C

Calcium: A mineral found in teeth, bones, and other body tissues.

Cancer: A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

Carcinoma In Situ: Cancer that involves only the cells in which it began and that has not spread to nearby tissues.

Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs.

Clinical Breast Exam: An exam of the breast performed by a health care provider.

Clinical Trial: A type of research study that test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. The study may be carried out in a clinic or other medical facility. Also called a clinical study.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

Core Biopsy: The removal of a tissue sample with a needle for examination under a microscope.

Cyst: A sac or capsule in the body. It may be filled with fluid or other material.

D

DES: Diethylstilbestrol (dye-ETH-ul-stil-BES-trol) is a synthetic hormone that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriage. DES may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer in women who took it. DES also has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix in daughters exposed to DES before birth.

Diagnostic Mammogram: X-rays of the breasts used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found.

Digital Mammography: A technique that uses a computer, rather than x-ray film, to record x-ray images of the breast.

Duct: A natural tube through which body fluids pass.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: DCIS are abnormal cells that involve only the lining of the breast duct. The cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Also called intraductal carcinoma.

Ductal Lavage: A method used to collect cells from milk ducts in the breast. A hair-size catheter (tube) is inserted into the nipple, and a small amount of salt water is released into the duct. The water picks up breast cells, and is removed. The cells are checked under a microscope. Ductal lavage may be used in addition to clinical breast examination and mammography to detect breast cancer.

E

Estradiol: a form of estrogen.

Estrogen: A hormone that promotes the development of and maintenance of female sex characteristics.

Excisional Biopsy: A surgical procedure in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

External Radiation: Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external-beam radiation.

Dictionary

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Please note that the above definitions were taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) booklet, What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer.