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

BBB

Blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective network of blood vessels and tissue that protects the brain from harmful substances, such as chemotherapy treatments.

BBBD

Blood-brain barrier disruption. The use of medications to create openings between cells in the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective network of blood vessels and tissue that protects the brain from harmful substances, but can also prevent anticancer medications from reaching the brain. Once the barrier is opened, anticancer medications may be infused into an artery that goes to the brain, in order to treat brain tumors.

benign

Pronunciation: (beh-NINE)

Not cancerous. Benign breast tumors do not spread to tissues around them or to other parts of the body.

benign breast disease

Pronunciation: (bih-NYN brest dih-ZEEZ)

A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts, breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause. Also called fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic breast changes, and mammary dysplasia.

benign proliferative breast disease

A group of noncancerous conditions that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Examples include ductal hyperplasia, lobular hyperplasia, and papillomas.

benign tumor

Pronunciation: (beh-NINE)

A noncancerous breast growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

bereavement

Pronunciation: (beh-REEV-ment)

A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved one.

best practice

In medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Healthcare providers are obligated to provide people with the best practice. Also called standard therapy or standard of care.

BI-RADS

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. A method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

Biafine cream

A topical preparation to reduce the risk of, and treat skin reactions to, breast cancer radiation therapy.

bias

In a clinical trial, a flaw in the study design or method of collecting or interpreting information. Biases can lead to incorrect conclusions about what the study or trial showed.

bilateral

Affecting both the right and left sides of the body. A bilateral mastectomy is surgery to remove both the right and left breast.

bilateral cancer

Cancer that occurs in both paired organs, such as both breasts or both ovaries.

bilateral prophylactic mastectomy

Pronunciation: (by-LAT-uh-ral pro-fi-LAK-tik mas-TEK-tuh-mee)

Surgery to remove both breasts in order to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Also called preventive mastectomy.

bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.

bioavailable

The ability of a medication or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. Orally bioavailable means that a medication or other substance that is taken by mouth can be absorbed and used by the body.

biochanin A

An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied to see if they help prevent breast cancer.

biofeedback

A method of learning to voluntarily control certain body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension with the help of a special machine. Some women affected by breast cancer use this method to help control pain.

biologic agent

A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of breast cancer and other diseases. Also called targeted agents. Biologic agents include antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines. Also called biological agent or biological medication. An example of a biologic agent is trastuzumab (brand name: Herceptin).

biological response modifier therapy

Pronunciation: (by-oh-LAH-jih-kul ...)

BRM therapy. Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by breast cancer treatment. Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological therapy.

biological therapy

Pronunciation: (by-oh-LAH-jih-kul THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

biomarker

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

biopsy

Pronunciation: (BY-op-see)

The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist to see whether breast cancer is present. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy, core biopsy, or fine-needle aspiration.

biopsy specimen

Tissue removed from the body and examined under a microscope to determine whether breast cancer is present.

biotherapy

Pronunciation: (by-oh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight breast cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also called biological therapy, immunotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

birth defect

When a baby is born with a physical or mental abnormality that developed while in the womb. Women undergoing certain breast cancer treatments should not become pregnant because of the risk of birth defects.

bisphosphonate

A type of medication used to build and strengthen bone, treat osteoporosis and manage bone pain caused by bone metastasis (breast cancer that has spread to the bone) . Bisphosphonates may be used in women affected by breast cancer who are at risk for bone loss or for bone metastasis. Also called diphosphonate. An example of a bisphosphonate is alendronate sodium (brand name: Fosamax).

black cohosh

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 snakeroot, rattlesnake root, bugwort, and bugbane.

black snakeroot

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, rattlesnake root, bugwort, and bugbane.

blessed thistle

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

blinded study

A type of study in which the participants (single-blinded) or the participants and their doctors (double-blinded) do not know which medication or treatment is being given to the participant. The opposite of a blinded study is an open label study.

blood

The liquid pumped by the heart through the arteries, veins, and capillaries of the body containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes. Blood completes circulation through the body in 20 seconds.

blood cell count

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

blood chemistry study

A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances made in the body. An abnormal amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.

blood thinner

A medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called an anticoagulant.

blood transfusion

The administration of blood or blood products through a blood vessel.

blood vessel

A tube through which the blood circulates in the body. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

blood-brain barrier

A network of blood vessels with closely spaced cells that makes it difficult for potentially toxic substances (such as chemotherapy treatments) to penetrate the blood vessel walls and enter the brain.

blood-brain barrier disruption

BBBD. The use of medications to create openings between cells in the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective network of blood vessels and tissue that protects the brain from harmful substances, such as chemotherapy treatments, but can also prevent anticancer medications from reaching the brain. Once the barrier is opened, anticancer medications may be infused into an artery that goes to the brain, in order to treat brain tumors.

