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Abdomen Belly.

Abemaciclib A targeted therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Verzenio.

Ablation Removal of or stopping a part of the body from working by surgery, hormone therapy or radiotherapy.

Abraxane A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

AC chemotherapy A combination of the chemotherapy drugs Adriamycin (also known as doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide.

Adjuvant Treatment given after initial treatment, for example chemotherapy or radiotherapy given after surgery.

Adriamycin see Doxorubicin

Advanced breast cancer Breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and the lymph nodes under the arm to other parts of the body. Also known as secondary, stage 4 or metastatic breast cancer.

Adverse effect An undesired or harmful effect of a treatment.

Alopecia Loss of hair from the head or body.

Alternative therapy Term used to describe therapies used by some people in place of standard medical treatment.

Anaemia Too few red blood cells in the body. It may cause symptoms including tiredness, shortness of breath and weakness.

Anastrozole A hormone therapy and one of a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, used to treat breast cancer.

Anthracyclines A group of chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat breast cancer. Examples include doxorubicin (also known as Adriamycin) and epirubicin.

Anti-emetics Drugs used to reduce nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).

Areola Coloured area of skin around the nipple.

Arimidex A brand name for Anastrozole

Aromasin A brand name for Exemestane

Aromatase inhibitors Breast cancer treatment that works by reducing the amount of oestrogen in the body. A type of hormone (endocrine) therapy.

Ascites A build-up of fluid between the two layers of the peritoneum (a membrane that forms the lining of the abdomen). 

Avastin see Bevacizumab

Axilla Under the arm, the armpit.

Axillary clearance An operation to remove all the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) from under the arm (axilla).

Axillary nodes The lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) under the arm (axilla).

Axillary sampling An operation to remove some of the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) from under the arm (axilla).

Benign Not cancer.

Bevacizumab A targeted therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Avastin.

Bilateral Affecting or about both the right and left sides of body. For example, a bilateral mastectomy is removal of both breasts.

Biological therapies see Targeted therapies

Biopsy Removal of tissue to be looked at under a microscope.

Biosimilars Drugs that are very similar, but not identical, copies of biological therapies.

Bisphosphonates A group of drugs for:

• Reducing the risk of breast cancer coming back in post-menopausal women
• Treating secondary breast cancer in the bone
• Preventing or treating osteoporosis

Examples of bisphosphonates include sodium clodronate, zolendronic acid and ibandronic acid.

Blood cells Tiny structures produced in bone marrow. Includes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Blood count The numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets in a sample of blood.

Bone marrow Spongy material found in the centre of bones where red and white blood cells and platelets are made.

Bone metastases Also known as secondary breast cancer in the bone. Cancer that has spread from the breast to the bones.

Bone scan A test to help identify any abnormal changes, such as tumours, infection or fractures, in the bones.

Brain metastases Also known as secondary breast cancer in the brain. Cancer that has spread from the breast to the brain.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 People who inherit an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene from either parent have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and some other cancers compared with the general population.

Breast calcification Areas of calcium deposit in one or both of the breasts.

Breast care nurse Provides information and support to people diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast-conserving surgery Also known as wide local excision or lumpectomy. The removal of the cancer with a margin (border) of normal breast tissue around it.

Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. A woman has high breast density when there is more collagen and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in her breasts, and low breast density when there is more fatty tissue compared to glandular tissue and collagen.

Breast reconstruction Surgery to rebuild a breast after a tumour is removed. 

Breasts Made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple). These are surrounded by tissue that gives breasts their size and shape.

Cannula A small plastic tube through which drugs are given into a vein, usually in the arm or hand.

Capecitabine A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Xeloda.

Carboplatin A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

Carcinoma Another word for cancer.

Cardiotoxicity Damage to the heart muscle causing the heart to become weaker and less efficient in pumping. Caused by some chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.

CDK inhibitors A group of targeted therapies including abemaciclib, palbociclib and ribociclib, often used alongside hormone therapies.

Cell proliferation An increase in the number of cells as a result of them multiplying and growing.

Cells The tiny structures that make up the tissues of the body.

Cellulitis An infection of the skin and tissue beneath the skin. People who have lymphoedema have an increased risk of cellulitis in the arm or chest area.

Chemoprevention A way to reduce the risk of a disease by taking medication. The drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene are available on the NHS for some women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Chemotherapy Treatment aimed at destroying cancer cells using anti-cancer drugs.

Chest wall The muscles, bones and joints that make up the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen (belly).

Chronic A term used to describe an illness, disease or condition that is long lasting and generally slow to progress.

CISH (chromogenic in situ hybridization) A test for measuring HER2 levels in cancer cells.

Cisplatin A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

Clinical trials Research that aims to improve treatment or care for patients.

