This is the best glossary I've come across.
To help you, I've put a Miriam Webster Dictionary at the bottom
of this page.
This will help you understand
what you are hearing about your condition. Initially, just pay attention to the terms
that apply to you!
Glossary
Adjuvant chemotherapy/hormone
therapy
The use of either chemotherapy or hormone therapy after initial
treatment either by surgery or radiotherapy. The aim of adjuvant
therapy is to destroy any cancer that has spread.
Alopecia
Hair loss. It is usually partial, although it
can be complete. Full recovery usually occurs fairly quickly.
Anti-oncogene
See tumor suppressor gene.
ANZBCTG
Australian and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials
Group. It is a trans-Tasman clinical trials group which conducts research
on new treatments for breast cancer.
Atypia
Abnormal changes in cells. See also
dysplasia.
Axilla
The armpit.
Axillary dissection
Surgery to remove fat and lymph nodes from the
armpit. It can be done either at the same time as a mastectomy or as a
separate operation. It can be partial or complete.
Benign
Not malignant, not cancer. A benign tumor is not
capable of spreading.
Biopsy
Removal of a sample of tissue or cells from the
body to assist in diagnosis of a disease.
Body image
A person's conception of and feelings about his
or her body - its form, size, shape and the way it fits society's norms.
Self-esteem and sexuality are linked with body image.
Bone scan
A test to see whether the cancer has spread to
any bones.
Boost
An extra dose of radiation given to a smaller
area, usually the site where the tumor was removed, after the rest of the
breast has been irradiated.
BRCA1
Breast cancer gene 1. A gene which is defective
in about 2% of women with breast cancer. See also familial
breast cancer.
BRCA2
Breast cancer gene 2. Another gene implicated
in familial breast cancer.
Breast conservation
See
breast conserving surgery.
Breast conserving surgery
Surgery where the cancer is removed, together
with a margin of normal breast tissue. The whole breast is not removed.
Breast reconstruction
The formation of a breast shape after a total
mastectomy.
Breast sharing
A method of reconstruction in which some of the
opposite breast is used to reconstruct the missing breast.
Calcification
The deposition of calcium salts in body tissues.
In the breast, it can be associated with either normal or cancerous tissue.
Carcinoma
A malignant tumor arising from epithelial cells,
which are cells lining the external or internal surfaces of the body. Carcinomas
spread to nearby tissues. They may also spread to distant sites such as
lung, liver, lymph nodes and bone. See also metastasis
Carcinoma in situ
A malignant tumor which has not yet become invasive
but is confined to the layer of cells from which it arose. A form of pre-invasive
cancer.
Carcinoma NOS
Invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified.
Comprises 70 per cent of all breast cancers.
Cathepsin D
A protein secreted by breast cancer cells. It
may be a marker of poor prognosis.
Centigray
A measure of radiation. 1 centigray = 1 rad.
Chemotherapy
The use of medications (drugs) that are toxic
to cancer cells. These drugs kills the cells, or prevent or slow their
growth.
Chromosome
A body in the cell nucleus carrying genes. See
gene.
CLE
See
complete local excision.
Clinical trial
Research conducted with the patient's permission
which usually involves a comparison of two or more treatments or diagnostic
methods. The aim is to gain better understanding of the underlying disease
process and/or methods to treat it.
Combined modality treatment
The integration of two or more forms of treatment
to combat the cancer. For example: radiation and surgery; radiation and
chemotherapy; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Comedo carcinoma in situ
An aggressive type of breast carcinoma.
Complete local excision
The complete removal of a tumor with a surrounding
margin of normal breast tissue. Also known as CLE and breast conserving
surgery.
Conservative surgery
Surgery in which the breast is not removed. Also
known as breast conserving surgery.
Coping strategies
Strategies or
behaviors used to reduce psychological
stress. Coping strategies may be influenced by personality style and the
specific situation, and may change over time.
Core biopsy
The sampling of breast tissue with a needle to
give a tiny cylinder of tissue for examination by a pathologist.
Cosmesis
The appearance of the breast following treatment.
Cribriform
See
Non-comedo carcinoma.
Cycle
Chemotherapy is usually administered at regular
intervals. A cycle is a course of chemotherapy followed by a period in
which the body recovers.
Cytology
An examination by a pathologist of the cellular
structure of a tissue.
DCIS
Ductal carcinoma in situ. A form of breast cancer
which requires special consideration. It spreads along the ducts of the
breast, rather than forming a lump.
Denial
Inability to acknowledge something apparent to
others. It can be an involuntary coping strategy.
Depression
A pervasive and sustained lowering of mood. Other
features include tearfulness, guilt, irritability, loss of interest in
life, loss of energy, poor concentration, poor sleep and loss of appetite.
