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

ubiquinone

A substance found in most tissues in the body, and in many foods. It can also be made in the laboratory. It is used by the body to produce energy for cells, and as an antioxidant. It is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer and in the relief of side effects caused by some breast cancer treatments. Also called coenzyme Q10, Q10, CoQ10, and vitamin Q10.

ulcer

Pronunciation: (UHL-ser)

A break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off. Ulcers may be associated with breast cancer and other diseases.

ulceration

The formation of a break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off. Ulcers may be associated with breast cancer and other diseases.

Ulmus fulva

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, red elm, and sweet elm.

Ulmus rubra

Ulmus fulva. 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, red elm, and sweet elm.

ultrasonogram

A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. Also called a sonogram. Sonograms are sometimes used to look more closely at breast masses.

ultrasound energy

A form of therapy being studied as an anticancer treatment. Intensified ultrasound energy can be directed at breast cancer cells to heat them and kill them.

ultrasound transducer

A device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes. The transducer also receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create a picture called a sonogram. Transducers (also called probes) come in different shapes and sizes for use in making pictures of different parts of the body. The transducer may be passed over the surface of the body or inserted into an opening such as the rectum or vagina.

ultrasound-guided biopsy

Pronunciation: (BY-op-see)

A biopsy procedure that uses an ultrasound imaging device to find an abnormal area of breast tissue and guide its removal for examination under a microscope.

ultrasound/ultrasonography

A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography. Sonograms are sometimes used to look more closely at breast masses.

ultraviolet radiation therapy

A form of radiation used in the treatment of breast cancer.

uncontrolled study

A clinical study that lacks a comparison (i.e., a control) group.

unconventional cancer treatments

Approaches that use substances or methods of treating breast cancer that have not been shown to be effective by accepted scientific methods, such as carefully designed clinical trials.

undifferentiated

A term used to describe cells or tissues that do not have specialized ("mature") structures or functions. Undifferentiated breast cancer cells often grow and spread quickly.

unilateral

Having to do with one side of the body.

unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Surgery to remove the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body.

unresectable

Unable to be removed with surgery.

unresected

Describes an organ, tissue, or breast cancer that has not been either partly or completely removed by surgery.

upper GI series

A series of x-rays of the upper digestive (gastrointestinal, or GI) system that are taken after a person drinks a barium solution, which outlines the digestive organs on the x-rays.

uterus

Pronunciation: (YOO-ter-us)

The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb.

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