CMF A combination of three chemotherapy drugs – cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5FU).

Cognitive impairment Difficulty concentrating or being more forgetful as a result of a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Sometimes called ‘chemo brain’ or ‘chemo fog’.

Complementary therapies A varied group of therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, used alongside conventional medical treatments.

Contralateral The other or opposite side, for example the contralateral breast.

Cording (also known as axillary web syndrome) Tight ‘cords’ of tissue stretching down the inside of the arm, which can occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes under the arm. Causes pain and restricts arm movement. Sometimes cords can be felt in the chest area too.

Core biopsy Biopsy using a hollow needle to take one or more samples of tissue for analysis under a microscope.

CT (computerised tomography) scan A type of scan that uses x-rays to take detailed pictures across the body.

CyberKnife see Stereotactic radiotherapy

Cyclophosphomide A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) An early type of breast cancer where the cells have not yet developed the ability to spread out of the ducts into surrounding breast tissue or to other parts of the body. Sometimes called pre-invasive, intraductal or non-invasive cancer.

D-DISH (dual-color dual-hapten brightfield in situ hybridization) A test for measuring HER2 levels in cancer cells.

Denosumab (Prolia) A targeted therapy used to treat osteoporosis.

Denosumab (Xgeva) A targeted therapy used to treat the effects of secondary breast cancer in the bone.

DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan A scan that measures bone mineral density. Used to diagnose or monitor osteoporosis, or assess the risk of developing it.

Diagnostic radiographer Someone trained to carry out x-rays and scans.

DIEP (deep inferior epigastic perforator) flap A type of breast reconstruction that uses the skin and fat between the belly button and the groin.

Differentiation A term used in pathology results, comparing the cancer cells to normal cells. Well-differentiated cancer cells look almost normal (a similar size and shape to normal cells); moderately differentiated cancer cells look less like normal cells (often larger and more varied shapes); poorly differentiated cancer cells look most changed and are usually fast growing.

Docetaxel A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Taxotere.

Dose Dense  A chemotherapy treatment plan in which drugs are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy treatment plan. 

Doxorubicin A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Adriamycin.

Drug resistance The ability of cancer cells to resist the effects of a drug.

ECHO (echocardiogram) A type of ultrasound of the heart, to check how well it is working.

EC-T A combination of the chemotherapy drugs epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and Taxol (paclitaxel) or sometimes Taxotere (docetaxel).

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) A type of protein found on the surface of cells. When there are higher than normal levels (known as over-expression) on cancer cells, they help the cancer to grow.

Embolism When blood flow is blocked, usually by a blood clot or air bubble.

Encapsulated Surrounded and encased. For example, an encapsulated breast implant has been encased by a build-up of dense, tough tissue, also called fibrous tissue.

Endocrine therapy see Hormone therapy

Endometrial cancer Cancer of the lining of the womb (uterus).

Epirubicin A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

Eribulin A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Halaven.

ER status ER positive (ER+) means the breast cancer has oestrogen receptors. ER negative (ER-) means the breast cancer doesn’t have oestrogen receptors (see Oestrogen receptors)

Everolimus A targeted therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Afinitor.

Excision Surgical removal.

Exemestane A hormone therapy and one of a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors,used to treat breast cancer.

Expander implant A type of breast implant used in breast reconstruction. The implant is gradually inflated with saline (salt water) through a small port.

Faslodex see Fulvestrant

FEC A combination of the chemotherapy drugs 5-flurouracil (5FU), epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

FEC-T A combination of the chemotherapy drugs 5-flurouracil (5FU), epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and Taxotere (docetaxel).

Femara see Letrozole

Fibrocystic A benign (not cancer) breast condition when multiple cysts or lumpy areas develop in one or both breasts.

Filgrastim A drug used to treat or prevent neutropenia. Its brand name is Neupogen.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) Using a fine needle and syringe to take a sample of cells for analysis under a microscope.

FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) A test for measuring HER2 levels in cancer cells. FISH negative (FISH-) means normal levels are present, FISH positive (FISH+) means excessive amounts are present, classed as HER2+.

Fluorouracil A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is 5FU.

Fraction Each radiotherapy treatment is known as a fraction. Treatment involves several fractions given over a few days or weeks.

Fulvestrant A hormone therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Faslodex.

Gamma knife see Stereotactic radiotherapy

GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) A drug that boosts the levels of white blood cells in the body when they are low, for example during chemotherapy treatment.

Gemcitabine A chemotherapy drug sometimes used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Gemzar.

Gemzar see Gemcitabine

Gene Stores the biological information we inherit from our parents, affecting the way we look and how our bodies work and grow.

Goserelin A hormone therapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Zoladex.

Grade The system used to classify cancer cells according to how different they are to normal breast cells and how quickly they are growing.

HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) A protein involved in the growth of cells. Around 15–20 per cent of breast cancers have higher than normal levels of HER2 (known as HER2 positive) which helps the cancer to grow.

Herceptin see Trastuzumab

Hereditary Characteristics, conditions or illnesses that can be passed from a parent to their child through genes.

Hickman line Also known as a skin-tunnelled catheter. A fine silicone tube through which chemotherapy drugs are given. It’s put into a large vein through a small cut in the chest wall, and can stay in place for several months.

Hormone receptor Involved in the growth of cells. In some breast cancers they bind to hormones within the cells (known as hormone receptor positive) and stimulate the cancer to grow.

Hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) Drugs that work in different ways to block the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells. Only used if the breast cancer is hormone receptor positive.

Hormones Chemical messengers produced in various organs of the body that control growth and reproduction.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) A treatment containing female sex hormones – either oestrogen alone or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone – to help reduce menopausal symptoms.

Hypercalcaemia Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Can be caused by secondary breast cancer in the bones.

Hyperplasia An increase in the number and growth of cells.

Hypocalcaemia Lower than normal levels of calcium in the blood.

IHC (immunohistochemistry) A test for measuring HER2 levels in cancer cells. A score of 0 or 1+ means the breast cancer is HER2 negative. A score of 2+ is borderline and a score of 3+ means the breast cancer is HER2 positive.

Imaging Techniques, including mammography, that allow doctors to get a detailed picture of internal body structures.

Immune response An automatic defence function of the body that recognises and protects it from infection and foreign bodies, for example.

Immunosuppression Reduced ability of the body to protect against infection and disease. Can be caused by chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy A type of targeted therapy that uses the body’s immune system to help it fight cancer.

Incidence Refers to how many people are diagnosed with a disease per year. It can be expressed as a number or as a rate, for example the number of people diagnosed per 100,000 of a population.

In situ (breast cancer) Breast cancer that has not developed the ability to spread outside the ducts, either within the breast or elsewhere in the body.

Infertility Being unable to get pregnant. May be temporary or permanent and can be caused by chemotherapy, for example.

Inflammation Swelling, redness or warmth caused by the reaction of body tissues to injury, infection or irritation.

Inflammatory breast cancer A rare type of breast cancer where the skin of the breast looks red, and may feel warm and tender (‘inflamed’).

Infusion A method of delivering fluids or drugs, usually into a vein.

Intraductal see DCIS

Intramuscular (IM) Injected into a muscle.

Intravenous (IV) Injected into a vein.

Invasive cancer Cancer that has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Ipsilateral On the same side, as opposed to contralateral.

Kadcyla see Trastuzumab emtansine

Ki67 A protein found in cells. The higher the levels, the faster the cells are dividing and growing.

Lapatinib A targeted therapy used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Tyverb.

LD (latissimus dorsi) flap A type of breast reconstruction that uses the latissimus dorsi (a large muscle in the back just below the shoulder blade), along with skin and fat.

Letrozole A hormone therapy and one of a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, used to treat breast cancer.

Local recurrence see Recurrence

Local treatment Specific to an area of the body, for example surgery or radiotherapy.

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) Breast cancer that has spread to the chest wall or skin of the breast, or the lymph nodes around the chest, neck and under the breast bone, but has not spread to other areas of the body.

Lumpectomy An operation to remove an area of breast tissue. In breast cancer may also be called wide local excision or breast-conserving surgery.

Lymph nodes Also known as lymph glands. Small oval-shaped structures found in clusters throughout the lymphatic system, for example under the arm (axilla).

Lymphatic system The drainage and filtering system of the body, made up of lymph nodes (lymph glands), vessels and fluid. Helps to get rid of waste and fight infection.

Lympho-vascular invasion When breast cancer cells invade (spread into) the lymph and blood vessels within the breast, and can be seen in these vessels under the microscope.

Lymphoedema Swelling of the arm, hand, chest or breast area caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body. It can occur as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, for example because of surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area.

Malignant Cancer (abnormal cells that divide and grow in an uncontrolled way).

Mammogram A breast x-ray.

Mastectomy This is a type of surgery in which all of the breast tissue is removed, including the nipple.
Metastases Another name for secondary breast cancer.

Methotrexate A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

Mets Short for metastases.

Microcalcifications Small deposits of calcium in the breast. They show up as white dots on a mammogram, and are sometimes a sign of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ).

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan A type of scan that uses magnetism and radio waves to produce a series of images of the inside of the body. An MRI doesn’t expose the body to x-ray radiation.

MUGA (multiple-gated acquisition) A scan using a small amount of radioactive material, to check how well the heart is working.

Multi-centric When there is more than one area of breast cancer in different quarters of the breast.

