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

T cell

One type of white blood cell that attacks virus-infected cells, foreign cells, and breast cancer cells. T cells also produce a number of substances that regulate the immune response.

tachycardia

Rapid beating of the heart, usually defined as greater than 100 beats per minute.

tachypnea

Rapid breathing.

TAG-72 antigen

A protein/sugar complex found on the surface of many cancer cells, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cells.

tailored therapy

Also called targeted therapy. A type of treatment that uses medicines or other substances to identify and attack specific breast cancer cells without harming normal cells. A monoclonal antibody is a type of tailored therapy.

tamoxifen

Pronunciation: (ta-MOK-si-FEN)

A medicine used to treat breast cancer, and to prevent it in women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen (brand name: Nolvadex) blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast. It belongs to the family of medicines called antiestrogens.

targeted therapy

Also called tailored therapy. A type of treatment that uses medicines or other substances to identify and attack specific breast cancer cells without harming normal cells. A monoclonal antibody is a type of targeted therapy.

taxane

A medicine that inhibits cell growth by stopping cell division. Taxanes are used as treatments for breast cancer. Also called antimitotic or antimicrotubule agents or mitotic inhibitors. Docetaxel (brand name: Taxotere) and paclitaxel (brand name: Taxol) are taxanes.

technetium Tc 99m dextran

A radiolabeled substance that is used in breast cancer diagnosis.

technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid

A radiolabeled substance that is used to help identify sites of breast tumor development.

telangiectasia

Pronunciation: (tel-AN-gee-ek-TAY-zha)

The permanent enlargement of blood vessels, causing redness in the skin or mucous membranes.

terminal disease

Breast cancer that cannot be cured and ultimately will cause death.

test

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testimonial

Information provided by an individual who feels she has been helped or cured by a particular product. The information provided lacks the necessary elements to be evaluated in a rigorous and scientific manner and is not used in the scientific literature.

testosterone

Pronunciation: (tes-TOS-ter-own)

A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

thalamus

Pronunciation: (THAL-a-muss)

An area of the brain that helps process information from the senses and transmit it to other parts of the brain.

therapeutic

Pronunciation: (THAYR-uh-PYOO-tik)

Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.

therapy

Treatment.

thermal ablation

A procedure using heat to remove tissue or a part of the body, or destroy its function. For example, to remove the lining of the uterus, a catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, a balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated, and fluid inside the balloon is heated to destroy the lining of the uterus.

thermography

In medicine, a procedure in which a heat-sensing infrared camera is used to record the surface heat produced by different parts of the body. Abnormal tissue growth can cause temperature changes, which may show up on the thermogram. Thermography may be used to diagnose breast cancer and other tumors.

third-line therapy

Treatment that is given when both initial breast cancer treatment (first-line therapy) and subsequent treatment (second-line therapy) don't work, or stop working.

thoracentesis

Pronunciation: (thor-a-sen-TEE-sis)

Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity through a needle inserted between the ribs.

thoracic

Pronunciation: (thor-ASS-ik)

Having to do with the chest.

thoracoscopy

The use of a thin, lighted tube (called an endoscope) to examine the inside of the chest.

thoracotomy

Pronunciation: (thor-a-KAH-toe-mee)

An operation to open the chest.

throat

Pronunciation: (throte)

The hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach). The throat is about 5 inches long, depending on body size. Also called the pharynx.

thrombocyte

Pronunciation: (THROM-bo-site)

A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called a platelet.

thrombocytopenia

A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood that may result in easy bruising and excessive bleeding from wounds or bleeding in mucous membranes and other tissues.

thrombosis

Pronunciation: (throm-BOW-sis)

The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

thrush

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 Candidosis.

time to progression

A measure of time after breast cancer is diagnosed (or treated) until it starts to get worse. Time to progression often is used as a measure in clinical trials to study the effectiveness of a treatment.

tin Sn 117m DTPA

A radioactive chemical being studied to treat bone pain associated with breast cancer.

tissue

Pronunciation: (TISH-oo)

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

tissue flap reconstruction

A type of breast reconstruction in which a flap of tissue is surgically moved from another area of the body to the chest, and formed into a new breast mound.

TM

Transcendental meditation. A mental technique used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. Some women affected by breast cancer practice transcendental meditation to help them manage side effects and the emotional impacts of the disease.

TNF

Tumor necrosis factor. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease).

