Glossary

To help you decipher the medical jargon your health care providers speak, here is a list of terms you may hear them say and their meanings:

1. ADJUVANT THERAPY- the use of another form of treatment in addition to the primary therapy (ex: radiation may be an adjuvant therapy to chemo). Adjuvant chemo is the use of a secondary chemo drug to increase the action/effectiveness of the primary chemo drug.
2. ADVANCE DIRECTIVE- a legal document prepared by a capable person that lets that person’s health care team and family know his or her wishes for future medical care, especially during a time when that person is no longer able to make such decisions (also known as a living will).
3. ALOPECIA- hair loss. In cancer care, this is a common side effect of chemotherapy and may involve scalp, facial, and body hair. May also result from radiation therapy to a body part that has hair (ex: the head)
4. ANEMIA- a low red blood cell count. A side effect of chemotherapy.
5. ANESTHESIA- partial or complete loss of sensation as a result of an anesthetic drug given as an injection or a gas. Partial/local anesthesia numbs a certain area, while complete/general anesthesia puts you to sleep.
6. ANGIOGENESIS- the development of new blood vessels; a common quality of tumors which aids in their growth. Some chemo drugs block angiogenesis to prevent blood from reaching the tumor.
7. ANOREXIA- loss of appetite. A common side effect of chemotherapy.
8. ANTIEMETIC- a drug that prevents or relieves nausea and/or vomiting.
9. ANTIMETABOLITE- a class of chemotherapy drugs that interrupts the production of DNA, preventing tumor growth.
10. ANTIOXIDANT- an agent that protects cells by preventing chemical reactions with oxygen in the body, and is thought to decrease the risk of developing certain cancers (ex: vitamin C & vitamin E)
11. APOPTOSIS- the death of cells at a specific time programmed by certain genes. Some chemotherapy drugs can bring about apoptosis.
12. ASPIRATION- withdrawal of fluid, air, or specimen by suction. May be done with a thin needle to draw up the sample (known as fine needle aspiration).
13. ASYMPTOMATIC- without any symptoms.
14. ATYPICAL- abnormal. Precancerous and cancerous cells are considered atypical.
15. AXILLARY DISSECTION- removal of lymph nodes from the armpit to check for cancer.
16. BENIGN- not cancerous.
17. BILATERAL- both sides.
18. BIOPSY- removal of tissue sample to check for cancer. A thin needle is usually used, but a larger needle is sometimes used to remove more tissue (known as a core biopsy).
19. BONE SCAN- an imaging test that involves the injection of a low-dose radioactive substance into a vein to check for any abnormalities in the bones. Once the injection is given, pictures are taken to find spots of radioactivity in the bones, which could mean that cancer is present.
20. BRCA1/BRCA2- Breast Cancer gene 1/Breast Cancer gene 2. These are genes that, when damaged or changed, can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer to 50-60%. Together, both genes account for 80% of the breast cancer in women who have strong family histories. These genes can be tested, but doing so is only recommended for women who have strong family histories of breast and/or ovarian cancer.
21. BREAST CANCER- cancer that starts in the breast due to abnormal growth of cells in the breast.
22. BSE- Breast Self Exam. A step-by-step exam that is part of the standard early detection approach and should be practiced monthly. If done right, this exam allows a woman to become familiar with her breasts so that she would be able to notice any changes.
23. CACHEXIA – a condition marked by a significant loss of appetite, resulting in weight loss, muscle atrophy, and weakness.
24. CALCIFICATION- a small calcium deposit found in the breast, usually by a mammogram, that may need to be biopsied or followed by more mammograms. This sign of change in breast tissue may be benign or malignant.
25. CANCER- a disease that results from the abnormal growth of the body’s cells due to damaged DNA. This abnormal growth leads to the formation of more abnormal cells, in time taking over normal tissue, compromising the normal function of the affected body part.
26. CARCINOGEN- a cancer-causing agent.
27. CARCINOMA- a cancerous tumor that begins in the lining of an organ. For example, carcinoma of the breast means cancer has developed in the lining layer of the breast.
28. CBC- Complete Blood Count. A blood test that measures the levels of one’s white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, among others.
29. CBE- Clinical Breast Exam. A step-by-step method performed by a medical health professional to check for any abnormalities. It is recommended to be done at least every 3 years for women between the ages of 20 and 40.
30. CELL CYCLE- the series of events that a cell goes through during growth and division; some chemo drugs work by interrupting this cycle.
31. CHEMOTHERAPY- the use of cytotoxic drugs to treat cancer.
32. CLINICAL TRIAL- a research study of a new drug before it is approved for public use by the government. This study involves a careful examination of a drug’s effects on humans, including how well it works and its side effects.
33. COLONY-STIMULATING FACTORS- a substance naturally produced by the body, but is also a class of drugs that aids in cancer treatment by bringing about an increase in white blood cells, which commonly decrease due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
34. CORTICOSTEROID- a substance naturally produced by the body, but is also a class of drugs that aids in cancer treatment by decreasing inflammation/swelling and by helping control nausea and vomiting.
35. CT SCAN- Computed Tomography Scan. An imaging test that produces detailed pictures of the body’s organs. Depending on what is being evaluated, some CT scans involve the injection of a dye into a vein. (also known as a CAT scan)
36. CYST- a walled off area within tissue that is filled with fluid. Usually not cancerous.
37. CYTOTOXIC- agents/drugs that are toxic to cells.
38. DUCT- a narrow passage that drains the lobes of the mammary gland of the breast. Each duct opens into the tip of the nipple (also known as a milk duct).
39. DUCT ECTASIA- a widening of the ducts usually due to breast inflammation that results in nipple discharge, swelling, and/or a lump in the breast. This condition is benign.
40. DYSPLASIA- abnormal growth of tissue.
41. EDEMA – swelling of an organ or extremity due to an increase in the interstitial (tissue) fluid of that organ or extremity.
42. EMESIS- vomiting; “throwing up”.
43. ESTROGEN- a hormone made mainly by the ovaries. It controls the development of sex characteristics such as breasts and controls the menstrual cycle. It has also been shown to assist in the growth of cancer cells.
44. ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ASSAY- a lab test done on a sample of cancerous tumor to check if estrogen receptors are present. If negative, the cancer may not respond well to hormone therapy. If positive, the cancer may respond well to hormone therapy.
45. FATIGUE – a state of exhaustion marked by one’s inability to continue functioning at the level f one’s normal abilities.
46. FIBROADENOMA – a benign breast tumor commonly found in young women. It is a lump that moves within the breast when palpated and has no known links to cancer.
47. FIBROCYSTIC BREASTS- lumpy breasts due to scar-like tissue formation. These changes are benign. But because they can feel the same as breasts with cancer, a mammogram or a biopsy may be needed to prove that there is no cancer.
48. FIVE-YEAR SURVIVAL RATE – a percentage of patients that are alive five years after their disease is diagnosed.
49. GENETIC COUNSELING- recommended to those at risk of developing certain diseases due to a strong family history (i.e. breast cancer). It involves being educated on the nature of the disease and the chances of getting it and passing it on to your children; getting advice on genetic testing; and if test results are positive, getting advice and support as the person adjusts to the results.
50. GENETIC TESTING- tests done to check for changes in genes that are known to increase cancer risk. Recommended for people who already have a high risk of cancer due to a strong family history.
51. HER2/NEU GENE- a proto-oncogene found in small amounts on the outside of normal breast cells that stimulates cell growth. Breast cancers with a larger-than-normal amount of this gene have been found to be more aggressive.
52. HEMOGLOBIN- the component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues.
53. HEMATOCRIT- the percentage of the total volume of blood that is made up of red blood cells.
54. HORMONE THERAPY- the use of drugs that interrupts the production and/or action of certain hormones to treat cancer.
55. HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY- the use of drugs with estrogen and progesterone to reduce the symptoms related to menopause. Studies suggest that this therapy (also known as HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer.