Differentiation
The degree to which a
tumor resembles normal
tissue. In general, the closer the resemblance, the better the prognosis.
Well differentiated tumors closely resemble normal tissue.
Disease-free survival
The time from the primary treatment of the breast
cancer to the first evidence of cancer recurrence.
Ducts
Passages along which milk passes during breastfeeding.
Ductal carcinoma in situ
See
DCIS.
Dry desquamation
A reaction to radiotherapy involving the shedding
of dry skin.
Dysplasia
An abnormal growth of cells which look something
like cancer cells, but do not have all the features of cancer. See also
atypia.
ECOG
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. A group of
American oncologists which conducts trials on cancer treatments.
ECOG performance status
A five point scale developed by the Eastern Cooperative
Oncology Group.
0 - No symptoms of cancer
1 - Presence of cancer-related symptoms
2 - Spends less than 50% of daylight hours in
bed
3 - Spends more than 50%, but less than 100% of
daylight hours in bed
4 - Totally confined to bed
EGF-R
Epidermal growth factor receptor. A protein on
some cancer cells. Cancers with plenty of EGF-R are likely to be aggressive.
See also erbB-2.
Electron
The smallest particle of negative electricity.
EORTC
European Organization for Research and Treatment
of Cancer. A group which carries out clinical trials on cancer therapies.
EORTC core quality of life
questionnaire (QLQ)
A questionnaire designed to determine the impact
on quality of life of different treatments.
Epidermal growth factor receptor
See
EGF-R.
ER
Estrogen receptor. A protein on breast cancer
cells that binds estrogens. It indicates that the tumor may respond to
hormonal therapies. Tumors with plenty of ER have a better prognosis that
those which do not.
erbB-2
Also known as HER2/neu. A protein similar to EGF-R.
Tumors with plenty of erbB-2 are usually aggressive.
Erythema
Redness of the skin, which is the earliest sign
of radiation reaction.
Familial breast cancer
Breast cancer affecting two or more close relatives,
especially in premenopausal women. It implies an inherited disposition.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA or FNAB)
See fine needle biopsy.
Fine needle biopsy (FNB)
The sampling of cells from breast tissue for examination
by a pathologist.
Fraction
Radiotherapy is usually given over several weeks.
The dose delivered each day is known as a fraction.
Free flap reconstruction
Breast reconstruction using microsurgery.
Frozen section
A rapid method of obtaining a pathological examination
of tissue during an operation. This is not routinely used in breast cancer.
G-CSF
Granulocyte cell stimulating factor. A natural
substance which promotes the growth of white cells. It can be used after
chemotherapy.
Gene
The functional unit of heredity. Each gene sits
on a chromosome within the cell nucleus.
Grade
The degree of similarity of the cancer cells to
normal cells. This is assessed by a pathologist. A grade 1 carcinoma is
well differentiated and is associated with a good prognosis. A grade 2
carcinoma is moderately differentiated and is associated with an intermediate
prognosis. A grade 3 carcinoma is poorly differentiated and is associated
with a poor prognosis. Grade is assessed by a pathologist. Note: As
of 1997, grade has been given sub-grades to indicate the
source of a metastasic for example, or where the
malignant cells may have come from to enter the
lymphatic system for instance. This is discussed under /biopsyetc.html
because the biopsy method may move malignant cells into
the blood supply of the woman.
Gray
The modern unit of radiation dosage. Doses used
in treatment for early breast cancer range from 45 and 65 Gray. See also
rad.
Halsted mastectomy
See
radical mastectomy.
HER2/neu
See
erbB-2.
Histology
An examination of the structure of a cell by a
pathologist.
Hormone receptors
Proteins in a cell which bind to specific hormones.
This binding stimulates the cell to act in a certain way.
These receptors are present in about 50% of all
women with breast cancer. Women with plenty of hormone receptors are likely
to respond to hormone treatments, and are more likely to do well than women
without hormone receptors.
Hormone replacement therapy
The use of hormones as a substitute for natural
hormones in women.
Hormone therapy
The use of drugs or hormones which specifically
inhibit the growth of hormone responsive cancer cells.
Hyperplasia
Increased numbers of epithelial cells. If excessive,
there is a slightly increased risk of developing subsequent breast carcinoma.
Immediate reconstruction
The reconstruction of the breast at the time of
mastectomy.
In situ carcinoma
See
carcinoma in situ.
Increment
See
fraction.
International Breast Cancer Study Group
An international cooperative group which includes
many Australian clinical researchers. The group is carrying out multicentre
trials, especially in the area of chemotherapy.
Iridium (wire)
A radioactive wire often used to deliver the boost
to the operative site in breast conserving techniques.
Large cell in situ carcinoma
See comedo carcinoma.
