Glossary of Terms

Introduction

Parts of this glossary have been taken or adapted from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Dictionary and the American Breast Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Dictionary.

This glossary does not contain definitions of medications. To learn more about specific medications, visit the website of the National Cancer Institute.

Many thanks to the healthcare practitioners who reviewed portions of this glossary:

• Mechelle Barrick, RN, BSN, OCN, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
• Debra S. Copit, MD, Albert Einstein Medical Center
• Ann L. Honebrink, MD, Penn Health at Radnor
• Isabel I. Law, RN, South Carolina Comprehensive Breast Center
• Judith Macon, RN, MA, Suburban Hospital Cancer Program
• Suzanne McGettigan Bensman, MSN, CRNP, AOCN
• Lisa McGinty, RN, BSN, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania
• Maria Rocktashel, MSN, CRNP, Delaware Valley Surgical Associates
• Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center
• Michele D. Stolper, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Fionda N. Williams, RN, BSN, Baltimore City Cancer Program

Glossary

c-erbB-2

The gene that controls cell growth by making the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Also called HER2/neu.

CA-125

A protein sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of ovarian or breast cancer.

CA-125 test

A blood test that measures the level of CA-125, a protein found in blood, other body fluids and some tissues. Increased levels of CA-125 may be a sign of ovarian or breast cancer.

CA-15-3

A protein sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of breast or ovarian cancer.

CA-15-3 test

A test for the presence of a protein that when found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues may suggest the presence of breast or ovarian cancer.

CA-27-29

A protein sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of breast or ovarian cancer.

CA-27-29 test

A test for the presence of a protein that when found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues may suggest the presence of breast or ovarian cancer.

cachexia

Pronunciation: (ka-KEK-see-a)

Loss of body weight and muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in people with breast cancer, AIDS, or other chronic diseases.

CAD

Computer-aided detection and diagnosis. This relatively new technology uses a computer program to help radiologists detect signs of breast cancer on a mammogram.

calcification

Calcium is a mineral found in the bones but it also circulates in the bloodstream and is deposited in many different types of tissue in the body, including the breast. Calcification helps the body in the healing processes. In the breast, calcium is most commonly a sign of a benign (non-cancerous) disease or problem. Early breast cancer can also show up as calcium deposits. It is one of many things a radiologist looks for when reading a mammogram.

calcium

Pronunciation: (KAL-see-um)

A mineral found in teeth, bones, and other body tissues.

calcium carbonate

A mineral taken primarily as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis. It is also being studied for breast cancer prevention.

CAM

Complementary and alternative medicine. Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments go through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about most types of CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

cancer

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

cancer of unknown primary origin

A case in which cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site) cannot be determined.

cancer vaccine

A vaccine designed to prevent or treat cancer.

candidiasis

Pronunciation: (kan-dih-DY-uh-siss)

A condition in which Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist skin areas of the body. It is usually a result of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of breast cancer chemotherapy or treatment with antibiotics. Thrush usually affects the mouth (oral thrush); however, rarely, it spreads throughout the entire body. Also called candidosis or thrush.

candidosis

Pronunciation: (kan-dih-DOH-siss)

A condition in which Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist skin areas of the body. It is usually a result of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of breast cancer chemotherapy or treatment with antibiotics. Thrush usually affects the mouth (oral thrush); however, rarely, it spreads throughout the entire body. Also called candidiasis or thrush.

carcinogen

Pronunciation: (kar-SIN-o-jin)

Any substance that causes cancer.

carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.

carcinoma in situ

Pronunciation: (KAR-si-NO-ma in SYE-too)

Cancer that involves only cells in the tissue in which it began and that has not spread to nearby tissues. For example, in the breast, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) means cancer cells that are confined to the duct and have not invaded surrounding tissue.

carcinostatic

Pronunciation: (KAR-sin-o-STAT-ik)

Pertaining to slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.

cardiac

Having to do with the heart.

cardin

Cnicus benedictus. A plant whose leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. Cardin may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Also called blessed thistle, St. Benedict's thistle, holy thistle, and spotted thistle.

cardiopulmonary

Having to do with the heart and lungs.

cardiotoxicity

Toxicity that affects the heart.

cardiovascular

Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.

cardiovascular disease

Any condition having to do with the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke and hardening of the arteries.

carotenoid

A substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. Carotenoids may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

case manager

A nurse or other healthcare practitioner who coordinates the treatment of a woman affected by breast cancer throughout her treatment. The case manager helps the woman formulate questions for the healthcare team, work with insurance companies and identify resources for her and her caregivers.

case report

A detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual person. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the individual (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin).

case series

A group or series of case reports involving people who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individuals. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment.

case-control study

A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls). Researchers study the medical and lifestyle histories of the people in each group to learn what factors may be associated with the disease or condition. For example, one group may have been exposed to a particular substance that the other was not. Also called a retrospective study.

