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

R2 technology

The use of special computer software, or computer-aided detection, to help radiologists interpret a mammogram. R2 technology may be used to look more closely at a mammogram.

radiation

Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun)

Energy released in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, and medical x-rays. Radiation therapy, a treatment for some types of breast cancers, refers to the use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors.

radiation fibrosis

Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun fye-BRO-sis)

The formation of scar tissue as a result of radiation therapy treatments for breast cancer.

radiation nurse

A healthcare professional who specializes in caring for people who are receiving radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer

radiation oncologist

Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun on-KOL-o-jist)

A doctor who specializes in using radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

radiation physicist

A specialist who makes sure that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of radiation to the correct site in the body. The physicist works with the radiation oncologist to select the treatment schedule and dose that has the best chance of killing the most breast cancer cells.

radiation surgery

A radiation therapy technique that delivers radiation directly to the breast tumor while sparing the healthy breast tissue. Also called radiosurgery and stereotactic external beam irradiation.

radiation therapist

A healthcare professional who gives radiation treatments.

radiation therapy

Pronunciation: (ray-dee-AY-shun THER-ah-pee)

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near breast cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy.

radical hysterectomy

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

Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

radical lymph node dissection

A surgical procedure to remove most or all of the lymph nodes located in the underarm area (axillary area) that drain lymph from the area around a breast tumor. The lymph nodes are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to see if breast cancer cells have spread to them.

radical mastectomy

Pronunciation: (RAD-ih-kul mas-TEK-toe-mee)

Surgery for breast cancer in which the breast tissue, chest muscles, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm are removed. For many years, this was the breast cancer operation used most often, but it is used rarely now. Doctors consider radical mastectomy only when the tumor has spread to the chest muscles. Also called the Halsted radical mastectomy.

radioactive

Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv)

Giving off radiation.

radioactive drug

A medication containing a radioactive substance that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The medicaton can be used for pain management of bone cancer metastases. Also called a radiopharmaceutical.

radioactive iodine

Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv EYE-uh-dine)

A radioactive form of iodine, often used for imaging tests and sometimes for breast cancer. For imaging tests, the person takes a small dose of radioactive iodine that collects in breast tumors and can be detected by a scanner. Radioactive iodine is also used in internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer, intraocular (eye) melanoma, and carcinoid tumors like breast cancer. The radioactive iodine is given by infusion or sealed in seeds, which are surgically placed in or near the breast tumor to kill cancer cells.

radioactive seed

A small, radioactive pellet that is surgically placed in or near a breast tumor. Cancer cells are killed by the energy given off as the radioactive material decays (breaks down).

radiofrequency ablation

The use of electrodes to heat and destroy abnormal tissue.

radioimmunoguided surgery

A surgical procedure that uses radioactive substances to locate breast tumors so that they can be removed by the surgeon.

radioimmunotherapy

Treatment with a radioactive substance that is linked to an antibody that will attach to the breast tumor when injected into the body.

radioisotope

An unstable element that releases radiation as it breaks down. Radioisotopes can be used in imaging tests or as a treatment for breast cancer.

radiolabeled

Any compound that has been joined with a radioactive substance.

radiologic exam

A test that uses radiation or other imaging procedures to find signs of breast cancer or other abnormalitiesin the body, for example, chest x-ray or mammogram.

radiologic technologist

A trained healthcare professional who puts individuals in the correct position for x-rays, mammograms or ultrasounds, takes the pictures, develops them and ensures their high quality.

radiologist

Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-OL-o-jist)

A doctor who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are produced with x-rays, sound waves, or other types of energy.

radiology

The use of radiation (such as x-rays) or other imaging technologies (such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI) to diagnose or treat disease.

radionuclide scanning

Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-oh-NOO-klide)

A test that produces pictures (scans) of internal parts of the body. The person is given an injection or swallows a small amount of radioactive material; a machine called a scanner then measures the radioactivity in certain organs.

radiopharmaceutical

A medication containing a radioactive substance that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and in pain management of bone cancer metastases. Also called a radioactive drug.

