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

jaw necrosis

Also called "dead jaw," osteonecrosis of the jaw. Painful exposed bone in the jaw. Women who undergo radiation or chemotherapy or who receive steroids as part of breast cancer treatment are at increased risk for this condition. Women who take bisphosphonates may also be at risk for jaw necrosis.

joint pain

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

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