CAT scan

Computerized axial tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computed tomography (CT scan) or computerized tomography.

catheter

Pronunciation: (KATH-i-ter)

A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

cauterization

Pronunciation: (KAW-ter-ih-ZAY-shun)

The destruction of tissue with a hot instrument, an electrical current, or a caustic substance.

cauterize

Pronunciation: (KOT-uh-rize)

To destroy tissue with a hot instrument, an electrical current, or a caustic substance. This process may be used to kill certain types of small tumors or to seal off blood vessels to stop bleeding.

CBC

Complete blood count. A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count.

cell

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

cell differentiation

The process during which young, immature (unspecialized) cells take on individual characteristics and reach their mature (specialized) form and function.

cell motility

The ability of a cell to move.

cell proliferation

An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.

cell respiration

A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars). Also called oxidative metabolism, aerobic metabolism, or aerobic respiration.

cell-cycle regulation

Any process that controls the series of events by which a cell goes through the cell cycle. During the cell cycle, a cell makes a copy of its DNA and other contents, and divides in two. When cell cycle regulation doesn't happen correctly, cells may divide in an uncontrolled way, and diseases such as breast cancer can occur.

cell-to-cell signaling

The transfer of information from one cell to another.

cellular adhesion

The close adherence (bonding) to adjoining cell surfaces.

cellular adoptive immunotherapy

A treatment used to help the immune system fight breast cancer. A individual's T cells (a type of white blood cell) are collected and grown in the laboratory to increase the number of T cells that are able to kill the person's breast cancer cells. These breast cancer-specific T cells are given back to the person to help the immune system fight the breast cancer.

cellular metabolism

The sum of all chemical changes that take place in a cell through which energy and basic components are provided for essential processes, including the synthesis of new molecules and the breakdown and removal of others.

cellulitis

An infection of the skin that causes it to become warm and tender and may also cause fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and blisters.

certification

Healthcare providers who are board certified have been highly trained in their field. (Elyse, please list examples of some of the types of breast cancer doctors that are certified)

cervical

Pronunciation: (SER-vih-kul)

Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck.

cervical node

Lymph nodes that are found in the neck.

Chamberlain procedure

A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the tissues and organs in the area between the lungs and between the breastbone and heart. The tube is inserted through an incision next to the breastbone. This procedure is usually used to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on the left side of the chest. Also called anterior mediastinotomy.

chaplain

Pronunciation: (CHA-plin)

A member of the clergy in charge of a chapel or who works with the military or with an institution, such as a hospital.

chemo brain

Also called cognitive dysfunction. A side effect reported by some women who undergo chemotherapy treatment that encompasses difficulty with a variety of cognitive functions, including short-term memory, attention, learning and multi-tasking.

chemoembolization

A procedure in which the blood supply to the breast tumor is blocked surgically or mechanically and anticancer medications are administered directly into the tumor. This permits a higher concentration of medcine to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time.

chemoimmunotherapy

Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. Chemotherapy uses different medications to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells; immunotherapy uses treatments to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight breast cancer.

chemoprevention

Pronunciation: (KEE-mo-pre-VEN-shun)

The use of medications to try to reduce the risk of, or delay the development or recurrence of, breast cancer.

chemoprevention studies

In cancer prevention clinical trials, studies test whether taking certain medicines can prevent breast cancer. Also called agent studies.

chemoprotective

A quality of some medications used in breast cancer treatment. Chemoprotective agents protect healthy tissue from the toxic effects of anticancer medications.

chemoradiation

Treatment that combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy. Also called chemoradiotherapy.

chemoradiotherapy

Treatment that combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy. Also called chemoradiation.

chemosensitivity

The susceptibility of tumor cells to the cell-killing effects of anticancer medications.