TNFerade

A gene therapy product that is being studied in combination with radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

TNM staging system

A system for describing the extent of cancer in a person's body. T describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue, N describes any lymph nodes that are involved, and M describes metastasis (spread of cancer from one body part to another).

tomography

Pronunciation: (tuh-MAH-gra-fee)

A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.

topical

On the surface of the body.

topical chemotherapy

Pronunciation: (TAH-pih-kul KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment with anticancer medicines in a lotion or cream applied to the skin.

topoisomerase inhibitor

Pronunciation: (TOH-poh-i-SAH-muh-raze)

A substance that blocks topoisomerase enzymes, which are involved in DNA structure and cell growth. Certain topoisomerase inhibitors are used to treat some types of breast cancer.

total estrogen blockade

Therapy used to eliminate estrogen in the body. This may be done with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these procedures.

total 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 complete hysterectomy.

total mastectomy

Pronunciation: (mas-TEK-toe-mee)

Removal of the breast. Also called simple mastectomy.

total nodal irradiation

Radiation therapy to the mantle field (the neck, chest, and lymph nodes in the armpit), the spleen, the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, and the lymph nodes in the pelvic area.

total parenteral nutrition

TPN. A form of nutrition that is delivered into a vein. Total parenteral nutrition does not use the digestive system. It may be given to people who are unable to absorb nutrients through the intestinal tract because of vomiting that won't stop, severe diarrhea, or intestinal disease. It may also be given to those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation and bone marrow transplantation. It is possible to give all of the protein, calories, vitamins and minerals a person needs using total parenteral nutrition. Also known as hyperalimentation or parenteral nutrition.

totipotent

Having to do with cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body.

toxic

Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.

toxicity

The degree to which a substance may be harmful or poisonous to the body. The toxicity of a medication may often be seen in its side effects. In clinical trials, researchers study the toxicity of anticancer medications.

toxin

A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.

TPN

Total parenteral nutrition. A form of nutrition that is delivered into a vein. TPN does not use the digestive system. It may be given to people who are unable to absorb nutrients through the intestinal tract because of vomiting that won't stop, severe diarrhea, or intestinal disease. It may also be given to those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation and bone marrow transplantation. It is possible to give all of the protein, calories, vitamins and minerals a person needs using TPN. Also known as hyperalimentation or parenteral nutrition.

trace element

A chemical found in very small amounts in a given substance. Organisms need certain trace elements to survive.

tracer

A substance (such as a radioisotope) used in imaging procedures.

trach tube

A 2-inch- to 3-inch-long curved metal or plastic tube placed in a surgically created opening (tracheostomy) in the windpipe to keep it open. Also called a tracheostomy tube.

trachea

Pronunciation: (TRAY-kee-uh)

The airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs. Also called the windpipe.

TRAM flap

A type of breast reconstruction surgery in which tissue and muscle are removed from the lower abdomen (a "tummy tuck") and used to rebuild the breast. Also called transrectal abdominal muscle surgery.

transabdominal ultrasound

A procedure used to examine the organs in the abdomen. The ultrasound device is pressed firmly against the skin of the abdomen. Sound waves from the device bounce off tissues and create echoes. A computer uses the echoes to make a picture called a sonogram.

transcendental meditation

TM. A mental technique used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. Some women affected by breast cancer practice transcendental meditation to help them manage side effects and the emotional impacts of the disease.

transcription

In biology, the process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a sequence of DNA that is a gene.

transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation

TENS. A technique in which mild electric currents are applied to some areas of the skin by a small power pack connected to two electrodes.

transdermal

Through the skin.

transformation

The change that a normal cell undergoes as it becomes malignant.

transfusion

Pronunciation: (trans-FYOO-zhun)

The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream. The blood may be donated from another person, or it may have been taken from the person earlier and stored until needed.

transrectal abdominal muscle surgery

TRAM flap surgery. A type of breast reconstruction surgery in which tissue and muscle are removed from the lower abdomen (a "tummy tuck") and used to rebuild the breast.

transvaginal sonography

Pronunciation: (tranz-VA-jih-nul soh-NAH-gruh-fee)

TVS. A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina that causes sound waves to bounce off organs inside the pelvis. These sound waves create echoes that are sent to a computer, which creates a picture called a sonogram. Also called transvaginal ultrasound.

transvaginal ultrasound

Pronunciation: (tranz-VA-jih- nul UL-tra-SOWND)

A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina that causes sound waves to bounce off organs inside the pelvis. These sound waves create echoes that are sent to a computer, which creates a picture called a sonogram. Also called transvaginal sonography (TVS).

trauma

An emotional response to an unexpected event, often triggered some time after the initial unexpected event. For example, some women affected by breast cancer will feel trauma after completing treatment because they hear or see something that reminds them of the diagnosis or treatment.

