes to the nipple.
dysplasia. A precancerous process in which normal cells begin to change in size, shape or structure.
E
endometrium.The thick, blood-rich inner lining of the body (corpus) of the uterus.
epithelial cells.Cells that line or cover most organs.
epithelial hyperplasia. An overgrowth of epithelial cells.
epithelial ovarian cancer. Cancer that develops in the epithelial covering of the ovary, the most common type of ovarian cancer.
epithelium. The thin layer of cells that lines the outside and inside of most organs.
estrogen. A primary female hormone. It stimulates the growth of cancer cells in hormone receptor positive tumors.
estrogen receptor. A protein found in certain cells within certain tissues, such as breast and uterine tissues, to which estrogen binds.
excisional biopsy. Surgical removal of a mass.
external beam radiation. A form of radiation therapy in which doses of radiation from a large X-ray machine located outside the body are aimed at the tumor area.
external risk factors. Outside influences on the body, including lifestyle and environmental factors. Some can contribute to cancer development.
F
fallopian tubes. The passageways for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
fibroadenoma. A solid, benign tumor that often occurs in the breasts of women during their reproductive years.
fibrocystic breasts. The presence of benign fibrous tissue in the breasts, with or without fluid-filled sacs (cysts).
fine-needle aspiration biopsy. A type of biopsy that uses a very fine needle and syringe to collect a sample of cells from a mass.
flap surgery. Reconstructive surgery in which a section of tissue taken from one part of the body, such as the abdominal wall, is used to fashion a new breast mound.
free radicals. Highly reactive and potentially toxic oxygen molecules within cells that are created as a byproduct of normal metabolism.
frozen section. A tissue sample that’s quickly frozen, sliced and analyzed under a microscope so that a surgeon can receive information on the sample within minutes.
G
Gail model. A statistical tool that allows doctors to estimate the likelihood that a woman with certain risk factors will develop invasive breast cancer in the next five years and also during her lifetime.
gene. A defined segment of DNA within a chromosome. Genes are the blueprints for how the cells of the body function.
gene therapy. The process of supplying abnormal cells with healthy copies of missing or defective genes in an effort to treat, cure or possibly prevent disease.
genetic marker. An identifiable substance associated with a normal or abnormal gene.
genetics. The study of genes and the diseases caused by gene abnormalities.
genetic testing. Testing to determine whether an individual carries a specific gene mutation that puts her or him at increased risk of a certain condition.
genomics. The study of the human genome, the complete set of approximately 25,000 genes in a human being.
germ cells. Cells in an ovary or testicle that develop into eggs and sperm, respectively.
Gn-RH analogs. Drugs resembling hormones that control production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Gn-RH stands for gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
grade. A measure of how much cancer cells differ from normal cells when viewed under a microscope. The grade often reflects the aggressiveness of the cancer.
H
hereditary cancer. Cancer caused by mutations in a gene, which can be passed on to a child from a parent.
HER2. HER2 is an abbreviation for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, a protein that stimulates cell growth and is overproduced in about 20 to 25 percent of breast cancers and some other cancers.
histology. The study of the microscopic appearance of tissue.
hormone receptor. A cell protein that can bind to its specific hormone or to hormone-look-alike drugs.
hormone therapy. Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking or adding hormones in an attempt to inhibit cancer growth.
hospice care. A program designed to provide palliative care to people with terminal illness and supportive services to their families and significant others.
hyperplasia. Increased cell growth.
hysterectomy.Surgical removal of the uterus.
I
immunotherapy. Using various means to stimulate a person’s own immune system to kill cancer cells.
implant, breast. A breast-shaped device placed under the skin of the chest wall and held in place by the chest muscles. It’s used for cosmetic surgery or breast reconstruction.
incidence. The number of new cases of a disease within a defined time frame.
inflammatory breast cancer. Cancer that’s associated with redness, warmth and swelling of the skin of the breast.
internal radiation (brachytherapy). A form of radiation therapy in which radioactive substances are placed in the tumor or near where the cancer was removed.
internal risk factors. Influences within the body that may increase the likelihood of disease, including hormonal factors, inherited genetic mutations and immune conditions.
interstitial radiation. A type of internal radiation in which radioactive material is sealed in a container and placed into or near the cancer, but not in a body cavity.
intracavitary radiation. A type of internal radiation in which the radioactive material is placed in a body cavity, such as within the uterus.
intraductal hyperplasia. A condition in which too many cells line the wall of a milk duct in the breast.
intraductal hyperplasia with atypia. A form of intraductal hyperplasia in which the cells begin to take on an abnormal appearance.
intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). Radiation treatment during surgery in which the radiation is aimed directly toward the site intended to receive the treatment.
invasive cancer. Cancer that has spread from its cell or cells of origin into adjacent connective tissue.
ipsilateral. Referring to the same side of the body.
L
laparoscopy. Use of lighted instruments and small cutting tools that are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen and pelvis to gather cell samples or perform surgery.
laparotomy. Surgery that involves opening up the abdominal cavity by way of an abdominal incision.
lifetime cancer risk. The chance that an individual will develop cancer during his or her lifetime.
lobes. Fifteen to 20 sections of the breast made up of milk-forming lobules.
lobular carcinoma. Cancer that originates in the lobules of the breast.
lobular carcinoma in situ(LCIS). A condition in which lobular cells of the breast are abnormal, but the abnormal cells are confined within the breast lobules.
lobules. Tiny milk-forming structures within the breast.
locally advanced breast cancer. Breast cancers with one or more of these features: larger than 5 centimeters, extensive involvement of the regional lymph nodes, or spread to breast skin or the chest wall.
local recurrence. Regrowth of cancer cells at or near the site of the original tumor.
local-regional therapy. Treatment, including surgery and radiation therapy, that’s targeted directly at the tumor and nearby tissue.
lumpectomy. Removal of the portion of a breast that appears to contain cancer cells, but not the whole breast. Also known as breast-conserving surgery.
lymphedema.Accumulation of fluid in an arm or leg from disruption of lymph vessels.
lymph node.A collection of lymphatic tissue found in many parts of the body.
lymphoma.A tumor that develops in lymphatic tissue.
lymph vessels. Vessels that carry lymph, a clear fluid that contains immune system cells and that drains waste products from tissues.
M
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a detailed, three-dimensional (3-D) representation of the body.
malignant. Cancerous.
malignant tumor. Abnormal growth and multiplication of cells, causing the cells to form a mass (tumor). The cells have acquired aggressive features, including the ability to spread into other tissues. Another term for a cancer.
mammography. A procedure in which X-rays are taken of the breasts to detect any abnormalities.
margin of resection. The edge of a sample of tissue (specimen) that’s removed during surgery.
mastectomy. Surgery to remove a breast.
metaplasia. A change in tissue cells to a form that’s not normal for that type of tissue, but not necessarily abnormal enough to be called cancer.
metastasis. The process by which cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and spread, usually through blood and lymph vessels, to other parts of the body.
microcalcifications. Tiny calcium deposits that can appear in the breast and often show up on a mammogram. Depending on their size and other features, they may suggest a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) process.
mismatch repair genes. Genes that help repair damaged DNA. When these genes are defective or damaged, mutations are more likely to accumulate.
modified radical mastectomy. Surgery that removes breast tissue, the areola and nipple, and lymph nodes under the arm near the breast.
monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies are one branch of the body’s immune response. Monoclonal antibodies attach themselves to one specific target (antigen) in the body.
multifocal cancer. Cancer that starts within multiple areas of an organ.
mutation. An alteration in a gene.
myometrium. A layer of smooth muscle that makes up the muscular wall of the uterus.
N
negative margins. Edges (margins) of a tissue sample that are cancer-free.
neoadjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy given before a planned surgery to remove the cancer.
neoplasia. A new growth that may be benign or malignant.
nipple-sparing mastectomy. Removal of the underlying breast tissue, while keeping most of the breast’s exterior, including the breast skin and nipple and areola.
noninvasive cancer. See carcinoma in situ.
nuclear medicine imaging. Injection of tiny amounts of radioactive tracers into the body. The tracers concentrate in given tissues and are viewed by a special camera.
O
omentum. The fatty apron in the front of the abdomen where cancer cells can collect.
oncogenes. Genes that play a role in normal cell growth and differentiation. If mutated, they can result in uncontrolled cell growth.
oncology.The study of cancers and their treatments.
oophorectomy.Surgery to remove the ovaries.
optimal debulking. Abdominal-pelvic surgery that leaves behind only minimal or no cancer deposits.
ovarian cysts. Benign fluid-filled pockets (sacs) within or on the surface of an ovary.
ovarian suppression (ablation). Shutdown of ovarian function by way of surgery, radiation or medication. It reduces the production of estrogen in premenopausal women.
ovary. The female reproductive organ that contains eggs and produces hormones.
P
Paget’s disease of the breast. Scaling and inflammation of the nipple associated with an underlying breast cancer that may be invasive or noninvasive.
palliative care. Therapy aimed at controlling symptoms caused by a disease or treatment for a disease.
palpate. To examine a tissue or organ by feeling it.
Pap test. A screening test in which a doctor obtains a sample of cells from the cervix for examination by a pathologist.
paracentesis. A procedure by which excess fluid in the abdomen (ascites) is withdrawn with a needle.
partial remission. Reduction, but not elimination, of cancer as a result of treatment.
pathology. Study of the cause and nature of a disease, and especially its structural appearance.
pathology report. A detailed report that contains information about the pathological appearance of a tissue specimen.
peau d’orange. Swollen breast skin that resembles an orange peel, caused by blocked lymph vessels in breast skin.
pedigree. A structured diagram that shows a family tree.
pelvic exam. Examination of a woman’s external and internal reproductive organs.
peritoneal implant. Tumor spread to the lining of the abdominal-pelvic cavity (peritoneum).
peritoneum. The lining of the abdominal-pelvic cavity.
phytoestrogens. Plant chemicals, such as those in soy, with similarities to estrogen.
placebo. A medically inactive substance that may be used as part of a clinical trial to determine if a new treatment works.