Latissimus dorsi flap
A method of reconstruction using skin from the
back, which is carried on the latissimus dorsi muscle.
LCIS
Lobular carcinoma in situ. It is a misnomer which
describes a benign process in the breast. It is not a carcinoma. It is
usually detected by chance in the course of a breast biopsy for another
lesion.
Local recurrence
Return of the cancer in the affected breast.
Limited axillary dissection
Surgery to the armpit in which not all lymph nodes
are removed.
Linear accelerator
Modern radiation equipment capable of delivering
x-rays at very high energies.
Lumpectomy
Surgical removal of a lump from the breast. See
complete
local excision.
Lymphatic system
A system of vessels which drains fluid out of
the head, neck and limbs and returns it to the general circulation.
Lymph node
A small collection of tissue along the lymphatic
system which acts as a filter. White cells and cancer cells, in particular,
collect in lymph nodes. They are found in the neck, the armpit, the groin
and many other places. Lymph nodes are also known as glands.
Lymphoedema
Swelling in the arm or breast because of a collection
of lymphatic fluid.
Malignant
A
tumor having the capacity to destroy tissue
locally, spread and cause death.
Mammogram
A soft tissue x-ray of the breast which may be
used to evaluate a lump or which may be used as a screening test in women
with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Mammography
The process of taking a mammogram.
Margins of resection
The edge of the tissue removed. See complete local
excision.
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of the breast. May be total (all
of the breast) or partial. See also radical (Halsted) mastectomy.
Medical oncologist
A doctor who
specializes in the use of chemotherapy
and hormone therapy.
Megavoltage
High energy X-rays.
Meta-analysis
A statistical technique used to examine all research
on a particular issue.
Metastasis
The spread of a cancer from the primary site to
somewhere else via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Metastasise
See
metastasis.
Metastatic cancer
Cancer which has spread to a site distant from
the original site.
Micrometastases
Small undetectable deposits of cancer which grow
later.
Micropapillary
See
non-comedo carcinoma.
Mitosis
The process of cell division.
Modified radical mastectomy
Total mastectomy with removal of lymph nodes in
the armpit, but without removal of the muscles of the chest.
Moist desquamation
A response to radiotherapy in which skin peels
off. It is made worse by friction and sweat.
Nadir
The lowest measured value. In cancer treatments,
it usually refers to the lowest white blood cell and platelet count.
Nausea
Feeling sick or wanting to be sick. If it is caused
by chemotherapy, it can last for anywhere between a few hours and a week.
Necrosis
The death of an individual cell or groups of cells
in living tissue. Sometimes seen in carcinomas.
Neutropenia (febrile)
A decreased number of white cells in the blood,
which greatly increases the risk of infection. It usually occurs as a result
of chemotherapy.
Nodal status
The presence or absence of cancer in the lymph
nodes of the armpit. A woman with cancer in one or more nodes is node positive,
or node +ve. A woman with no cancer in her nodes is node negative, or node -ve.
Non-comedo carcinoma in situ
A low grade type of carcinoma.
Occult metastasis
A metastasis that has not yet shown up.
Estrogen receptor
See ER.
Oncogene
A gene which, functioning abnormally, encourages
normal cells to turn cancerous.
Oncologist
A doctor who
specializes in treating cancer.
Oncology
The study of the biology and physical and chemical
features of cancers. Also the study of the cause and treatment of cancers.
Oncology nurse
A registered nurse who is educated in the care
of people with cancer.
Oophorectomy
Surgery to remove the ovaries. It is sometimes
used as a treatment for breast cancer.
Open biopsy
Surgery performed under local or general
anesthetic
in which a sample of breast tissue is removed so it can be examined by
a pathologist.
Orthovoltage
X-rays delivered from generators operating at
less than 500,000 volts.
Overall survival
The time from the primary treatment of the breast
cancer to death.
p53
A protein which, when the gene for it is damaged,
leads to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Palliation
The alleviation of symptoms due to the underlying
cancer, without prospect of cure.
Partial mastectomy
Removal of part of the breast.
Patey's operation
An operation in which the breast and lymph nodes
of the armpit are removed, but not the pectoralis major muscle. See also
modified radical mastectomy.
PR
Progesterone receptor. A receptor inside the cell
which binds progesterone. Tumors with plenty of PR (PR+) are less aggressive
and more responsive to hormone therapy than those
without (indicated as PR-).
Predictive factor
Something which helps predict what may happen.
For example, the estrogen receptor is a predictive factor for a good response
to hormone therapy.
Premenopausal
Before menopause.
Postmenopausal
After menopause.
Primary breast tumor
Tumor arising in the breast.
Progesterone receptor
See
PR.
Prognosis
An estimate of what is likely to happen in the
future.
Prognostic factors
Factors which are associated with a better or
worse outcome of the disease. They are not the same as causes.
