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Glossary
Adjuvant chemotherapyThe use of anticancer drugs after surgery in patients whose cancers are most likely to recur.
AnaemiaA condition in which blood is deficient in red blood cells, haemoglobin, or total volume of red blood cells.
Anti-bodyA protein in the blood that defends against invading foreign agents, such as viruses.
Anti-emeticA drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting which are common side effects of may chemotherapies.
Anti-oestrogenAny substance (e.g. the drug Tamoxifen) that blocks the effects of oestrogen on tumours. Anti-oestrogen are used to treat breast cancers that depend on oestrogen for growth.
AspirateRemoval of fluid or cells from a breast lump.
Axillary dissectionA surgical procedure in which the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed and examined to find out if the cancer has spread to these nodes.
Benign tumourA non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body. Outlook for recovery is good with treatment.
BilateralAffecting both sides of the body, e.g. breast cancer affecting both breasts.
BiopsyThe removal and microscopic examination of tissue for purposes of diagnosis.
Bone scanAn imaging method that gives important information about the health of bones, including the location of cancer that may have spread to the bones.
CarcinogenA chemical or other agent that causes cancer.
CAT scanComputerised Axial Tomography scan. Diagnostic x-ray procedure in which a computer is used to generate a three dimensional image.
ChemotherapyTreatment with anticancer drugs.
CystA fluid-filled mass that is usually harmless (benign).
CytotoxicToxic to cells; cell killing.
DuctA path. In the breast, a passage through which the milk passes from the lobule (which makes the milk) to the nipple.
EdemaBuild up of fluid in the tissues resulting in swelling.
HaematologistA physician who specialises in the study of blood disease.
HaematomaA collection of blood outside a blood vessel. Can be caused by a leak, injury or surgery.
HormoneA chemical substance that is released into the body by the endocrine glands. It travels through the blood stream and sets in motion various bodily functions such as the monthly cycle.
Hormone receptor testsA test to see whether a breast tumour is affected by hormones, or if it can be treated with hormones.
Immune systemThe body’s system of defence against disease, composed of certain white blood cells and antibodies. Antibodies are protein substances that react against bacteria and other harmful material.
ImmunologyStudy of the body’s natural defence mechanisms against disease.
Intravenous (IV)The administration of a drug or fluid directly into a vein.
Localised breast cancerA cancer that arises in the breast and is confined to the breast.
LumpectomySurgery to remove the tumour and a small amount of the surrounding normal tissue.
LymphA nearly colourless fluid that bathes body cells and moves through the lymphatic vessels of the body.
Lymph nodesBean-shaped structures scattered along vessels of the lymphatic systems. The nodes act as filters, collecting bacteria or cancer cells that may travel through the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic systemCirculatory network of vessels carrying lymph, and the lymphoid organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus that produce and store infection fighting cells.
LymphoedemaSwelling in the arm caused by excess fluid that collects after lymph nodes and vessels are removed by surgery or treated by radiation.
MalignantTending to become progressively worse; in the case of cancer, it implies ability to invade, spread, and actively destroy normal tissue.
MammogramAn x-ray of the breast performed on a specialised machine that is only used for this purpose. It is the principle method of detection of breast cancer in women over 40.
MastectomySurgery to remove all or part of the breast.
MetastasesThe spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or blood stream.
Needle localisationA procedure used to do a breast needle biopsy when the lump is difficult to locate, or on areas that look suspicious on the x-ray but do not have a distinct lump.
Nodal statusA count of the number of lymph nodes in the armpit to which cancer has spread (node-positive) or has not spread (node-negative).
OestrogenA female sex hormone produced primarily in the ovaries.
Oestrogen receptor testsA test to see if a breast tumour’s cells are nourished by oestrogen (oestrogen-receptor positive) or not (oestrogen-receptor negative).
Oncologist:A physician who specialises in cancer. There are 2 types of oncologists:Medical oncologists specialise in the use of drugs and chemotherapy to treat cancer.Radiation oncologists specialise in radiation to treat tumours.
OncologyStudy of the physical, chemical, and biological properties and features of cancer.
PathologistA physician who interprets and diagnoses the changes caused by disease in body tissue.
Primary cancerThe site where cancer begins. Primary cancer is usually named after the organ in which it starts (e.g. breast cancer).
ProgesteroneA female sex hormone released by the ovaries to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production.
Progesterone receptor testA test that shows whether a breast cancer depends on progesterone for growth.
PrognosisAn estimate of the outcome of a disease.
ProsthesisAn artificial form such as a breast prosthesis which can be worn after surgery.
Radiation therapyTreatment using high energy radiation from x-ray machines, cobalt, radium or other sources.
RadiologistA physician with special training in reading diagnostic x-rays.
RemissionThe decrease or disappearance of cancer symptoms. Also the period during which this occurs.
ScanA study using either X-rays or radioactive isotopes to produce images of internal body organs e.g. bone scans, liver scans, CAT scans.
StagingA method of determining and describing the extent of cancer, based on the size of the tumour, lymph node involvement and whether the cancer has spread. Knowing the stage diagnosis helps decide the best treatment and prognosis.
Stage 0The earliest type of breast cancer; the disease is in situ.
Stage 1The tumour is less than 1 inch in diameter and has not spread beyond the breast.
Stage 2The tumour is 1 to 2 inches in diameter and/or has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes).
Stage 3The tumour is about 2 inches or larger and may have spread to the axillary lymph nodes and/or to other tissues near the breast.
Stage 4The cancer has spread (metastasised) to other organs of the body.
TamoxifenA drug that blocks oestrogen. Blocking oestrogen is desirable in some cases of breast cancer because oestrogen feeds the growth of some tumours.
TumourTissue growth in which the cells multiply uncontrollably. Can be either benign or malignant.
Ultrasound studiesAn imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of the body. This painless method is useful in detecting breast cysts.
UnilateralAffecting one side of the body (e.g. one breast)
X-raysHigh-energy radiation used in high doses to treat cancer or in low doses to diagnose the disease. |
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