Glossary

For U.S. Residents Only

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

A
Adenocarcinomas : cancers that start in the glandular tissue, such as the ducts or lobules of the breast.

Adjacent : next to; adjoining.

Adjuvant therapy : treatment given following surgery. Adjuvant therapy may be radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Adrenal glands : glands located near the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce hormones that control metabolism, fluid balance, and blood pressure. They also produce small amounts of male hormones (androgens) and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Adrenaline : epinephrine; a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenaline causes quickening of the heartbeat and raised blood pressure, among other effects.

Aerobic exercise : activities performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate.

Amino acids : the building blocks of protein; compounds used by the body to form proteins.

Anemia :a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in your blood. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, shortness of breath, and weakness.

Anthracyclines : a class of chemotherapy drugs that damage the DNA structure of cancer cells so they cannot reproduce.

Antiemetics : medicines that prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.

Antioxidants : substances that reduce oxidative damage (damage due to oxygen) such as that caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that attack molecules by changing their chemical structures. Well-known antioxidants include vitamin E and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A).

Aromatase : an enzyme that regulates estrogen production in the adrenal glands.

Aromatase inhibitors : a relatively new class of anticancer drugs that controls breast cancer by stopping aromatase from working.

Axillary lymph nodes : lymph nodes in the armpit.

Axillary lymph node dissection : removal of a number of lymph nodes from the armpit for examination by a pathologist.

Axillary node-negative : nodal status indicating that the breast cancer has not spread to lymph glands in the armpit.

Axillary node-positive : nodal status indicating that the breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit.

B
Biological therapy : treatments that attempt to use the body's own defenses to control the cancer. Biological therapy also is known as immunotherapy.

Biopsy : removal of tissue, cells, or fluid for laboratory examination and diagnosis.

Body mass index : a method of measuring body weight in relation to height. Body mass index is usually measured by weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared.

Bone marrow transplant : moving bone marrow (soft material inside the bones) from one person to another. Autologous bone marrow transplant is done after the patient receives chemotherapy by taking marrow from a person, cleansing it, storing it, and then returning it to the same person.

Bone scan : an imaging method which provides important information about the bones, including the location of cancer that may have spread to the bones.

C
CPT code : a code number used to identify medical services. Developed by the American Medical Association, CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. CPT codes are used by physicians when billing for their services. This is the code you'll get from your doctor when you want to find out in advance if a procedure is covered.

Cartilage : a type of dense but flexible tissue found in the skeletal system and certain organs.

Central venous catheter : a flexible tube inserted into a large vein for the purpose of giving drugs or fluids.

Chemotherapy : treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy is often used to supplement surgery and/or radiation therapy or to treat recurrent cancer.

Chest wall : the area including the ribs and the muscles between them.

Complementary (chemotherapy agents) : the use of two or more drugs, each of which has a different ability to kill cancer cells that is lacking in the other.

Conjunctivitis : inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the front part of the eyeball.

Contagious disease : a disease contracted by receiving living germs directly from a person who has the disease or by having contact with the person's secretions or an object touched by the person.

Coordination of benefits : cost-sharing that occurs when a patient is eligible for coverage by more than one insurance plan. The benefits of the plans are coordinated so that the patient may receive up to 100% coverage for medical costs.

Co-payment : in a health plan contract, the portion of covered medical costs that is paid by the patient. In a typical plan, the patient's co-payment may be based on a percentage or a flat fee.

Cycle : a period during which chemotherapy drugs are administered, followed by a rest period without drugs.

Cytotoxic : toxic to cells; cell killing.

D
Deductible : the total amount of the cost of medical care expenses that is paid by the patient, usually on an annual basis, before the insurance company begins paying benefits.

Dense : thick. Dense breast tissue shows up as white areas on a mammogram.

Distant recurrence : see metastasis.

Diverticulitis : inflammation of pouches that sometimes form in the intestines.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) : a precancerous lesion that appears in the ducts of the breast. This type of lesion may eventually convert into an invasive breast cancer.

Ducts : hollow passages for gland secretions. In the breast, a passage through which milk passes from the lobule to the nipple.

E
Early stage breast cancer : the least invasive breast cancer; refers to smaller tumors that haven’t spread to other parts of a woman’s body.

Endorphins : a group of hormones that occur naturally in the brain and have strong analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Enzymes : proteins that play a part in specific chemical reactions

Estrogen : a female hormone that is important to reproduction. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands and may be needed by some cancers for growth.

Estrogen/progesterone-receptor test : a laboratory test done on a sample of the cancer to see whether estrogen or progesterone receptors are present.

Estrogen receptors : molecules that carry estrogen into a cell. Breast cancer cells with estrogen receptors may need estrogen to keep growing.

Estrogen receptor assay : a test that must be done on cancerous tissue to find out if a breast cancer is hormone-dependent and may be treated with hormone therapy.