Progression
The continuing growth of the cancer.
Prosthesis
An artificial part designed and fitted to overcome
a defect in the body.
Prosthetic breast reconstruction
Creation of a breast shape using an artificial
breast.
Protocol
A detailed program of treatment.
pS2
A protein which may reflect ER status. People
with plenty of pS2 usually have a good prognosis.
Quadrantectomy
Removal of quarter of the breast.
Quality of life
The individual's overall appraisal of their situation
and subjective sense of well-being.
Quality of life encompasses symptoms of disease,
side- effects of treatment, relationships, how well you get on at work
and play and how you cope with daily life.
QLQ
See
EORTC Core Quality of Life
Questionnaire (QLQ).
Rad
An old unit of radiation dose now superseded by
the Gray. 1 Gray = 100 rads.
Radiation oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer with
radiation. Also known as a radiotherapist.
Radical (Halsted) mastectomy
Total mastectomy with removal of all lymph nodes
from the armpit and removal of muscles of the chest. This operation is
obsolete and should be performed rarely.
Radiographer
A technician who gives radiotherapy prescribed
by a radiation oncologist.
Radiotherapy
The use of radiation, usually x-rays or gamma
rays, to kill tumor cells.
Rectus flap reconstruction
Breast reconstruction using skin and fat from
the abdomen carried on the rectus abdominis muscle, which runs down the
middle of your abdomen. Also known as TRAM - transverse rectus abdominis
myocutaneous flap.
Relapse
Recurrence of disease after an initial response
to treatment.
Remission
A reduction or
disappearance of the symptoms of cancer. It can be partial or
complete. Note: the
term 'symptoms' is all that is used for this...there are no objective,
clinical analyses to prove the malignancy is gone, as there is with
leukemia, etc. Thus this is not a good term to apply to breastcancer—it
is many cancers, not one.
Web site author
Response to therapy - complete response
The disappearance of all detectable cancer for
a minimum of one month. Also known as remission.
Response to therapy - disease progression
Continued growth of the cancer.
Response to therapy - partial response (partial
remission)
A reduction in size of the cancer of 50% or more.
Response to therapy - stable disease.
No change in the cancer.
Scleroderma
A disease involving tightening of the skin and
of the lining of the esophagus.
Secondary reconstruction
Reconstruction of the breast carried out some
time after the original mastectomy.
Secondary tumor
A deposit of breast cancer away from the breast
(such as in the lung, bone or lymph node). See metastasis.
Segmentectomy
The excision of an entire segment of the breast.
Simulator
A machine which allows a radiation oncologist
to calculate the correct dose and position of the radiotherapy.
Small cell carcinoma
See
non-comedo carcinoma.
Soft tissue reconstruction
A method of breast reconstruction using the patient's
own tissue, transfered from another part of the body.
Sonographer
A technician trained in performing ultrasounds.
Specimen X-ray
An X-ray of a surgically removed specimen to confirm
that a mammographically detected cancer has been removed.
Staging
Refers to the allocation of categories (0, I,
II, III, IV) to groupings of tumors defined by internationally-agreed
criteria. Staging helps determine treatment and prognosis.
Subcutaneous mastectomy
An operation in which the tissue of the breast
is removed but the skin and nipple are not.
Support group
A group of people you can turn to for emotional
support. The group may also provide practical help, information, guidance
and feedback about your stressful experiences and ways of coping.
Surgical oncologist
A surgeon who specialises in the care of people
with cancer.
Telangiectasia
Small dilated blood vessels which appear in areas
which have been heavily irradiated.
Tissue expansion
Creation of a breast shape using an inflatable
envelope placed under the skin and muscle. It is gradually expanded over
several weeks by repeated injections of salt water.
Total mastectomy
Surgery to remove the entire breast, including
the nipple and areola.
Toxicity
Side-effects which are due to treatment.
Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
(TRAM)
See rectus flap reconstruction.
Treatment failure
The inability of the treatment to halt the growth
or spread of the cancer.
Tubular carcinoma
A very well differentiated carcinoma seen increasingly
as a result of mammographic screening.
Tumor
An abnormal growth of tissue. It may be
localized
(benign) or invade nearby tissues (malignant) or distant tissues (metastatic).
Tumor suppressor gene
A gene which usually prevents cancers growing.
When it is not functioning normally, tumors can grow. Examples include
p53 in breast cancer, RB protein in retinoblastoma and possibly BRCA1 in
breast cancer. Also known as an anti- oncogene.
Tumor type
The overall cell pattern of the
tumor.
Ultrasound
The use of sound waves to form a picture of internal
tissues.
Vascular infiltration
Invasion by cancer cells of lymphatics or veins.
It is a sign that the tumor is likely to spread.