Multi-focal When there is more than one area of breast cancer but only in one quarter of the breast.

Navelbine see Vinorelbine

Neo-adjuvant Treatment given before surgery. Examples are chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Sometimes called primary, for example primary hormone therapy.

Neupogen A type of GCSF

Neutropenia When the number of white blood cells falls below a certain level. This may happen as a side effect of chemotherapy. If there is also a high temperature (above 38°C), it’s known as febrile neutropenia.

Occult breast cancer Breast cancer that can’t be felt or seen on imaging (for example, mammogram or ultrasound). It’s usually diagnosed when someone is being investigated for symptoms elsewhere in the body, for example enlarged lymph nodes. Sometimes a biopsy in another part of the body shows cells that look like secondary breast cancer cells, indicating there is a primary cancer in the breast, even though it can’t be seen.

Oestrogen receptors Proteins within cancer cells that attach to the hormone oestrogen and help the cancer to grow. It may be abbreviated to ER, from the US spelling estrogen.

Oligometastatic disease Small, isolated areas of secondary breast cancer that are stable (not progressing) and usually present in only one place in the body (oligo means ‘little' or 'few’).

Oncologist A doctor who specialises in cancer (oncology). A medical oncologist specialises in cancer drugs. A clinical oncologist specialises in radiotherapy alone or radiotherapy and cancer drugs.

Oncoplastic surgeon A breast cancer surgeon with training in plastic surgery.

OSNA (one step nucleic acid amplification) A test used during surgery to see if breast cancer cells are in the lymph nodes under the arm.

Osteopenia Decreased bone mineral density (a measurement of bone strength) but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Literally means 'porous bones'. Decreased bone mineral density (a measurement of bone strength), meaning thinner, weaker bones that are more likely to break. It’s usually diagnosed with a bone density scan (often called a DEXA scan).

Ovarian suppression Sometimes called ovarian ablation. Stopping the ovaries producing oestrogen using surgery, drugs or radiotherapy.

Paclitaxel A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Taxol.

Palbociclib A targeted therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Ibrance.

Palliative care Focuses on symptom control and support when cancer cannot be cured. Usually involves a team of healthcare professionals such as specialist nurses, doctors, social workers and physiotherapists.

Palliative care consultant A doctor who specialises in palliative care.

Palliative care nurse A nurse specially trained to provide palliative care.

Palliative treatment Aims to control symptoms and slow down the progress of cancer, rather than cure it.

PARP inhibitors PARP stands for poly-ADP ribose polymerase. It’s a protein that helps cells repair themselves if they become damaged. PARP inhibitors stop the PARP from repairing cancer cells.

Pathology The branch of medicine that looks at how disease affects the body’s cells and tissues. Each time you have tissue removed a report is written by a pathologist (a doctor who examines the tissue).

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) A tube put into a vein in the arm through which chemotherapy drugs are given. It stays in place throughout the course of treatment.

Perjeta see Pertuzumab

Pertuzumab A targeted therapy used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Perjeta.

PET (positron emission tomography) scan A scan that produces a 3D image to show the structure and function of organs or tissue being looked at. Sometimes combined with a CT scan.

Plastic surgeon A specialist surgeon trained in plastic surgery techniques such as breast reconstruction.

Portacath Also called an implanted port. A thin, soft, hollow tube made of plastic that’s put into a vein. The tube is attached to a rubber disc (port). Drugs are given into the port which is usually placed under the skin on the chest.

Primary breast cancer Breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes (lymph glands) under the arm (axilla).

Progression The growth and spread of a disease such as breast cancer.

Progesterone A naturally occurring female hormone. It is essential for normal sexual development and the functioning of female reproductive organs.

Progesterone receptors Proteins within cancer cells that attach to the hormone progesterone (may be abbreviated to PR).

Prognosis The outlook of a disease, such as the likelihood of it coming back (recurrence) and the person’s life expectancy.

Prosthesis An artificial breast form used to restore shape when all or part of the breast has been removed.

Quality of life A term often used by healthcare professionals and researchers to refer to the well-being of patients during and after their breast cancer treatment. Quality of life can be affected by any of the experiences a patient has from diagnosis through to surviving breast cancer, including the physical, psychological and social implications of the disease and its treatment.

Radiologist A doctor who specialises in the use of imaging (for example x-rays, ultrasound, CT, PET, MRI) to diagnose and treat disease.

Radiotherapy The use of high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells.

Reconstruction Surgery that rebuilds the breast shape after all or part of the breast has been removed.

Recurrence When a disease or condition returns. There are different types of breast cancer recurrence.