Exclusion : a condition or circumstance for which a health plan does not provide benefits.

External beam radiation : radiation delivered from a source outside of the body to a specific area of the body.

F
Fixed annual premium : a fee paid to a Health Maintenance Organization, either by the patient or an employer. A premium covers most expenses for coverage under the plan.

Flap surgery : procedure during which a portion of tissue with its blood supply is moved from one part of the body to another. Flaps of muscle, fat, and skin are frequently used to provide tissue for reconstructing breasts.

Free-flap surgery : procedure during which a portion of muscle, fat, and skin are removed from an area such as the abdomen or buttocks and attached to the breast site. Because blood supply to the flap is cut, a plastic surgeon skilled in microsurgery must sew together almost hair-thin blood vessels under a microscope.

Free radicals : highly reactive chemicals that attack molecules by modifying their chemical structures; molecular fragments that attack the nearest stable molecule, resulting in the disruption of the healthy living cell. Gastrointestinal

G
Gastrointestinal tract : the stomach and the intestines.

H
Hemorrhoids : a painful swelling formed by the enlargement of veins at the anus.

HER-2/neu protein : a protein present in some breast tumors. Blocking this protein interferes with tumor cell division and replication.

HER-2/neu test : a laboratory test done on a sample of the breast biopsy specimen to see if there are extra copies of the HER-2/neu gene or elevated levels of the HER-2/neu receptor present.

Hormone receptor assay : a test done to find out if breast cells have a receptor for certain hormones that can influence the growth of cancer.

Hormone receptors : molecules that carry hormones into the cell nucleus. Hormone receptors are present in both normal breast cells and cancerous breast cells.

Hormone : a natural chemical produced by the body.

Hormones : natural chemicals produced by the body.

Hormone therapy : treatment of breast cancer by interfering with hormone production to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

I
In situ : in place; localized and confined to one area. A very early stage of cancer.

Invasive (or infiltrating) breast cancer : cancer that has spread beyond the layer of cells where it started to nearby tissue.

Insulin : a hormone made in the pancreas that controls the level of sugar in the blood. Insulin permits cells to use blood sugar for energy.

Intravenous infusion : administration of drugs or fluids directly into a vein.

Intravenously : by injection into a vein.

Irritable bowel syndrome : a chronic disease of the colon (large intestine). This disease is characterized by constipation alternating with diarrhea and by cramping abdominal pain.

L
Lobes : milk producing glands of the breast.

Local recurrence : a regrowth of cancer in the breast where the disease started or in the skin and underlying tissues where the breast was.

Local (nonsystemic) therapy : treatment given only to the specific area of the body affected by the cancer.

Lumpectomy : a surgical procedure in which only the cancerous tumor and a ring of surrounding normal breast tissue are removed.

Lymph nodes : also called lymph glands. Small bean-shaped collections of immune tissue known as lymphocytes located along lymphatic vessels. They help the body fight infection. Those in the underarm are most likely to be invaded by breast cancer cells, and may, therefore, be removed during breast cancer surgery.

Lymphedema : swelling of the arm caused by progressive scarring of lymph vessels in the underarm area after removal of the lymph nodes and their connecting ducts.

M
Mammogram : a picture of a breast made by using x-rays.

Mastectomy : surgical removal of a breast and some surrounding tissue.

Mean survival time : the average length of life following either an initial cancer diagnosis or a diagnosis of recurrence.

Medical oncologist : a doctor who uses drugs and hormones to treat cancer.

Menopause : the time in a woman's life when the menstrual cycle ends and the ovaries produce lower levels of hormones. Menopause usually occurs between the ages 45 and 55.

Metabolic rate : based on metabolism.

Metabolism : the chemical processes that take place in body cells to keep the body alive and healthy and to generate energy.

Metastasis (plural, metastases) : cancer that has spread beyond the original area and the immediately adjacent lymph nodes.

Metastasize : to spread cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or the bloodstream.

Metastatic breast cancer : cancer that has spread from the original area and immediately adjacent lymph nodes to another part of the body.

Metastatic recurrence : a reappearance of a cancer that has spread to another site in the body.

Microcalcification : particles seen on a mammogram as small spots. Microcalcifications usually occur from calcium deposits caused by the death of cells.

Microsurgery : surgery in which magnification, special instruments, fine sutures, and precise technique are used.

N
Necrosis : areas of dead or degenerating cancer cells.

Neoadjuvant therapy : systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, given before surgery.

Neuropathy : injury to the nerves, usually in the arms or legs. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain.

Neurotransmitters : chemicals in the brain that are believed to regulate mood or emotion.

O
Oncologist : a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.

Osteoporosis : a reduction in the amount of bone, leading to fractures after minimal stress or trauma. Osteoporosis occurs commonly within 15 to 20 years after menopause and is caused by factors associated with menopause, including estrogen deficiency.

