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

S-phase fraction

One measure of a test that aids in determining prognosis is called flow cytometry. S-phase is a measure of the percentage of breast cancer cells in a breast tumor that are in the DNA synthesis, or "S" phase of the cell cycle. The S-phase fraction helps to give a more complete understanding of how fast a breast tumor is growing.

saline

A solution of salt and water.

salpingo-oophorectomy

Pronunciation: (sal-PIN-go o-o-for-EK-toe-mee)

Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

salvage therapy

Treatment that is given after the breast cancer has not responded to other treatments.

sarcoma

A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Breast sarcomas are very rare.

scalpel

Pronunciation: (SKAL-pul)

A small, thin knife used for surgery.

scan

A picture of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring breast cancer include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, positron emission tomograhy (PET) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body

schedule

In clinical trials, the step-by-step plan for how participants are to be treated; for example, which medicines are to be given, the order and method by which they are to be given, the length of time of each infusion, the amount of time between courses, and the total length of treatment.

scintimammography

A type of breast imaging test that is used to detect cancer cells in the breasts of some women who have had abnormal mammograms, or who have dense breast tissue. Scintimammography is not used for screening, or in place of a mammogram. In this test, a woman receives an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance called technetium 99, which is taken up by cancer cells, and a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the breasts. Also called Miraluma test and sestamibi breast imaging.

screening

Checking for breast cancer when there are no symptoms.

screening mammogram

X-rays of the breasts taken to check for breast cancer in the absence of signs or symptoms.

second primary cancer

Refers to a new, unrelated breast cancer in a person who has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is not a spread or recurrence of the first breast cancer.

second-line therapy

Treatment that is given when initial breast cancer treatment (first-line therapy) doesn't work, or stops working.

second-look surgery

Surgery performed after primary treatment to determine whether tumor cells remain.

secondary cancer

A term that is used to describe either a new primary breast cancer or breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body.

segmental mastectomy

Pronunciation: (mas-TEK-toe-mee)

The removal of cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor. Usually some of the lymph nodes under the arm are also taken out. Also called partial mastectomy.

selection bias

An error in choosing the individuals or groups to take part in a study. Ideally, the participants in a study should be very similar to one another and to the larger population from which they are drawn (for example, all individuals with the same disease or condition). If there are important differences, the results of the study may not be valid.

selective estrogen receptor modulator (sel-EK-tiv ESS-tro-jen re-SEP-tor MOD-yew-lay-tor) SERM.

A type of medicine used to treat estrogen receptor positive breast cancers. It works by acting like estrogen on some tissues but blocking the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen (brand name: Nolvadex) and raloxifene (brand name: Evista) are SERMs.

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

SSRI. A type of medicine that is used to treat depression. SSRIs slow the process by which serotonin (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another) is reused by nerve cells that make it. This increases the amount of serotonin available for stimulating other nerves. Some SSRIs are under investigation to treat menopause-related hot flashes.

selenium

An essential dietary mineral. Studies are ongoing to see if selenium can help prevent or slow cancer growth.

sensitivity

When referring to a medical test, sensitivity refers to the percentage of people who test positive for a specific disease among a group of people who have the disease. No test has 100 percent sensitivity because some people who have the disease will test negative for it (false negatives).

sentinel lymph node

The first lymph node in the armpit, or axilla, that breast cancer is likely to spread from the primary breast tumor. When breast cancer spreads, the cancer cells most likely appear first in the sentinel node before spreading to other lymph nodes.

sentinel lymph node biopsy

Removal and examination of the sentinel node(s) (the first lymph node (s) to which breast cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary breast tumor). To identify the sentinel lymph node(s), the surgeon injects a radioactive substance, blue dye, or both near the tumor. The surgeon then uses a scanner to find the sentinel lymph node(s) containing the radioactive substance or looks for the lymph node(s) stained with dye. The surgeon then removes the sentinel node(s) to check for the presence of breast cancer cells.

sentinel lymph node mapping

The use of dyes and radioactive substances to identify the first lymph node to which breast cancer is likely to spread from the primary breast tumor. Cancer cells may appear first in the sentinel node before spreading to other lymph nodes and other places in the body.

SERM Selective estrogen receptor modulator

A medicine that acts like estrogen on some tissues but blocks the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen (brand name: Nolvadex) and raloxifene (brand name: Evista) are SERMs.

serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase

SGPT. An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. A high level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase released into the blood may be a sign of liver damage, breast cancer, or other diseases. Also called alanine transferase.

serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase

SGOT. An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and other tissues. A high level of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase released into the blood may be a sign of liver or heart damage, breast cancer, or other diseases. Also called aspartate transaminase.

serum tumor marker test

A blood test that measures substances that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth, or by the cancer itself.

sestamibi breast imaging

A type of breast imaging test that is used to detect breast cancer cells in some women who have had abnormal mammograms, or who have dense breast tissue. Sestamibi breast imaging is not used for screening, or in place of a mammogram. In this test, a woman receives an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance called technetium 99, which is taken up by cancer cells, and a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the breasts. Also called scintimammography and Miraluma test.

severe myelosuppression

Severe reduction in the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow. Severe myelosuppression is a side effect of some breast cancer treatments. Also called myeloablation.