• Local recurrence Breast cancer that has come back in the chest/breast area or in the skin near the original site or scar.
• Locally advanced breast cancer (sometimes called regional recurrence) Breast cancer that has come back and has spread to the chest wall or skin of the breast, or the lymph nodes around the chest, neck and under the breast bone, but has not spread to other areas of the body. Sometimes breast cancer is locally advanced when it is first diagnosed. People who have locally advanced breast cancer are thought to have an increased risk of cancer cells spreading to other areas of the body compared to those with stage 1 or 2 breast cancers.
• Distant recurrence Also called metastatic, advanced, stage 4 or secondary breast cancer. When cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain.

Remission When the signs and symptoms of a disease partly or completely disappear. It may be temporary or permanent.

Ribociclib A targeted therapy used to treat secondary breast cancer. Its brand name is Kisqali.

Risk factor Something that increases a person’s chance of developing an illness such as cancer.

Saline implant A type of breast implant that contains a sterile liquid solution (saline). Used in breast reconstruction.

Secondary breast cancer Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain. Also called metastases, advanced breast cancer, secondaries or stage 4 breast cancer.

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) A type of targeted internal radiotherapy that uses radioactive beads to deliver radiation to the cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) Identifies whether the sentinel lymph node (the first lymph node that the cancer cells are most likely to spread to) is clear of cancer cells. Sometimes called sentinel node biopsy (SNB).

Seroma A collection of fluid that forms under a wound after an operation. It is a common and sometimes uncomfortable but harmless effect of breast surgery.

SGAP (super gluteal artery perforator) flap and IGAP (inferior gluteal artery perforator) flap Types of breast reconstruction that use fat and skin taken from the upper or lower buttock.

Side effect Unwanted effect of treatment.

Silicone implant A type of breast implant filled with silicone gel. Used in breast reconstruction.

Spinal cord compression Pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can be caused by the cancer growing in, or spreading into, the bones of the spine and can result in permanent damage to the spinal cord.

Stable disease The cancer has stayed the same size or has grown only a little.

Stage The size of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Stereotactic core biopsy Taking a sample of tissue using a needle biopsy device connected to a mammogram machine and linked to a computer. Helps locate the exact position of the area to be biopsied.

Stereotactic radiotherapy Also known as radiosurgery. A precise radiation treatment used in secondary breast cancer. May also be referred to as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife.

Steroids May be given as part of cancer treatment, for example to help with side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting, or to control some symptoms caused by cancer.

Subcutaneous injection An injection into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Supportive care see Palliative care

Surgical margin How close the cancer cells are to the edges of the whole area of tissue removed during surgery.

Systemic treatment Drugs that treat the whole body, for example chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

Tamoxifen A hormone therapy drug used to treat breast cancer.

Targeted therapies Also known as biological therapies. A group of drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer. They target and interfere with processes in the cells that cause cancer to grow. 

Taxol see Paclitaxel

Taxotere see Docetaxel

TENS machine A small portable device that uses adhesive skin pads to deliver small electrical impulses to help relieve pain.

Terminal A term often used when someone is approaching the last few weeks or days of life.

Thrombosis Occurs when blood forms a clot. If the clot occurs in a major vein, the condition is known as a deep vein thrombosis or DVT.

Tissue bank A place where tissue samples from patients are safely stored, and used by scientists to study diseases such as breast cancer.

TP53 gene A gene that provides instructions for making a protein called tumour protein p53. Some people inherit an altered TP53 gene, which can result in a rare inherited cancer syndrome called Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This can increase the risk of getting breast cancer.

TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap A type of breast reconstruction that uses the large muscle that runs from the lower ribs to the pelvic bone in the groin along with skin and fat.

Trastuzumab A targeted therapy used to treat breast cancer. A well-known brand name is Herceptin.

Trastuzumab emtansine A targeted therapy used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Kadcyla.

Triple assessment An assessment to make a diagnosis of a benign breast condition or breast cancer. This has three parts:

• A breast examination
• Breast imaging (for example, a mammogram or an ultrasound scan)
• Tissue sampling (for example, a core biopsy or FNA)

Triple negative breast cancer The name given to breast cancer that is:

• Oestrogen receptor negative (ER-)
• Progesterone receptor negative (PR-)
• HER2 negative 

TUG (transverse upper gracilis) flap or TMG (transverse myocutaneus gracilis) flap Types of breast reconstruction that use muscle from the inner or outer upper thigh along with skin and fat.

Tumour An overgrowth of cells forming a lump. May be benign (not cancer) or cancer.

Tumour markers Substances produced by cancer, or by the body as a response to cancer.

Tyverb see Lapatinib

Ultrasound scan A scan that uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image.

Vacuum assisted biopsy Used to remove breast tissue for examination under a microscope, often when a previous biopsy was difficult to perform or more tissue is needed to make a diagnosis. Sometimes it can be used as an alternative to surgery to remove a whole area of breast tissue (called a vacuum assisted excision biopsy).

