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

da-huang

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, Chinese rhubarb, Indian rhubarb, and Turkish rhubarb. As with many herbal remedies there is little formal, scientific study of safety or effectiveness regarding this substance.

Data Safety and Monitoring Committee

An impartial group that oversees a clinical trial and reviews the results to see if they are acceptable. This group determines if the trial should be changed or closed.

DCIS

Ductal carcinoma in situ. A noninvasive, stage 0 cancer in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, DCIS may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive. Factors that seem to play a role in predicting future invasive breast cacners include the size of the area affected by DCIS, the degree of cancerous change in the abnormal cells and, in women having surgery which conserves the breast, the width of the margins surrounding the tumor when it has been removed. Because of this uncertainty, women with DCIS may be given the option to undergo certain breast cancer treatments. Also called intraductal carcinoma and noninvasive duct carcinoma.

de novo

Pronunciation: (dih NO-vo)

In breast cancer, the first occurrence of cancer in the body.

deficiency

In medicine, a shortage of a substance (such as a vitamin or mineral) needed by the body.

dehydration

A condition caused by the loss of too much water from the body. Severe diarrhea, or vomiting or inability to take in fluids can cause dehydration.

delayed-type hypersensitivity response

DTH. An inflammatory response that develops 24 to 72 hours after exposure to a substance (known as an antigen) that the immune system recognizes as foreign. This type of immune response involves mainly T cells rather than antibodies (which are made by B cells).

dendritic cell

A special type of antigen-presenting cell (APC) that activates T lymphocytes.

dendritic cell vaccine

A vaccine made of antigens and dendritic antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

dense breast

Breasts that contain more glandular and connective tissue than fat. Premenopausal women tend to have denser breasts. Breast density makes mammograms more difficult to interpret

deoxyribonucleic acid

DNA. The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.

depression

Pronunciation: (dee-PREH-shun)

A mental condition marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. Other symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can affect anyone, and can be successfully treated. Depression affects 15-25% of people affected by cancer.

diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease by the signs and symptoms.

diagnostic mammogram

X-ray of the breasts used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found.

diagnostic procedure

A method used to aid in the identification of a disease.

diagnostic trial

A research study that evaluates methods of detecting disease.

diameter

The length of a straight line that extends from one edge of a breast tumor or other object, through its center and to the opposite edge. It is usually used to measure the size of round or spherical shapes.

diaphragm

Pronunciation: (DYE-a-fram)

The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.

diarrhea

Frequent and watery bowel movements.

DIEP flap

A type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels called deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP), and the skin and fat connected to them, are removed from the lower abdomen and used for reconstruction. Muscle is left in place.

dietary supplement

Vitamins, minerals, or other substances taken by mouth, and intended as an addition to the diet.

dietitian

Pronunciation: (dy-uh-TIH-shun)

A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called a nutritionist.

differentiation

In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.

diffuse

Widely spread; not localized or confined.

digital mammography

A technique that uses a computer, rather than x-ray film, to record x-ray images of the breast.

dimpling

Any pucker or indentation on the skin of the breast. Any dimpling of the breast should be checked by a healthcare provider.

diphosphonate

A medication used to treat osteoporosis and the bone pain caused by some types of cancer. Also called bisphosphonate.

disease progression

For breast cancer, disease that continues to grow or spread.

disease-free survival

Length of time after treatment during which no breast cancer is found. Can be reported for an individual or for a study population.

disease-specific survival

The percentage of participants in a study who have survived a particular disease for a defined period of time. Usually reported as time since diagnosis or treatment. In calculating this percentage in studies of breast cancer, only deaths from breast cancer are counted. Subjects who died from some other cause, such as heart disease, are not included in the calculation.

disorder

Pronunciation: (diss-ORE-der)

In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body. Disorders may be caused by many factors including genetic abnormalities, , disease, or trauma.

disseminate

Pronunciation: (dih-SEM-ih-NATE)

Scatter or distribute over a large area or range.

distal

In medicine, refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.

distant cancer

Refers to breast cancer that has spread from the original (primary) breast tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant metastasis or advanced breast cancer.

distant metastasis

Refers to breast cancer that has spread from the original (primary) breast tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant cancer or advanced breast cancer. Common sites of distant metastasis in breast cancer are the bone, liver, and brain.

distraction

In medicine, a pain relief method that takes the person's attention away from the pain.

diuretic

A drug that increases the production of urine.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid. The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.