SGOT

Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and other tissues. A high level of SGOT released into the blood may be a sign of liver or heart damage, breast cancer, or other diseases. Also called aspartate transaminase.

SGPT

Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase. An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. A high level of SGPT released into the blood may be a sign of liver damage, breast cancer, or other diseases. Also called alanine transferase.

shock

A medical condition in which the body cannot supply enough oxygen to meet its needs. Shock is a life-threatening condition. Shock also means any kind of trauma or surprise that causes distress or disbelief, such as with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

side effect

A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of breast cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

significant

In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. A difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant. In breast cancer clinical trials, researchers measure the success of a proposed treatment if the results are significant or statistically significant in favor of the new treatment versus the standard treatment.

silicone

A synthetic gel that is used as an outer coating on breast implants and as the inside filling of some implants.

silybum marianum

A plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems, including stomach, liver, and gallbladder disorders. The active extract of Silybum marianum seeds is called silymarin. It is being studied in the prevention of liver damage caused by some breast cancer treatments. Also called milk thistle.

silymarin

A substance obtained from milk thistle seeds that is being studied in the prevention of liver damage caused by certain breast cancer treatments.

simple mastectomy

Removal of the breast, but not the axillary lymph nodes. Also called total mastectomy.

simulation

A process used to plan radiation therapy after breast cancer surgery so that the target area is precisely located and marked.

single blind study

A type of clinical trial in which only the researcher knows whether a person is taking standard treatment or new treatment being tested. This helps prevent bias in treatment studies.

single-photon emission computed tomography

SPECT. A special type of computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in which a small amount of a radioactive medication is injected into a vein and a scanner is used to make detailed images of areas inside the body where the radioactive material is taken up by the cells. SPECT can give information about blood flow to tissues and chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body.

skeleton

The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of humans are made of bone and/or cartilage.

skin stimulation

The process of applying pressure, friction, temperature change, or chemical substances to the skin to lessen or block a feeling of pain.

sleep

A natural state of rest. Some women affected by breast cancer experience sleep disruptions as a result of the diagnosis or treatment.

slippery 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 gray elm, Indian elm, red elm, and sweet elm.

social worker

A professional trained to talk with people and their families about emotional or physical needs, and to find them support services.

sodium

A mineral needed by the body to keep body fluids in balance. Sodium is found in table salt and in many processed foods. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain water.

soft diet

A diet consisting of bland foods that are softened by cooking, mashing, pureeing, or blending.

soft tissue

Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body.

solid tumor

A lump of breast tissue that is not fluid-filled. Solid breast tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them. Examples of solid tumors are sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas.

sonogram

Pronunciation: (SON-o-gram)

A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. It is used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found on mammograms, or to evaluate a breast lump.

soy, soya or soybean

A plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products. Soy products contain isoflavones (estrogen-like substances) that are being studied for the prevention of breast cancer, hot flashes that occur with menopause, and osteoporosis (loss of bone density). Soy products in the diet may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Its safety for use after a diagnosis of breast cancer is currently being studied.

SPECT

Single-photon emission computed tomography. A special type of computed tomography (CT) scan in which a small amount of a radioactive medicine is injected into a vein and a scanner is used to make detailed images of areas inside the body where the radioactive material is taken up by the cells. SPECT can give information about blood flow to tissues and chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body.

spiculated mass

Pronunciation: (SPIK-you-lay-ted ...)

An abnormal finding on a mammogram that appears as a dense region with lines that radiate from its center.

spine

The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The spine encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called backbone, spinal column, and vertebral column.

spiral CT scan

A detailed picture of areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine that scans the body in a spiral path. Also called helical computed tomography.

SSRI

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. A type of medicine that is used to treat depression. SSRIs slow the process by which serotonin (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another) is reused by nerve cells that make it. This increases the amount of serotonin available for stimulating other nerves.Some SSRIs are being studied to treat menopause-related hot flashes.

St. Benedict's thistle

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

St. John's wort

Hypericum perforatum, an herbal product sold as an over-the-counter treatment for depression. It is being studied for its ability to lessen certain side effects of breast cancer treatment.

stable disease

Breast cancer that is neither decreasing nor increasing in extent or severity.

