A Basic Breast Cancer Vocabulary

Cyst: a sac or cavity in the body containing f luid.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): the condition of abnormal cells found in the lining of a breast duct. It is a noninvasive malignant tumor also called intraductal carcinoma. Because it can progress and become invasive, a woman should consult with her doctor about possible treatment.

Early stage breast cancer: invasive breast cancers are categorized as stage I, II, III, or IV. Stages I and II are considered "early stage" and usually refer to small tumors that have not spread.

Endometriosis: a condition in which tissue that usually lines the uterus and is shed each month grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can result in painful cramps and infertility.

Estrogen: a hormone that promotes the growth of female characteristics in the body.

Estrogen receptor: a special type of protein found on some cancer cells. When estrogen attaches to it, it can cause the cancer to grow.

Estrogen receptor negative: breast cancer cells without estrogen receptors (also known as ER-).

Estrogen receptor positive: breast cancer cells with estrogen receptors. These cells depend on estrogen to grow (also known as ER+).

Fibroadenoma: a benign (non-cancerous) tumor, usually found in the breast, of mixed fibrous and glandular tissue.

Fibrocystic breast disease: noncancerous cysts in the breast.

Hormone receptor: a protein within or on the outside of a cell. If attached to a certain hormone, the receptor will cause changes within the cell.

Invasive: a malignant tumor that grows into surrounding tissues. Invasive tumors are more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Lobular: each breast is made up of up to twenty sections called "lobes." Each lobe is made up of smaller "lobules" where milk is made. Lobes and lobules are connected by ducts, or small tubes, that carry milk to the nipple.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): a benign condition that consists of abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. LCIS is not cancer, but it means a woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Lumpectomy: surgical removal of the tumor only.

Lymph nodes: swellings of the lymphatic system found throughout the body. They filter lymphatic f luid, essential for a functioning immune system, and store lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Lymphedema: swelling of the arm, a side effect experienced by less than 20 percent of patients after lymph node removal. Early signs of lymphedema are a feeling of tightness in the arm, pain or aching in the arm, swelling of the arm, and loss of movement or f lexibility in the arm. One of the first signs patients notice is that rings or sleeves no longer fit.

Mammogram: an X-ray of the soft tissue of the breast.

Mammotome: Brand name of a device made by Johnson & Johnson Ethicon Endo-Surgery that uses a computer-guided probe to perform a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy.

Margin: the area of normal breast tissue immediately around a malignant tumor. When a tumor is removed in a lumpectomy, the surgeon will examine the margins to see if the area is cancer-free. If so, the cancer has probably not spread beyond the initial tumor.

Metastasize: to spread to other parts of the body.

MIBB (Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy): Brand name of a device made by Tyco/United States Surgical Corporation that uses a computer-guided probe to perform a vacuumassisted breast biopsy.

Neutropenia: a common side effect of chemotherapy that occurs when too many white blood cells are destroyed and the patient's immune system is weakened so it cannot fight infection. Neutropenia can lead to other complications and delay proper treatment.

Oncology: the study and treatment of cancer.

Oncologist: one who studies and treats cancer.

Onychomadesis: the separation of a fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. Often a side effect of cancer treatments.

Partial mastectomy: removal of the part of the breast that contains cancer.

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line: a special IV line used to insert f luids into a vein.

Port: a surgically implanted device through which blood can be drawn and drugs administered without repeated needle sticks.

Private patient: a patient insured by private medical insurance.

Public patient: a patient whose medical bills will be at least partially covered by Medicare.

Radiation: the process of using X-ray radiation to kill cancer cells. The advantage of radiation is that it is focused on small areas, limiting the danger to healthy cells.

For a much more complete (and fun!) dictionary, visit www. breastcancer.org/dictionary/ and hear your favorite entertainment celebrities pronounce and define breast cancer terms.