chemosensitivity assay

A laboratory test that measures the number of tumor cells that are killed by a cancer medication. The test is done after the tumor cells are removed from the body. A chemosensitivity assay may help in choosing the best medications for the particular breast cancer.

chemosensitizer

A medication that makes tumor cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy.

chemotherapeutic agent

A medication used to treat breast cancer.

chemotherapy

Pronunciation: (kee-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment with medications that kill cancer cells.

chest wall

The muscles, bones, and joints that make up the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen.

chest wall recurrence

When a primary breast cancer spreads to the muscles, bones or joints that make up the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen.

chest x-ray

An x-ray of the structures inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of radiation that passes through the chest onto film or onto a digital plate, creating pictures of the lungs, heart and bones of the chest, which can be used to diagnose some diseases.

Chinese rhubarb

Rheum palmatum or Rheum officinale. The root of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Also called rhubarb, da-huang, Indian rhubarb, and Turkish rhubarb.

cholesterol

Pronunciation: (kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl)

A waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver, and found in the blood and in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is important for good health and is needed for making cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol also comes from eating foods taken from animals such as egg yolks, meat, and whole-milk dairy products.

chromosome

Pronunciation: (KRO-mo-some)

Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.

chronic

Pronunciation: (KRAHN-ik)

A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.

chronic pain

Pain that can range from mild to severe, and persists or progresses over a long period of time.

circulatory system

The system that contains the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood throughout the body. This system helps tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid of waste products. The lymph system, which connects with the blood system, is often considered part of the circulatory system.

clavicle

Collar bone.

cleaved

Having to do with the appearance of cells when viewed under a microscope. The nucleus of cleaved cells appears divided or segmented.

clergy

Pronunciation: (KLUR-jee)

Ordained individuals who perform spiritual and/or religious functions.

clinical

Having to do with the examination and treatment of people.

clinical breast exam

An exam of the breast performed by a healthcare provider to check for lumps or other changes.

clinical practice guidelines

Guidelines developed to help healthcare professionals and those they help make decisions about screening, prevention, or treatment of a specific health condition.

clinical resistance

The failure of a breast cancer to shrink after treatment.

clinical series

A type of clinical (not laboratory) research in which the participants receive treatment in a clinic or other medical facility.

clinical study

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Also called a clinical trial.

clinical trial

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Also called a clinical study.

cnicin

A substance found in certain plants, including blessed thistle. It has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Cnicin belongs to a group of substances called sesquiterpene lactones.

co-culture

A mixture of two or more different kinds of cells that are grown together.

cobalt 60

A radioactive form of the metal cobalt, which is used as a source of radiation to treat breast cancer.

cognition

The ability of the mind to perceive, learn and reason.

cognitive dysfunction

Also called chemo brain. A side effect reported by some women who undergo chemotherapy treatment that encompasses difficulty with a variety of cognitive functions, including short-term memory, attention, learning and multi-tasking.

cohort study

A research study that compares a particular outcome (such as breast cancer) in groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain characteristic (for example, female nurses who smoke compared with those who do not smoke).

combination chemotherapy

Treatment using more than one anticancer medication.

comedo carcinoma

A type of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, an early-stage breast cancer). It tends to be more aggressive than other types of DCIS

comfort care

Care given to improve the quality of life of people who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of comfort care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called palliative care, supportive care, and symptom management.

comorbidity

The condition of having two or more diseases at the same time.

compassionate use trial

A way to provide an investigational therapy to a person who is not eligible to receive that therapy in a clinical trial, but who has a serious or life-threatening illness for which other treatments are not available. Also called expanded access trial.

complementary and alternative medicine

CAM. Forms of treatment used in addition to (complementary) or instead of standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments go through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about most types of CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

complementary medicine

Practices often used to enhance or complement standard treatments. They generally are not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches because they typically are not subjective to rigorous scientific studies before they are utilized. Complementary medicine may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

complete blood count

CBC. A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count.

complete hysterectomy

Pronunciation: (hiss-ter-EK-toe-mee)

Surgery to remove the entire uterus, including the cervix. Sometimes, not all of the cervix is removed. Also called total hysterectomy.

complete metastasectomy

Pronunciation: (meh-TAS-ta-SEC-tuh-mee)

Surgery to remove all tumors formed from cells that have spread from the primary breast tumor.