DNR order

Do not resuscitate order. A type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (restarting the heart) if his or her heart or breathing stops.

do not resuscitate order

Pronunciation: (... ree-SUH-sih-TAYT ...)

DNR order. A type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (restarting the heart) if his or her heart or breathing stops.

dose

The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.

dose-dense chemotherapy

A chemotherapy treatment plan in which medications are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy treatment plan.

dose-dependent

Refers to the effects of treatment with a medication. If the effects change when the dose is changed, the effects are said to be dose-dependent.

dose-limiting

Describes side effects of a medication or other treatment that are serious enough to prevent an increase in dose or level of that treatment.

dose-rate

The strength of a treatment given over a period of time.

dosimetrist

Pronunciation: (do-SIM-uh-trist)

A person who determines the proper radiation dose for treatment.

double-blinded

A clinical trial in which neither the medical staff nor the person knows which of several possible therapies the person is receiving.

doubling time

Pronunciation: (DUH-bling ...)

In biology, the amount of time it takes for one cell to divide or for a group of cells (such as a tumor) to double in size. The doubling time is different for different kinds of cancer cells or tumors.

DPA

Durable power of attorney. A document that gives a person (such as a relative, lawyer, or friend) the authority to make legal or financial decisions for another person. It may become active immediately, or when that person loses the ability to make decisions for himself or herself, depending on how it is written.

drain

In medicine, to remove fluid as it collects; or, a tube or wick-like device used to remove fluid from a body cavity, wound, or infected area. After breast surgery, many women are given a drain to help remove fluid from the surgical area.

drug resistance

The failure of cancer cells, viruses, or bacteria to respond to a medication used to kill or weaken them. The cells, viruses, or bacteria may be resistant to the medication at the beginning of treatment, or may become resistant after being exposed to the medication.

drug tolerance

A condition that occurs when the body gets used to a medicine so that either more medicine is needed or different medicine is needed to achieve the desired effect.

duct

Pronunciation: (dukt)

In medicine, a tube or vessel of the body through which fluids pass.

ductal carcinoma

The most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast.

ductal carcinoma in situ

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

DCIS. A noninvasive, stage 0 cancer in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, DCIS may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive. Factors that seem to play a role in predicting future invasive breast cancers include the size of the area affected by DCIS, the degree of cancerous change in the abnormal cells and, in women having surgery which conserves the breast, the width of the margins surrounding the tumor when it has been removed. Because of this uncertainty, women with DCIS may be given the option to undergo certain breast cancer treatments. Also called intraductal carcinoma and noninvasive duct carcinoma.

ductal lavage

Pronunciation: (DUK-tal luh-VAHZ)

A method used to collect cells from milk ducts in the breast. A hair-size catheter (tube) is inserted into the nipple, and a small amount of salt water is released into the duct. The water picks up breast cells, and is removed. The cells are checked under a microscope. Ductal lavage may be used in addition to clinical breast examination and mammography to detect breast cancer.

durable power of attorney

Pronunciation: (DUR-uh-bul ... uh-TUR-nee)

DPA. A document that gives a person (such as a relative, lawyer, or friend) the authority to make legal or financial decisions for another person. It may become active immediately, or when that person loses the ability to make decisions for himself or herself, depending on how it is written.

dysfunction

A state of not functioning normally.

dysgeusia

A bad taste in the mouth. Also called parageusia.

dyspepsia

Upset stomach.

dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

dysplasia

Pronunciation: (dis-PLAY-zha)

Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer.

dyspnea

Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.

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