Verzenio see Abemaciclib

Vinorelbine A chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Its brand name is Navelbine.

Wide local excision (WLE) Surgery to remove breast cancer with a margin (border) of healthy tissue. Sometimes called breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy.

X-ray Used to produce images of dense tissues in the body such as bone or lungs.

Xeloda see Capecitabine

Zoladex see Goserelin

 5-FU5-Fluorouracil (anti cancer drug)

6-MP6-Mercaptopurine (anti cancer drug)

6-TG6-Thioguanine (anti cancer drug)

AAAnaplastic Anaemia

ABCAdvanced Breast Cancer

ABMTAutologous bone marrow transplant

ADRAdverse Drug Reaction

AEAdverse event

AFPAlphafetoprotein - eg. expressed by germ cell tumours and other cancers

AIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndrome

ALATAlanine aminotransferase / alinine transaminase

ALTAlanine Aminotransferase

ANCAbsolute neutrophil count

ANEDAlive no evidence of disease

ASRAge Standardised Rate (Incidence)

AUCArea under the curve

BCCBasal Cell Carcinoma

BID / BDTwice a day (bis in die)

BMBone Marrow

BMBlood Monitoring (eg for glucose)

BMJBritish Medical Journal

BMRBasal Metabolic Rate

BMTBone Marrow Transplant

BNFBritish National Formulary

BPBlood pressure

BRMBiological Response Modifier

BSABody Surface Area

BSEBreast Self Examination

BxBiopsy

C/OComplaining of

C/WContinue With

C1 - C7Cervical vertebrae (spine eg. C7 = seventh cervical vertebra)

CaCancer; carcinoma

CaCalcium

cALLCommon ALL

CATComputerised axial tomography (scan)

ccCubic centimeter

CCFCongestive Cardiac Failure

CCRContinuous complete remission

CEACarcinoembryonic Antigen (tumour marker)

cGyCenti Gray (unit of radiation)

CHFCongestive heart failure

CNSCentral nervous system - the brain and spine

CPMCyclophosphamide (anti cancer drug)

CPRCardio pulmonary resuscitation

CRComplete remission / complete response

CRAClinical Research Associate

CRFCase Report Forms

CROContract Research Organisation

CSFCerebro spinal fluid

CSFColony-stimulating Factor

CTComputerised axial tumography (scan)

CTChemotherapy

CTCCommon Toxicity Criteria

CTOClinical Trials Office

CTXClinical Trials Exemption

CUPCancer of Unknown Primary / Carcinoma of Unknown Primary

CVACardiovascular Accident (stroke)

CVCCentral venous catheters

CVPCentral Venous Pressure

CXRChest X-Ray

D/CDischarge

D/HDrug History

D/WDiscussed With

DCISDuctal Carcinoma In Situ - type of breast cancer

DDxDifferential diagnosis

DFIDisease Free Interval

DFSDisease Free Survival - time without disease prior to relapse or last follow-up

DIDiabetes Incipidus

dldeciletre - 0.01 litres

DLSDate last seen

DLTDose limiting toxicity - determined by phase 1 studies

DMCData Monitoring Commitee

DNADeoxyribonucleic acid

DNADid Not Attend (clinic)

DNRDo Not Resusitate

DOADead on Arival

DxDiagnosis

EBMEvidence-Based Medicine

EBVEpstein-Barr Virus

ECGElectrocardiogram - heart scan

EDTAethylendiaminetetraacetic acid - used in measuring kidney function

EEGElectroencephalogram - brain scan

EFSEvent Free Survival - time from diagnosis to defined events (eg relapse or deat

EJCEuropean Journal of Cancer

ENTEar nose throat

ESRErythrocyte Sedimentation rate

ETSEnvironmental Tobacco Smoke

F/HFamily history

FBCFull Blood Count

FEVForced expectorant volume (a lung test)

FFAFor Further Appointment

FIGOFederation Internat. Gyn. Obst. (FIGO Gynaecological staging system)

FISHFlourescence in situ Hybridisation

FMTCFamilial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

FNAFine Needle Aspiration - a type of biposy using a thin needle (or FNAB)

FUFollow up

FVCForced Vital Capacity

ggram - unit of weight

G-CSFGranulocyte colony stimulating factor promotes production of white blood cells

GAGeneral Anaesthetic

GCPGood Clinical Practice (guidelines)

GCTGerm Cell Tumour

GCTGiant Cell Tumour Context: bone tumours

GFRGromerular filtration rate

GIGastrointestinal

GISTGastrointestinal Stromal Tumours

GM-CSFGranulocyte and macrophage colony stimulating factor

GPRGood Partial Remission

GUGenito-urinary

GvHDGraft versus Host Disease

GyGrays (units of radiation)

H&EHematoxylin and Eosin (stain)

H/OHistory of

HbHaemoglobin

HCCHepatocellular Carcinoma

HCGHuman Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hormone)

HCO3Bicarbonate

HDHigh dose

HDCHigh Dose Chemotherapy

HIVHuman Immunodeficiency Virus

HPVHuman Papilloma Virus - implicated in some gynacological cancers

HRHigh risk

HRTHormone replacement therapy

I-131Radioactive Iodine

ICDInternational Classification of Diseases (coding system)

ICDOInternational Classification of Diseases for Oncology (coding system)

ICFIntercellular fluid

ICUIntensive Care Unit

IMIntramuscular - into a muscle

IMRTIntensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

INSSInternational Neuroblastoma Staging System

ITUIntensive Therapy UnitIUInternational units

IVIntravenous - into a vein

IVPIntravenous Pyelogram - type of Xray after injection with iodine dye

JCOJournal of Clinical Oncology

K+PotassiumkgKilogram - a thousand grams

lliter - unit of volume

L1 - L5Lumbar vertebrae 1 - 5 (spine eg. L1 = 1st lumbar vertebra)

LCISLobular Carcinoma In Situ - type of breast cancer

LDHLactic dehydrogenase -high levels correlate with tumour volume in some cancers

LMPLow Malignant Potential (context: ovarian tumours)

LNLymph Node

LPLumbar puncture

LVEFLeft Ventricular Fjection Fraction - a heart function test

LVSFLeft Ventricular Shortening Fraction - a heart function test

LxLumpectomy

mmeter (unit of length)

M/HMedical history

MAB - mAbMonoclonal antibody

MDRMulti drug resistant

mEq/lmilliequivalent per liter

metsMetastases (where the tumour has spread to secondary sites)

MgMagnesium

mgmilligram - 0.001 gram

MIMiocardial Infarction

mIBGRadioactive Iodine Metaidobenzoguanidine (mIBG scans or mIBG therapy).

mlmillilitre 0.001 liter

MMmillimole

mmmillimeter - 0.001 meters

mOsmmilliosmole

MPNSTMalignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour

MPOMedical and Pediatric Oncology (journal)

MRIMagnetic resonance imaging (scan)

MRTMalignant Rhabdoid Tumour

MTDMaximum tolerated dose - phase 1 studies

MTXMethotrexate (anti cancer drug)

MUDMatched Urelated Donor - for bone marrow transplant

MxMastectomy

N/VNausea and vomiting

Na+Sodium

NADNo Abnormality Detected

NBMNil by mouth

NEDNo evidence of disease

ngnanogram - 0.000000001 gram

NKNatural Killer cells (large lymphocytes, part of the immune system)

NKNot known

NMRNuclear magnetic resonance (scan)

NOSNot otherwise specified (see ICDO)

NSRNon significant result

NSRNormal Sinus Rhythem

O/EOn Examination

OSOverall Survival

OSOsteogenic sarcoma (context bone tumours)

PBSCPeripheral Blood Stem Cell (see PBSCT)

PBSCHPeripheral Blood Stem Cell Harvest

PBSCRPeripheral Blood Stem Cell Rescue (transplant)

PBSCTPeripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant

PDProgressive disease

PDQPhysician's Data Query (CancerNet)

PETPositron Emmission Tomography- a scan after a small radioactive injection.

PETPancreatic Endocrine Tumor

PFSProgression Free Survival

pgpicogram - 0.000000000001 gram

pHhydrogen-ion concentration - acid / alkaline

PHPast History

PNSPeripheral nervous system - nervous system outside the brain and spine.

PRPartial Responce / Partial Remission

PRper rectum

prnas required

prnwhenever necessary (pro re nata)

QALYQuality-Adjusted Life Year

qidFour times a day (quater in die)

QoLQuality of Life

RBCRed blood cell / red blood count

RFSRelapse free survival - Time from diagnosis to relapse or death.

RTRadiotherapy

RxTreatment

SASurface area (see BSA)

SAESerious Adverse Event

SCSubcutaneous

SDStable Disease

SDVSource Data Verification

SGOTSerum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase - a liver function test

SGPTSerum glutamic pyruvic transaminase - a liver function test

SHSocial history

SHOSenior House Officer

SIADHSyndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone

SNPSingle Nucleotide Polymorphism

SOBShort of breath

T1 - T12Thoracic vertebrae 1-12 (spine eg. T10 = tenth thoracic vertibra)

TAMstumour-associated macrophages

TBITotal body irradiation

TCPThrombocytopenia

tds / tidThree times a day (ter in die)