BMD

Bone mineral density. A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called bone density and bone mass.

body image

How a person feels about how he or she looks. After breast cancer treatment, some people experience changes in their body image.

bone density

Pronunciation: (DEN-sih-tee)

A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass.

bone marrow

The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

bone marrow transplantation

Pronunciation: (trans-plan-TAY-shun)

A procedure to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by treatment with high doses of chemotherapy treatments or radiation. Transplantation may be autologous (an individual's own marrow saved before treatment), allogeneic (marrow donated by someone else), or syngeneic (marrow donated by an identical twin).

bone mass

A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called bone density and bone mineral density (BMD).

bone metastases

Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) breast tumor to the bone.

bone mineral density

Pronunciation: (DEN-sih-tee)

BMD. A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called bone density and bone mass.

bone pain

Discomfort in bone, sometimes referred to as joint pain or muscle pain. Bone pain may be a side effect of some breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery or hormonal therapy. Women with bone metastasis may experience bone pain as a symptom of their diagnosis.

bone scan

A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. This test looks to see whether or where breast cancer has spread to the bones.

bone-seeking radioisotope

A radioactive substance that is given through a vein, and collects in bone cells and in tumor cells that have spread to the bone. It kills cancer cells by giving off low-level radiation.

boron neutron capture therapy

A type of radiation therapy. The person is given an intravenous infusion containing the element boron, which concentrates in the tumor cells. The person then receives radiation therapy with atomic particles called neutrons from a small research nuclear reactor. The radiation is absorbed by the boron, killing the tumor cells without harming normal cells.

boronophenylalanine-fructose complex

BPA-F. A substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BPA-F is injected into a vein, and becomes concentrated in tumor cells. The person then receives radiation treatment with atomic particles called neutrons. The neutrons react with the boron in BPA-F, producing radioactive particles that kill the tumor cells without harming normal cells.

botanical

Having to do with, or derived from, plants.

brachytherapy

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

A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a breast tumor. Also called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.

brain metastasis

Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) breast tumor to the brain.

BRCA1

A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits an altered version of the BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.

BRCA2

A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits an altered version of the BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.

breakthrough pain

Intense increases in pain that occur with rapid onset even when pain-control medication is being used. Breakthrough pain can occur spontaneously or in relation to a specific activity.

breast

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

breast augmentation

Surgery to increase the size of the breast. Sometimes women who undergo reconstructive surgery after mastectomy also have breast augmentation on the unaffected breast to keep the two breasts symmetrical.

breast cancer in situ

Abnormal cells that are confined to the ducts or lobules in the breast. There are two forms, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

breast conservation therapy

An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter, or quadrant, of the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor). Also called breast-sparing surgery.

breast conserving therapy

The surgical removal of a portion of the breast as well as a small amount of breast tissue that contains and surrounds the tumor.

breast density

Describes the relative amount of different tissues present in the breast. A dense breast has less fat than glandular and connective tissue. Mammogram films of breasts with higher density are harder to read and interpret than those of less dense breasts. Pre-menopausal women tend to have denser breasts than post-menopausal women.

breast duct endoscopy

A method used to examine the lining of the breast ducts to look for abnormal tissue. A very thin, flexible, lighted tube attached to a camera is inserted through the nipple, and threaded into the breast ducts deep in the breast. Tissue and fluid samples may be removed during the procedure.

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System

BI-RADS. A method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

breast implant

A silicone gel-filled or saline-filled sac placed under the chest muscle to restore breast shape.

breast pain

Pain in the breast or mammary gland. Breast pain does not necessarily indicate breast cancer; it may be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or during peri-menopause. Also called breast tenderness.

breast reconstruction

Surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy.

breast self-exam

An exam by a woman of her breasts to check for lumps, masses, thickening, or other changes.

breast tenderness

Pain or tenderness in the breast or mammary gland. Breast tenderness does not necessarily indicate breast cancer; it may be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or during peri-menopause. Also called breast pain.

breast-conserving surgery

An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter, or quadrant, of the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor). Also called breast-sparing surgery.

breast-sparing surgery

An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-sparing surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter, or quadrant, of the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor). Also called breast-conserving surgery.

Brief Pain Inventory

A questionnaire used to measure pain.

BSH

Sodium borocaptate. A substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BSH is injected into a vein and becomes concentrated in tumor cells. The person then receives radiation treatment with atomic particles called neutrons. The neutrons react with the boron in BSH and make radioactive particles that kill the tumor cells without harming normal cells.

bugbane

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, rattlesnake root, and bugwort.

bugwort

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, rattlesnake root, and bugbane.

burdock

Arctium lappa. A plant whose seeds and root have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called lappa and happy major.

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