Glossary of Terms

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH): Refers to abnormal cells in the breast milk ducts. ADH is considered a pre-cancerous condition and its presence in the breast increases the risk of cancer development.

Axilla: The armpit region.

Axillary lymph glands (or lymph nodes): Small structures present in the armpit. There are approximately 20 glands in each armpit. They can become enlarged during an infection or if invaded by cancer cells.

Axillary node clearance: The removal of all lymph glands from the armpit.

Axillary node sampling: The removal of at least four lymph glands from the armpit.

Bone scan: A method of viewing any tumour (cancer) deposits in the skeleton. Obtained by injecting a radioactive material into the blood stream. Areas of bone containing groups of cancer cells may appear as 'hot spots'.

BRCA-1: A gene capable of causing breast cancer. It is located on chromosome 17.

BRCA-2: A gene capable of causing breast cancer. It is located on chromosome 13.

Breast abscess: A collection of pus within the breast.

Breast augmentation: Breast enlargement using an implant.

Cancer: The uncontrolled proliferation of cells.

Cells: The basic building blocks of all body organs.

Chemotherapy: The use of powerful drugs (by mouth or injection) to kill cancer cells.

Core biopsy: Obtaining a very small piece of breast tissue using a needle, performed under local anaesthetic.

Cysts: Thin-walled bags of fluid.

DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ): A form of breast cancer arising in the milk ducts. It does not usually spread beyond the breast.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA): Obtaining a sample of breast cells using a fine needle and a syringe.

Genes: Sections of DNA that give the cell instructions to regulate its growth and function, packaged in chromosomes.

Haematoma: A blood collection under the skin.

Hereceptin: A new drug made of proteins capable of blocking certain growth receptors known as HER-2 on the surface of tumour cells. It is suitable for advanced breast cancer.

LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ): A pre-cancerous condition with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Lymphoedema: The accumulation of lymph fluid in the arm leading to arm swelling.

Lumpectomy: The removal of a lump.

Malignant: Cancerous, a tumour that is aggressive (i.e. it grows quickly and invades the breast tissues, and may spread to other parts of the body).

Mammogram: A special X-ray of the breast.

Mastalgia: Breast pain.

Mastectomy: The removal of the whole breast.

Medical oncologist: A doctor who specialises in the use of chemotherapy and hormonal treatment to treat cancer.

Oestrogen: The female sex hormone.

Pathologist: A doctor who specialises in looking at cells and tissues using a microscope.

 

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