56. HOSPICE- a type of care combining palliative and supportive services that addresses the physical, spiritual, social, and economic needs of those who are terminally ill and their families/caregivers. This care may be provided in the home or in a hospice center.
57. HOT FLASH- a symptom commonly linked to menopause. It is a sudden feeling of warmth throughout the body, along with sweating and being flushed (turning red).
58. HYPERPLASIA- excessive growth of normal cells in a specific area.
59. HYPERTROPHY- an increase in the size of an organ due to an increase in the size of its cells.
60. IMMUNOSUPPRESSION- a decreased ability of the body’s immune system to fight off an infection. A side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
61. INFORMED CONSENT- a legal agreement between a patient and his or her health care team where the patient agrees with the course of treatment after receiving all the information regarding the treatment, including risks and benefits.
62. IN SITU- an early stage of cancer meaning the disease is confined in one area.
63. IM- Intramuscular. The use of a muscle as the site for an injection.
64. IV- Intravenous. The use of a vein as the site for an injection or an infusion.
65. LESION- an area of abnormal tissue.
66. LEUKOPENIA- a low white blood cell count. A side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and results in an increased risk of infection.
67. LOBULES- the part of the breast that is responsible for milk-production.
68. LUMP- any kind of mass in the body. May be normal or abnormal.
69. LUMPECTOMY- the removal of a lump/tumor in the breast through surgery.
70. LYMPH NODES- small bean-shaped body structures made up of cells that help fight infection and remove waste and germs from tissue fluid. Sites where lymph nodes are located include the armpit, the neck (just below the jaw line), and the groin, among others.
71. LYMPHEDEMA- an abnormal collection of fluid in the arms or legs, usually as a result of lymph node removal. May result in swelling of the affected body part.
72. MALIGNANT- cancerous.
73. MAMMOGRAM- an imaging test done specifically to check for any abnormalities in the breasts. It can spot a tumor that is still too small to be felt.
74. MARGIN- the border of a tissue sample taken out through surgery. A negative margin means there are no cancer cells on the outer edge of the sample, and the chance that all the cancer was taken out is high. A positive margin means there are cancer cells on the border of the sample and that there might be some cancer cells left in the body.
75. MASTECTOMY- the removal of the entire or part of the breast through surgery.
76. MENARCHE- the onset of a woman’s first menstrual period.
77. MENOPAUSE- the time when a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to an end for good. This is related to a decrease in the production of hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
78. METASTASIS- the spread of cancer cells from the original site to another site in the body (commonly referred to as mets).
79. MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An imaging test that combines the use of a magnet with radio waves to create images of the body’s organs. This test involves laying in a tunnel-like machine.
80. NAUSEA- the feeling of wanting to vomit/throw up.
81. NECROSIS- the death of tissue (tumor necrosis means the tumor has died).
82. NEOADJUVANT THERAPY- treatment given before the main treatment. For example, radiation therapy may be given before the main treatment, chemotherapy, is given, to shrink the tumor first. This increases the chance that the tumor will respond well to the chemotherapy.
83. NEOPLASM- an abnormal mass that has developed from a single abnormal cell. This mass may be benign or malignant (see tumor).
84. NEUROPATHY- a disease of the nerves brought on by injury, disease (i.e. cancer), or drugs. Its symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected body part (i.e. hands and feet).
85. NEUTROPENIA- a low neutrophil count in the blood. A side effect of chemotherapy and results in an increased risk of infection.
86. NEUTROPHIL- a type of white blood cell that responds quickly to fight off a bacterial infection.
87. ONCOGENES- genes that can bring about tumor formation by causing cells to grow too quickly.
88. ONCOLOGIST- a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A radiation oncologist specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. A medical oncologist specializes in using chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer.
89. ONCOLOGY- the study of cancer (includes the diagnosis and treatment of cancer).
90. ONCOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST/NURSE PRACTITIONER- a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in oncology nursing. Depending on state laws, he or she can write prescriptions for medications.