radiosensitization

The use of a medication that makes breast tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.

radiosensitizer

A medication that makes breast tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.

radiosurgery

A radiation therapy technique that delivers radiation directly to the breast tumor while sparing the healthy tissue. Also called radiation surgery and stereotactic external beam irradiation.

radiotherapy

Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-oh-THAYR-uh-pee)

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiotherapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiation therapy.

randomization

When referring to an experiment or clinical trial, the process by which animal subjects or human beings are assigned by chance to separate study groups that compare different treatments or other interventions. Randomization gives each participant an equal chance of being assigned to any of the groups.

randomized clinical trial

A study in which the participants are assigned by chance to separate study groups that compare different treatments; neither the researchers nor the participants can choose which group. Using chance to assign people to groups means that the groups will be similar and that the treatments they receive can be compared objectively. At the time of the trial, it is not known which treatment is best. It is the person's choice to participate in a randomized clinical trial.

rapid-onset opioid

An opioid medication that relieves pain quickly. Opioids are medications similar to opiates such as morphine and codeine but do not contain and are not made from opium.

ras gene

A gene that has been found to cause breast cancer when it is altered (mutated). Agents that block its activity may stop the growth of cancer.

ras peptide

Pronunciation: (rass PEP-tide)

A short piece of the ras protein, which is made by the ras gene. The ras gene has been found to cause breast cancer when it is mutated (changed).

rattlesnake root

Cimicifuga racemosa. An eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical problems. It is being studied in the treatment of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. The plant is also called black cohosh, black snakeroot, bugwort, and bugbane.

RAV12

A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory and can locate and bind to cancer cells. It binds to a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule that is found on gastric, colon, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, breast, and kidney cancer cells.

RBC

Red blood cell. A cell of the body that contains hemoglobin and carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte.

receptor

A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. There are several different kinds of receptors involved in some breast cancers, including estrogen and progesterone receptors.

recombinant

Made through genetic engineering, which is also called gene splicing or recombinant DNA technology. By putting animal or plant genes into the genetic material of bacteria or yeast cells, these microorganisms can be turned into "factories" to make proteins for medical uses.

reconstructive surgeon

A doctor who can surgically reshape or rebuild (reconstruct) a part of the body, such as a woman's breast after surgery for breast cancer.Also called plastic surgeon.

reconstructive surgery

Surgery that is done to reshape or rebuild (reconstruct) a part of the body changed by previous surgery, such as remodeling and constructing a breast after a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment.

recur

To occur again.

recurrence

Breast cancer that has returned after a period of time. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) breast tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrent cancer.

recurrent cancer

Breast cancer that has returned after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) breast tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrence.

red blood cell

RBC. A cell that contains hemoglobin and carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Also called an erythrocyte.

red clover

Trifolium pratense. A plant whose flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It is being studied in the relief of menopausal symptoms and may have anticancer effects. Also called purple clover and wild clover.

red date

The fruit of the jujube plant. It has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.

red elm

Ulmus fulva or Ulmus rubra. The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called slippery elm, gray elm, Indian elm, and sweet elm.

refractory

In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment.

refractory cancer

Breast cancer that does not respond to treatment. The cancer may be resistant at the beginning of treatment or it may become resistant during treatment. Also called resistant cancer.

regeneration

In biology, regrowth of damaged or destroyed tissue or a body part.

regimen

A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of breast cancer treatment.

regional

In oncology, describes the body area right around a breast tumor.

regional cancer

Refers to breast cancer that has grown beyond the original (primary) tumor to nearby lymph nodes or organs and tissues.

regional chemotherapy

Pronunciation: (REE-juh-nul KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment with anticancer medications directed to the area of the breast.

regional lymph node

In oncology, a lymph node that drains lymph from the region around a breast tumor.

regional lymph node dissection

A surgical procedure to remove some of the lymph nodes that drain lymph from the area around a breast tumor. The lymph nodes are then examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells have spread to them.

