Glossary
Aromatase
An enzyme that converts androgens (testosterone) into estrogens. This enzyme complex is located in estrogen-producing cells found in ovaries, placenta, testicles, fat cells, and brain tissues.
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Aspirated
To remove by suction.
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Asymptomatic
Neither causing nor exhibiting symptoms of disease.
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Atypical Hyperplasia
A benign (noncancerous) condition in which cells have abnormal features and are increased in number.
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Axillae
The armpit.
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Axillary
The armpit area where incisions are sometimes made for breast augmentations.
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Bilateral Mastectomy
The surgical removal of both breasts.
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Biopsy
The removal and examination of a sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
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BI-RADS System
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. A method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography ultrasound, and MRI used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
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Duct Ectasia
Widening of the ducts of the breast, often related to breast inflammation called periductal mastitis. Duct ectasia is a benign (not cancerous) condition. Symptoms of this condition are a nipple discharge, swelling, retraction of the nipple, or a lump that can be felt.
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Fibrocystic Disease
Also known as benign cystic mastisis, painful lumps in the breast which can be relieved with minor surgery, the disease is chronic and may involve repeated visits to a surgeon for removal of lumps or fluid, is caused by an abnormal ratio of estrogen and progesterone circulating in the body during the menstrual cycle.
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Herceptin
Used for a preparation of trastuzumab.
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Hyperplasia
An abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or a tissue with consequent enlargement.
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Lesions
1. A localized pathological change in a bodily organ or tissue.
2. An infected or diseased patch of skin.
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Lumpectomy
Surgery to remove the breast tumor and a small amount of surrounding normal tissue.
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Mammography
A low-dose x-ray of the breasts.
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Mastectomy
Surgical removal of all or part of a breast.
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Microcalcifications
Tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of these very small specks of calcium may indicate that cancer is present.
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Needle Localization
A procedure used to guide a surgical breast biopsy when the lump is hard to locate or when there are areas that look suspicious on the x-ray but there is not a distinct lump. A thin needle is placed into the breast. X-rays are taken and used to guide the needle to the suspicious area. The surgeon then uses the path of the needle as a guide to locate the abnormal area to be removed.
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Nodule
A small mass of tissue or aggregation of cells.
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OB/GYN
Obstetrics and gynaecology (physician who specializes in general women's medical care, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, and care of pregnant women.
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Palpable
Capable of being touched or felt.
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Peri-Menopausal
A period of time immediately prior to the menopause and the first year after menopause.
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Pituitary Tumor
A tumor, usually benign, of the pituitary gland, usually resulting in amenorrhea and anovulation.
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Stereotactic Biopsy
A biopsy procedure that uses a computer and a three-dimensional scanning device to find a tumor site and guide the removal of tissue for examination under a microscope.
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Tamoxifen
A drug used to treat breast cancer, and to prevent it in women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast.
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Trastuzumab
A genetically engineered monoclonal antibody that is given by injection to slow or inhibit tumor growth in some advanced breast cancers.
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