TNFTumour Necrosis Factor

TNMStaging system - primary tumour

TPNtotal parenteral nutrition

TRKTransketolase

U&EsUrea and Electrolites

UAUrine analysis

ugmicrogram - 0.000001 gram

ULNUpper Limits of Normal

URTIUpper respiratory tract infection

USUltasound (scan)

UTIUrinary Tract Infection

UVRUltra Violet Radiation

VEFVentricular ejection fraction (tests lung function)

VM-26Teniposide (anti cancer drug)

VMAVanillylmandelic Acid

VP-16Etoposide (anti cancer drug)

WBCWhite blood cell count

WCCWhite cell count

WMWaldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

XRTRadiotherapy (external)

YSTYolk sac tumour - (aka. germ cell tumour)

AACRAmerican Association for Cancer Research

ABPIAssociation of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

ABTAAmerican Brain Tumour Association

ACDMAssociation for Clinical Data Management

ACRPIAssociation of Clinical Research for the Pharmaceutical Industry

ACSAmerican Cancer Society

AIOMItalian Association for Medical Oncology

AIROAssociazione Italiana di Radioterapia Oncologica

AJCCAmerican Joint Committee on Cancer

ASCOAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology

ASHAmerican Society for Hematology

ASTROAmerican Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology

BACRBritish Association for Cancer Research

BASOBritish Association of Surgical Oncologists

BMABritish Medical Association

BNLIBritish National Lymphoma Investigation

BOABritish Oncology Association

BODMABritish Oncology Data Managers Association (UK)

CALGBCancer and Leukemia Group B (USA)

CCGChildren's Cancer Group (USA)

CCRGChildren's Cancer Research Group (Oxford, UK)

CCSCanadian Cancer Society

COGChildren's Oncology Group (USA)

COSCanadian Oncology Society

CRCCancer Research Campaign (UK)

CSMCommittee on Safety of Medicines (UK)

EACREuropean Association for Cancer Research

EANOEuropean Association for NeuroOncology

EBMTEuropean Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

ECOGEastern Cooperative Group (USA)

EOIEuropean Osteosarcoma Intergroup

EORTCEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer

ESOEuropean School of Oncology

ESTROEuropean Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology

FDAFood and Drug Administration (USA)

FECSFederation of European Cancer Societies

GMCGeneral Medical Council (UK)

GPOHGesellschaft fur Padiatrische Onkologie und Hamatologie (German Paed. Onc Group)

IACRInternational Association of Cancer Registries

IARCInternational Agency for Research on Cancer

IASLCInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

ICAREInternational Cancer Alliance for Research and Education (ICARE)

ICCCPOInternational Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations

ICCGInternational Collaborative Cancer Group

ICCPOIcelandic Childhood Cancer Parent Organisation

ICHInternational Conference on Harmonization (GCP)

ICRFImperial Cancer Research Fund (UK)

IESSIntergroup Ewing's Sarcoma Study (USA)

IMFInternational Myeloma Foundation

INFAInternational Neurofibromatosis Association

IPSOInternational Society of Pediatric Surgical Oncology

ISNCCInternational Society of Nurses in Cancer Care

IWMFInternational Waldenstrom's Maroglubulinemia Foundation

LRECLocal Research Ethics Committee (UK)

LRFLeukaemia Research Fund (UK)

LRFALymphoma Research Foundation of America

MCAMedicines Control Agency (UK)

MRCMedical Research Council (UK)

MRECMulti-centre Research Ethics Committee (UK)

NAACCRNorth American Association of Central Cancer Registries

NABCONational Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations

NCCFNational Childhood Cancer Foundation (USA)

NCINational Cancer Institue (USA)

NCICNational Cancer Institute of Canada

NCRANational Cancer Registrars Association (USA)

NECCRNorth of England Children's Cancer Research Unit

NKCANational Kidney Cancer Association (USA)

NNFFNational Neurofibromatosis Foundation (USA)

NORDNational Organization for Rare Disorders (USA)

NRCTNational Registry of Childhood Tumours (UK) held by the CCRG at Oxford

OECIOrganization of European Cancer Institutes

ONSOncology Nursing Society (USA)

PONFPaediatric Oncology Nurses Forum (UK)

SCTNScottish Cancer Therapy Network

SEERSurveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (USA)

SFOPFrench Paediatric Oncology Scociety

SGDMStudy Group on Data Management (EORTC)

SGOSociety of Gynecologic Oncologists

SIOPInternational Society of Paediatric Oncology

SNLGScottish and Newcastle Lymphoma Group

SPOHNCSupport for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer

SWOGSouthwest Oncology Group (USA)

UICCUnion Internationale Contre le Cancer - International Union Against Cancer

UKACRUK Association of Cancer Registeries

UKCCCRUK Coordinating Committee for Cancer Research

UKCCRGUK Children's Cancer Research Group (Oxford)

WHOWorld Health Organisation