regression

A decrease in the size of a breast tumor or in the extent of breast cancer in the body.

rehabilitation specialist

A healthcare professional who helps people recover from breast cancer surgery or injury and return to daily life. Examples of rehabilitation specialists are physical therapists and occupational therapists.

relapse

The return of signs and symptoms of breast cancer after a period of improvement.

relative survival rate

A specific measurement of survival. For breast cancer, the rate is calculated by adjusting the survival rate to remove all causes of death except breast cancer. The rate is determined at specific time intervals, such as 2 years and 5 years after diagnosis.

relaxation technique

A method used to reduce tension and anxiety, and control pain. Some people affected by breast cancer use relaxation techniques to help manage pain or cope with stress during treatments.

remission

A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of breast cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although breast cancer still may be in the body.

remission induction therapy

Initial treatment with anticancer medications to cause complete disappearance of detectable breast cancer cells.

remote brachytherapy

A type of internal radiation treatment in which the radioactive source is removed between treatments. Also called high-dose-rate remote brachytherapy or high-dose-rate remote radiation therapy.

replicate

To make a copy or duplicate of something.

reproductive cell

An egg or sperm cell. Each mature reproductive cell carries a single set of 23 chromosomes.

reproductive system

In women, this system includes the ovaries (eggs), the fallopian tubes, the uterus (womb), the cervix (opening to the vagina), and the vagina (birth canal).

resectable

Pronunciation: (ree-SEK-tuh-bul)

Able to be removed by surgery.

resected

Removed by surgery.

resection

Pronunciation: (ree-SEK-shun)

A procedure that uses surgery to remove breast tissue or part or all of the breast.

residual disease

Breast cancer cells that remain after attempts with surgeryto remove the cancer have been made.

resistant cancer

Breast cancer that does not respond to treatment. The cancer may be resistant at the beginning of treatment, or it may become resistant during treatment. Also called refractory cancer.

resorption

A process in which a substance is lost by being destroyed and then absorbed by the body.

response

In medicine, an improvement related to breast cancer treatment.

response rate

The percentage of people whose breast cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.

resting

In biology, refers to a cell that is not actively dividing.

resveratrol

A substance found in the skins of grapes and in certain other plants, fruits, and seeds. It is made by various plants to help defend against invading fungi, stress, injury, infection, and too much sunlight. It is being studied in the prevention of breast cancer and heart disease. It belongs to the families of medications called antioxidants and polyphenols.

retinoid

Vitamin A or a vitamin A-like compound.

retinol

Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for proper vision and healthy skin and mucous membranes. Retinol is being studied in the prevention of breast cancer. It belongs to the family of medications called retinoids.

retroperitoneal

Pronunciation: (REH-troh-PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul)

Having to do with the area outside or behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).

retrospective

Looking back at events that have already taken place.

retrospective cohort study

A research study in which the medical records of groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain characteristic (for example, female nurses who smoke and those who do not smoke) are compared for a particular outcome (such as breast cancer). Also called a historic cohort study.

retrospective 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 case-control study.

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 da-huang, Chinese rhubarb, Indian rhubarb, and Turkish rhubarb.

ribonucleic acid

RNA. One of the two types of nucleic acids found in all cells associated with protein synthesis. The other is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Ribonucleic acid transmits genetic information from DNA to proteins produced by the cell.

ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor

A family of anticancer medications that interfere with the growth of tumor cells by blocking the formation of deoxyribonucleotides (building blocks of DNA).

risk assessment

Using statistical methods to measure an individual's risk for developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer risk assessment should be undertaken with the assistance of a physician or a qualified healthcare professional, such as a genetics counselor.

risk factor

Something that may increase the chance of developing breast cancer. Some examples of risk factors for breast cancer include age, a family history, use of tobacco products, certain eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents, hormones and certain genetic changes.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid. One of the two types of nucleic acids found in all cells for protein synthesis. The other is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). RNA transmits genetic information from DNA to proteins produced by the cell.

Top of Page