91. PALLIATIVE THERAPY- a type of treatment that focuses on treating symptoms of the disease instead of treating the disease itself. The main goal of this type of treatment is not cure, but improvement of one’s quality of life.
92. PALPATION- examination of a body part with the use of touch.
93. PATHOLOGIST- a doctor who aids in the diagnosis of diseases by analyzing lab tests (such as looking at cells under a microscope). The pathologist determines whether a cell is benign or malignant.
94. PET SCAN- Positron Emission Tomography. An imaging test that involves the injection of a low dose radioactive agent into a vein and then scanning the body to evaluate size and shape of the tumor, how well the tumor is responding to treatment, and to check for metastasis.
95. PICC LINE- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. An IV catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) used for chemotherapy, other infusions and medications, and blood draws. It gets rid of the need to find a vein for every treatment and blood draw. The catheter is inserted into a vein (ex: one in the upper arm), which involves the use of a needle. One tip sits in the vein just above the heart, while the other end is secured outside the body at the point of insertion. Once in place, a needle is no longer needed to use it.
96. PLATELET- a component of blood that helps the blood to clot after an injury.
97. PORT-A-CATH- an IV tool used for chemotherapy and blood draws. It is a combination of a port and a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a vein (ex: one below the collar bone) and the port is attached to the tip of the catheter that is not in the vein. The port sits right under the skin and can be easily felt. In order to use the port-a-cath, a special needle must be inserted into the port, which calls for a small poke through the skin. The placement of a port-a-cath is considered minor surgery. It gets rid of the need to find a vein for every treatment and blood draw.
98. PROGESTERONE- a hormone made by the ovaries and is released every month as part of the menstrual cycle. It plays a part in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production.
99. PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR ASSAY- a lab test done on a sample of cancerous tissue to check if progesterone receptors are present. A positive test means the cancer’s growth is assisted by progesterone, while a negative test means it is not.
100. PROGNOSIS- the chances of survival based on the predicted course of the disease.
101. PROTO-ONCOGENES- normal genes that support cell growth and control cell death. If damaged or changed, these genes turn into oncogenes.
102. QUALITY OF LIFE- a person’s sense of well-being and his or her ability to enjoy life.
103. RADIATION THERAPY- the use of radiation/rays to treat cancer.
104. RADIOLOGIST- a doctor that aids in the diagnosis of diseases by looking at and analyzing films from imaging tests (ex: x-rays, MRIs)
105. RBC- Red Blood Cells. The main function of these cells is to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
106. RECURRENCE- the return of cancer after treatment. 3 kinds: local is the return of cancer to the original site; regional means the cancer is in the lymph nodes near the original site; and distant means the cancer is in an organ or tissue other than the original site.
107. REMISSION- the disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer after treatment, which means the disease is under control. Does not necessarily mean the disease is cured.
108. STAGING- the process of figuring out what stage the cancer is in at time of diagnosis. This may involve determining the size of the original tumor, if any of the lymph nodes areaffected, and if the disease has spread to other parts of the body (mets).
109. STEROID HORMONE – a drug that prevents or relieves swelling caused by cancer. It also enhances the effects of antiemetics.
110. STOMATITIS – an inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth (cheeks, gums, lips, throat, tongue), resulting in sores.
111. SUBCUTANEOUS- the use of the fatty layer beneath the skin as the site for an injection.
112. THROMBOCYTOPENIA- a low platelet count in the blood. A side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and can result in excessive bleeding.
113. TUMOR- an abnormal mass of tissue that can be benign or malignant (see neoplasm).
114. TUMOR FLARE- an event wherein symptoms of the disease temporarily get worse (ex: increased pain).
115. TUMOR MARKER- a substance that if found in blood may mean that cancer cells are present. However, checking for a tumor marker is not very accurate since normal cells may sometimes produce this substance.
116. ULTRASOUND – an imaging test that uses cyclic sound pressure to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, their size, structure and any pathological lesions with real time images.
117. UNILATERAL- one side of the body.
118. WBC- White Blood Cells. The main function of these cells is to fight off infections. There are several types of white blood cells (ex: neutrophils).