Traumeel(r) S

A substance that contains minerals and extracts of 14 plants, including belladonna, arnica, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. It is being studied as a mouth rinse treatment for oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) caused by breast cancer therapy. It is known as a homeopathic remedy.

treatment field

In radiation therapy, the place on the body where the radiation beam is aimed.

trephine

Pronunciation: (TREE-fine)

A surgical tool used to cut out circular pieces of bone or other tissue.

Trifolium pratense

Pronunciation: (try-FOH-lee-um pray-TEN-see)

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 red clover, purple clover, and wild clover.

trigeminal nerve

The main sensory nerve of the head and face, and the motor nerve of the muscles used in chewing. Also called the fifth cranial nerve.

tubal ligation

Pronunciation: (TOO-bul lye-GAY-shun)

An operation to tie the fallopian tubes closed. This procedure prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

tubefeeding

A type of enteral nutrition (nutrition that is delivered into the digestive system in a liquid form). For tubefeeding, a small tube may be placed through the nose into the stomach or the small intestine. Sometimes it is surgically placed into the stomach or the intestinal tract through an opening made on the outside of the abdomen, depending on how long it will be used. People who are unable to meet their needs with food and beverages alone, and who do not have vomiting or uncontrollable diarrhea may be given tubefeedings. Tubefeeding can be used to add to what a person is able to eat or can be the only source of nutrition.

tumor

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Breast tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called neoplasm.

tumor antigen vaccine

Pronunciation: (... AN-tih-JEN ...)

A vaccine made of breast cancer cells, parts of breast cancer cells, or pure breast tumor antigens (substances isolated from tumor cells). A tumor antigen vaccine may stimulate the body's immune system to find and kill cancer cells.

tumor block

A small portion of tissue from the biopsy site that has been preserved in wax for microscopic analysis or review.

tumor board review

A treatment planning approach in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines) review and discuss breast cancer and a person's treatment options . In breast cancer treatment, a tumor board review may include that of a medical oncologist (who provides breast cancer treatment with medicine), a surgical oncologist (who provides breast cancer treatment with surgery), and a radiation oncologist (who provides breast cancer treatment with radiation). Also called a multidisciplinary opinion.

tumor burden

Refers to the number of breast cancer cells, the size of a tumor, or the amount of cancer in the body. Also called tumor load.

tumor debulking

Surgically removing as much of the breast tumor as possible.

tumor initiation

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer ih-NIH-shee-AY-shun)

A process in which normal cells are changed so that they are able to form breast tumors. Substances that cause breast cancer can be tumor initiators.

tumor load

Refers to the number of breast cancer cells, the size of a breast tumor, or the amount of breast cancer in the body. Also called tumor burden.

tumor marker

A substance sometimes found in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues. A high level of tumor marker may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples of tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer) and CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract cancers). Also called biomarker.

tumor model

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer MAH-dul)

Cells, tissues, or animals used to study the development and progression of breast cancer, and to test new treatments before they are given to human beings. Animals with transplanted human tumors or other tissues are called xenograft models.

tumor necrosis factor

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer ne-KRO-sis)

A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Three types of tumor necrosis factor have been identified: alpha, beta, and gamma. Tumor necrosis factor seems to play a role in the breakdown of breast cancer cells.

tumor promotion

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer pruh-MOE-shun)

A process in which existing breast tumors are stimulated to grow. Tumor promoters are not able to cause breast tumors to form.

tumor suppressor gene

Pronunciation: (TOO-mer suh-PREH-ser jeen)

A type of gene unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring) that helps control cell growth. Blocking the action of tumor suppressor genes may lead to breast cancer.

tumor-derived

Taken from an individual's own breast tumor tissue; may be used in the development of a vaccine that enhances the body's ability to build an immune response to the tumor.

tumor-specific antigen

A protein or other molecule that is unique to breast cancer cells or is much more abundant in them. These molecules are usually found in the plasma (outer) membrane, and they are thought to be potential targets for immunotherapy or other types of anticancer treatment.

Turkish 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, Chinese rhubarb, and Indian rhubarb.

TVS

Transvaginal sonography. A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina that causes sound waves to bounce off organs inside the pelvis. These sound waves create echoes that are sent to a computer, which creates a picture called a sonogram. Also called transvaginal ultrasound.

tympanites

Swelling of the abdomen caused by gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity. Also called meteorism.

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