February
2013

Breast Cancer Glossary

Biopsy

The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Bilateral

Affecting both sides of the body.

BRCA

Gene that when mutated predisposes the carrier to breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.

Chemotherapy

Often referred to simply as “chemo.” The use of drugs to kill cancer cells, delivered either orally or intravenously (IV). 

CT Scan

A series of pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called a CAT Scan.

Cyst

A closed sac or capsule usually filled with fluid or semi-solid material.

Dysplasia

Cells that look abnormal under a microscope, but are not cancerous.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

The removal of tissue for evaluation from a suspicious lump using a small-gauge hypodermic needle. 

Imaging

A process used to produce a diagnostic picture, including x-ray, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect any visible suspicious masses. 

Lymphedema

Swelling of the arm that can follow surgery to the axillary (armpit area) lymph nodes. This condition can occur directly after surgery or at a later date and can be temporary or permanent.

Mastectomy

Removal of the breast for the purpose of extracting breast cancer.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the primary location to another non-adjacent organ or area of the body.

Margins

The area of healthy, noncancerous tissue that surrounds a tumor. Margins are used as a reference for predicting local recurrence.

Ovarian Suppression

The use of chemicals to halt ovarian function and shut down a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A procedure that injects small amounts of radioactive glucose (sugar) into the veins, while a scanner creates detailed digital images. Since cancerous cells often metabolize more glucose than normal cells, it allows for the identification of abnormal cells.