Stage

The extent of a breast cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain breast cancer, and whether the breast cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body.

stage I breast cancer

The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has not spread outside the breast.

stage II breast cancer

Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB based on tumor size and whether it has spread to the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm). In stage IIA, the cancer is either no larger than 2 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or between 2 and 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIB, the cancer is either between 2 and 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage IIA breast cancer

Stage II breast cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, (1) no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is found in the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; or (3) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage IIB breast cancer

Stage II breast cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIB, (1) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage III breast cancer

Stage III is divided into stages IIIA and IIIB. In stage IIIA breast cancer, the cancer (1) is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, which have grown into each other or into other structures and are attached to them; or (2) is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit. In stage IIIB breast cancer, the cancer (1) has spread to tissues near the breast (skin, chest wall, including the ribs and the muscles in the chest); or (2) has spread to lymph nodes inside the chest wall along the breast bone.

stage IIIA breast cancer

Stage III breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIA, (1) no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is found in axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures; or (2) the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and has spread to axillary lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures; or (3) the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to axillary lymph nodes that may or may not be attached to each other or to other structures.

stage IIIB breast cancer

Stage III breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIB, the cancer may be any size, has spread to tissues near the breast (the skin or chest wall, including the ribs and muscles in the chest), and may have spread to lymph nodes within the breast or under the arm.

stage IIIC breast cancer

Stage III breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIC, cancer has spread to lymph nodes beneath the collarbone and near the neck; and may have spread to lymph nodes within the breast or under the arm and to tissues near the breast.

stage IV breast cancer

Breast cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

staging

Pronunciation: (STAY-jing)

Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the breast cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.

standard of care

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

standard therapy

Treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Healthcare providers are obligated to provide standard therapy. Also called standard of care or best practice.

statin

Pronunciation: (STA-tin)

Any of a group of medicines that lower the amount of cholesterol and certain fats in the blood. Statins inhibit a key enzyme that helps make cholesterol. Statin medications are being studied in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

statistically significant

Describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be statistically significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called significant. In breast cancer clinical trials, researchers measure the success of a proposed treatment if the results are significant or statistically significant in favor of the new treatment versus the standard treatment.

stem cell

A cell from which other types of cells develop. Blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.

stem cell transplantation

A method of replacing immature blood-forming cells that were destroyed by breast cancer treatment. The stem cells are given to the person after treatment, usually high doses of chemotherapy, to help the bone marrow recover and continue producing healthy blood cells.

stent

A device placed in a body structure (such as a blood vessel or the gastrointestinal tract) to provide support and keep the structure open.

stereotactic biopsy

Pronunciation: (STAYR-ee-oh-TAK-tik BY-op-see)

A biopsy procedure that uses a computer and a 3-dimensional scanning device to take small samples of breast tissue from an abnormal area identified on mammogram for examination under a microscope.

stereotactic injection

A procedure in which a computer and a 3-dimensional scanning device are used to inject anticancer medication directly into a breast tumor.

sterile

Pronunciation: (STER-il)

Unable to produce children. Also means free from germs.

steroid drug

Pronunciation: (STAIR-oyd)

A type of medicine used to relieve swelling and inflammation. Some steroid medicines may also have antitumor effects.

steroid therapy

Treatment with corticosteroid medicines to reduce swelling, pain, and other symptoms of inflammation.

study agent

A medicine, vitamin, mineral, food supplement, or a combination of them that is being tested in a clinical trial.

subcutaneous

Beneath the skin.

subcutaneous port

A tube surgically placed into a blood vessel and attached to a disk placed under the skin. It is used for the administration of intravenous fluids and breast cancer medications; it can also be used to obtain blood samples.

subjective improvement

An improvement that is reported by the person, but cannot be measured by the healthcare provider (for example, "I feel better").

subset analysis

In a clinical study, the evaluation of results for some but not all of the people who participated. The selected participants have one or more characteristics in common, such as the same stage of disease or the same hormone receptor status.

supplementation

Adding nutrients to the diet.

support group

A group of people with breast cancer who meet to discuss how better to cope with their disease and treatment.

supportive care

Care given to improve the quality of life of people who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of supportive care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called palliative care, comfort care, and symptom management.

supraclavicular lymph node

A lymph node located above the clavicle (collarbone).

surgeon

A doctor who removes or repairs a part of the body by operating on people.

surgery

Pronunciation: (SER-juh-ree)

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

surgical castration

Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) to stop the production of sex hormones. Decreasing the levels of hormones may stop the growth of certain breast cancers.

surgical oncologist

A doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures on people with breast cancer.

survival rate

The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are alive for a given period of time after diagnosis. This is commonly expressed as 5-year survival.

sweet 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 red elm.

symptom

An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

symptom management

Care given to improve the quality of life of people who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of symptom management is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called palliative care, comfort care, and supportive care.

symptomatic

Having to do with symptoms, which are signs of a condition or disease.

syndrome

Pronunciation: (SIN-drome)

A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.

synergistic

Pronunciation: (SIH-ner-JIS-tik)

The interaction of two or more medicines when their combined effect is greater than the sum of the effects seen when each medicine is given alone.

syringe

A small hollow tube used for injecting or withdrawing liquids. It may be attached to a needle in order to withdraw fluid from the body or inject medicines into the body.

systemic

Pronunciation: (sis-TEM-ik)

Affecting the entire body.

systemic chemotherapy

Pronunciation: (sis-TEH-mik kee-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment with anticancer medications that travel through the blood to cells all over the body.

systemic disease

Disease that affects the whole body.

systemic radiation

Pronunciation: (sis-TEH-mik ray-dee-AY-shun)

Treatment with a radioactive substance, such as a radioactively labeled monoclonal antibody, that travels through the blood to cells all over the body.

systemic therapy

Pronunciation: (sis-TEH-mik THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body.

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