complete remission

The disappearance of all signs of breast cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the breast cancer will not return. Also called a complete response.

complete response

The disappearance of all signs of breast cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer will not return. Also called a complete remission.

complex decongestive therapy

Also called CDT. A common treatment for lymphedema that includes a combination of skin care, exercise, bandaging, compression sleeves and light massage.

compound

Pronunciation: (KOM-pownd)

In science, a substance that is made up of more than one ingredient.

compression bandage

A bandage designed to provide pressure to a particular area.

concurrent therapy

A treatment that is given at the same time as another.

conditioned stimulus

A situation in which one signal, or stimulus, is given just before another signal. After this happens several times, the first signal alone can cause the response that would usually need the second signal.

congestive heart failure

Weakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.

connective tissue

Supporting tissue that surrounds other tissues and organs. Specialized connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.

consecutive case series

A clinical study that includes all eligible participants identified by the researchers during the study registration period. The participants are treated in the order in which they are identified. This type of study usually does not have a control group.

constipation

Pronunciation: (KAHN-stih-PAY-shun)

A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don't happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.

contiguous

Touching or very close together.

continuous infusion

The administration of a fluid into a blood vessel, usually over a prolonged period of time.

contracture

A capsule or shell of dense scar tissue that may form around a breast implant.

contraindication

A symptom or medical condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable because a person is likely to have a bad reaction. For example, having a bleeding disorder is a contraindication for taking aspirin because treatment with aspirin may cause excess bleeding.

contralateral

Having to do with the opposite side of the body.

control group

In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.

controlled clinical trial

A clinical study that includes a comparison (control) group. The comparison group receives a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment at all.

controlled study

An experiment or clinical trial that includes a comparison (control) group.

conventional therapy

A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional treatment.

conventional treatment

A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional therapy.

cooperative group

A group of physicians, hospitals, or both formed to treat a large number of persons in the same way so that a new treatment can be evaluated quickly. Clinical trials of new cancer treatments often require many more people than a single physician or hospital can care for.

core biopsy

The removal of a tissue sample from the breast with a needle for examination under a microscope.

corpus

The body of the uterus.

corticosteroid

Corticosteroids (steroids) may be used for hormone replacement and for the management of some of the complications of breast cancer and its treatment.

cortisone

A natural steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. It can also be made in the laboratory. Cortisone reduces swelling and can suppress immune responses.

COX-2 inhibitor

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to relieve pain and inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors are being studied in the prevention of colon polyps, and as anticancer medications for breast cancer.

cultured cell

A human, plant, or animal cell that has been adapted to grow in the laboratory.

cultured cell line

Cells of a single type (human, animal, or plant) that have been adapted to grow continuously in the laboratory and are used in research.

cumulative dose

In medicine, the total amount of a medication or radiation given to a person over time; for example, the total dose of radiation given in a series of radiation treatments.

cutaneous

Pronunciation: (kyoo-TAY-nee-us)

Having to do with the skin.

cutaneous breast cancer

Cancer that has spread from the breast to the skin.

cyanosis

Blue-colored skin caused by too little oxygen in the blood.

cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

COX-2 inhibitor. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to relieve pain and inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors are being studied in the prevention of colon polyps, and as anticancer drugs. (same question as above)

cyst

Pronunciation: (sist)

A sac in the breast (or other parts of the body) filled with fluid. Cysts are usually benign (not cancerous). The best way to diagnose a cyst is with ultrasound. Occasionally, the fluid needs to be removed.

cystosarcoma phyllodes

CSP. A type of tumor found in breast tissue. It typically grows quickly but that does not mean it is malignant. It is usually benign (not cancer), but may be malignant (cancer). Also called phyllodes tumor.

cytopenia

A reduction in the number of blood cells.

cytoplasm

The fluid inside a cell but outside the cell's nucleus. Most chemical reactions in a cell take place in the cytoplasm.

cytotoxic

Cell-killing.

cytotoxic chemotherapy

Anticancer drugs that kill cells, especially cancer cells.

cytotoxic T cell

A type of white blood cell that can directly destroy specific cells. T cells can be separated from other blood cells, grown in the laboratory, and then given to a patient to destroy tumor cells. Certain cytokines can also be given to a patient to help form cytotoxic T cells in the person's body.

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