Out-of-pocket costs : the total amount of medical expenses that is paid by the patient, usually a total of deductibles and co-payments.

P
Pathology : the diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests such as examination of tissue and cells under a microscope.

Pathology laboratory : the hospital department that interprets cellular changes in disease.

Peripheral neuropathy : a term used to describe disorders that result in an injury to nerves, usually in the arms or legs. Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain.

Phlegm : thick mucus, especially from the respiratory (breathing) passages.

Phytoestrogen : an estrogen-like substance produced by plants.

Plastic surgeon : a doctor specializing in cosmetic surgery, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Platelets : small fragments of the cells circulating in blood that play an important role in blood clotting.

Port : a device surgically implanted under the skin to allow easy access to the veins to deliver chemotherapy and to draw blood.

Preauthorization : the act of prior authorizing or getting prior approval. A preauthorization letter is written by a physician to an insurance company and explains in detail the procedure a physician plans to perform and requests confirmation that the planned services are covered.

Predetermination : a review process conducted by an insurance company to verify the medical necessity of a planned procedure or treatment. Predetermination is often a condition of a health plan payment to the participant.

Premenopausal : prior to the end of a woman's menstrual cycles.

Progesterone : a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone is needed by some cancers for growth.

Progesterone receptor assay : a test that must be done on cancerous tissue to find out if a breast cancer is hormone-dependent and may be treated with hormone therapy.

Prognosis : the expected or probable outcome of a disease, usually based on statistical analysis of large groups of patients.

Psychologist : a person who is trained in analysis, therapy, and research about human behavior.

R
Radiation : the process of emitting radiant energy in the form of waves or particles. Radiation can be used as therapy to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Radiation oncologist : a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer.

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) : the use of high-energy x-rays to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Receptors : receivers; a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli. Hormone receptors are present in both normal breast cells and breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells with estrogen receptors may need estrogen to keep growing.

Receptors, hormone : molecules that carry hormones into the cell nucleus. Hormone receptors are present in both normal breast cells and cancerous breast cells.

Reconstruction, breast : a surgical procedure in which the form and appearance of a breast is restored after it has been totally or partially removed during a mastectomy.

Reconstruction, instant : surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast. Instant reconstructive surgery is done at the same time as a mastectomy.

Rectal area : pertaining to the rectum, which is the terminal part of the large intestine.

Recurrence : the reappearance of cancer.

Recurrent : returning or happening time after time.

Regional recurrence : a regrowth of cancer in the lymph nodes next to the affected breast.

Remission : the complete or partial disappearance of cancer in response to treatment. A remission is not necessarily a cure.

Resistance exercises : activities, such as weight lifting, that use muscular strength to improve muscle mass and strengthen bone.

Respiratory : relating to the system of organs for breathing, consisting of the lungs and channels to the air supply.

Respiratory tract : organs responsible for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream and for expelling the waste product, carbon dioxide. The respiratory tract includes the upper air passages, the lungs, and the muscles that control breathing.

S
S-phase, Ki-67 test : a laboratory test which determines how fast tumor cells are dividing.

Second opinion : a consultation with another medical specialist for the purpose of deciding on treatment. Most health insurance plans provide coverage for second opinions.

Sentinel node biopsy : an alternative procedure to axillary node dissection during which a blue dye or a radioactive tracer is injected into the tumor site at the time of surgery. The first node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the node is cancer free, no more nodes are removed, reducing the risk of damage to nerves and lymph ducts associated with the standard procedure.

Silicone implants : devices sometimes used in reconstructive surgery to create a breast shape. Implants are silicone bags filled with saline or silicone gel.

Staging : the process of finding out whether cancer has spread and if so, how far. Knowing the stage at diagnosis is very important in order to select the best treatment.

Stem cell transplant : moving stem cells (immature cells that give rise to particular kinds of cells) from one person to another. Transplant also is done after the patient receives chemotherapy by taking stem cells from a person, cleansing them, storing them, and returning them to the same person.

Surgical oncologist : a surgeon who specializes in treating cancer.

Systemic treatment (systemic therapy) : treatment that is distributed through the bloodstream. Systemic treatment affects tissues and organs throughout the body.

T
Taxanes : a class of chemotherapy drugs that prevent cancer cells from dividing.

Tumor : an abnormal lump or mass of tissue.

W
Weight bearing : the act of carrying weight through gravity.

Weight-bearing bones : bones, such as those in the legs, that support the body.

Weight-bearing exercise : activity in which the person carries his or her own weight through gravity. Any exercise that mechanically loads the vertebral column and the hip joints qualifies as weight bearing.

Weight training : the use of resistance mechanisms, such as dumbbells, weight machines, or resistance bands, to build muscle. Muscle helps the body burn more calories.