platelets. Small particles in the blood that aid in blood clotting.
pleural effusion. Accumulation of fluid within the pleural space around the lungs that may or may not be cancerous.
positive margins. Edges of a tissue sample (margins) that show signs of cancer.
positron emission tomography (PET). A nuclear medicine study in which a tracer is injected into the body that accumulates in malignant cells.
precancerous. Referring to a condition that may develop into cancer.
primary tumor. The initial site of origin of a cancer.
progesterone. A female hormone that rises in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
progestin. A synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, used in hormone therapy.
prognosis.The predicted outcome of a disease.
prophylactic mastectomy. Surgical removal of one or both breasts in a woman at high risk of breast cancer to reduce her cancer risk.
prophylactic oophorectomy. Surgical removal of the ovaries in a woman at high risk of ovarian cancer to reduce her risk of ovarian and peritoneal cancer. In a premenopausal woman, the surgery may also reduce breast cancer risk.
prosthesis, breast. A soft device that’s shaped like a breast and worn outside the body.
proteomics. The study of the body’s proteins.
punch biopsy. Use of a hole-punch-type instrument to remove a sample of skin tissue.
Q
quadrantectomy. Surgical removal of the quarter of the breast that contains cancer cells. Also called partial mastectomy.
R
radiation therapy. Use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells or damage them to the point that they lose their ability to grow and divide.
radical mastectomy. Surgical removal of the breast, chest wall muscle below the breast and all of the lymph nodes under the arm.
radioisotope. A radioactive substance.
recurrent cancer. Cancer that comes back after initial treatment.
regional recurrence. Cancer that recurs in lymph nodes or other tissues located near the original tumor.
regression. A decrease in tumor size.
relapse. Redevelopment of cancer after a cancer-free time period.
relative risk. A numeric comparison between the number of cancers (or other conditions) in a group of people with a particular trait and the number of cancers (or other conditions) in a group of people without that trait but who are otherwise similar.
remission. Disappearance of the cancer as determined by clinical evaluation, resolution of symptoms or both.
residual disease. The amount of cancer that remains after surgery.
risk factor. A factor that increases the chance of developing a condition.
S
sarcoma. A cancer that originates in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage and muscle.
screening. Being tested for a disease in the absence of symptoms.
screening mammogram. An X-ray of the breast used to look for changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
sentinel node biopsy. A dye or a radioactive solution is injected into the primary tumor area to determine which lymph nodes are the first to receive drainage from the cancer area (sentinel nodes). These lymph nodes are removed and examined for cancer cells.
serosa. The thin, fibrous, outermost layer of many organs.
simple hyperplasia. An excess of normal-appearing cells. This is the most common form of endometrial hyperplasia.
simple (total) mastectomy. Surgical removal of the breast tissue, skin, areola and nipple, but not any lymph nodes.
skin-sparing mastectomy. Removal of breast tissue while preserving as much of the breast skin as possible.
speculum. A device used to hold the vaginal walls apart during a pelvic exam.
squamous cells. Flat cells that cover the surface of the skin and the lining of some hollow organs of the body.
staging. Determination of the extent of the cancer or its spread. Cancer stage is generally based on a tumor’s size and whether it has spread to lymph nodes and other areas of the body.
stroma. Tissue supporting the structures of an organ.
subcutaneous mastectomy. Removal of breast tissue, but not the nipple and areola.
supportive (palliative) care. Treatment designed to alleviate symptoms caused by cancer or anti-cancer therapy.
surgical biopsy. Surgical removal of a portion of a mass (incisional biopsy) or the whole mass (excisional biopsy) for pathological examination.
surgical menopause. Menopause that’s caused by surgical removal of the ovaries.
systemic. Affecting the entire body.
systemic therapy. Treatment delivered to the entire body by way of the bloodstream, including chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
T
targeted therapies. Nonchemotherapy treatments that target a specific pathway that’s driving a cancer.
total abdominal hysterectomy. Surgical removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix, through an incision in the abdomen.
transvaginal ultrasound. A procedure in which a transducer is inserted into the vagina to check for suspicious masses in the pelvic region.
tubal ligation. A surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy by cutting or sealing the fallopian tubes.
tumor. An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell growth and division, which may be benign or malignant. Also called a neoplasm.
tumor marker. A substance circulating in blood that’s produced by a certain tumor. The level of the tumor marker may reflect the activity or extent of the tumor.
tumor suppressor genes. Genes normally responsible for restraining cell growth.
U
ultrasound. An imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the human body, which are displayed on a computer screen.
uterine cancer. Cancer that starts within the uterine body (corpus).
uterine fibroids. Benign tumors that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus.
uterus. A hollow organ where a fetus grows and develops during pregnancy.
V
vagina. A muscular tube that connects the uterus with the outer genitals.
vaginal hysterectomy. A hysterectomy that’s performed through a vaginal incision.
W
wide local excision. A procedure in which a doctor removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
wire localization. Use of fine wires to show the surgeon the location of a breast mass that can’t be felt so that the mass can be removed.