Glossary of Terms

Introduction

Parts of this glossary have been taken or adapted from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Dictionary and the American Breast Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Dictionary.

This glossary does not contain definitions of medications. To learn more about specific medications, visit the website of the National Cancer Institute.

Many thanks to the healthcare practitioners who reviewed portions of this glossary:

• Mechelle Barrick, RN, BSN, OCN, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
• Debra S. Copit, MD, Albert Einstein Medical Center
• Ann L. Honebrink, MD, Penn Health at Radnor
• Isabel I. Law, RN, South Carolina Comprehensive Breast Center
• Judith Macon, RN, MA, Suburban Hospital Cancer Program
• Suzanne McGettigan Bensman, MSN, CRNP, AOCN
• Lisa McGinty, RN, BSN, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania
• Maria Rocktashel, MSN, CRNP, Delaware Valley Surgical Associates
• Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center
• Michele D. Stolper, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Fionda N. Williams, RN, BSN, Baltimore City Cancer Program

Glossary

fallopian tube

Pronunciation: (fa-LO-pee-in)

A slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus. In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.

false-negative test result

A test result that indicates that a person does not have a specific disease or condition when the person actually does have the disease or condition.

false-positive test result

A test result that indicates that a person has a specific disease or condition when the person actually does not have the disease or condition.

familial cancer

Breast cancer that occurs in families more often than would be expected by chance. These breast cancers often occur at an early age, and may indicate the presence of a gene mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer. They may also be a sign of shared environmental or lifestyle factors.

family history

A record of a person's current and past illnesses, and those of his or her parents, brothers, sisters, children, and other family members. A family history shows the pattern of certain diseases in a family, and helps to determine risk factors for those and other diseases.

fat necrosis

A benign (noncancerous) breast condition in which lumps of fatty material form in response to a blow or bruise to the breast.

fatigue

A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic and may be caused by many factors.

fatty acid

A major component of fats that is used by the body for energy and tissue development.

fatty-replaced breast tissue

A term used in mammography that refers to the replacement of breast tissue with fatty tissue. This commonly occurs as a woman ages.

fear

An unpleasant emotional state marked by feelings of anxiety or apprehension surrounding an event or situation that a person believes is a threat.

febrile neutropenia

A condition marked by fever and decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood. A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. Having too few neutrophils increases the risk of infection.

fertile

Pronunciation: (FER-tul)

Having the capacity to reproduce (bear) children

fertility

Pronunciation: (fer-TIL-i-tee)

The ability to reproduce (bear) children.

fetus

Pronunciation: (FEET-us)

Refers to the developing embryo during the period of approximately seven to eight weeks after conception until birth.

fiber

Also called bulk or roughage. The parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested. Fiber may be effective in preventing cancer.

fibrin sealant

A type of surgical glue that is made from human blood-clotting proteins, and that is used during surgery to control bleeding.

fibroadenoma

A benign (noncancerous) breast tumor made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. Fibroadenomas are more common in pre-menopausal women.

fibroblast

A connective tissue cell that makes and secretes collagen proteins.

fibrocystic breast changes

Pronunciation: (FY-broh-SISS-tik)

Also called benign breast disease, fibrocystic breast disease, and mammary dysplasia. A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts, breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause.

fibrocystic breast disease

Pronunciation: (FY-broh-SISS-tik brest dih-ZEEZ )

Also called benign breast disease, fibrocystic breast changes, and mammary dysplasia. A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts, breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause.

fibroid

Pronunciation: (FYE-broyd)

A benign smooth-muscle tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract. Also called leiomyoma.

fibromatosis

A condition in which multiple fibromas develop. Fibromas are tumors (usually benign) that affect connective tissue.

filler

An inactive substance used to make a product bigger or easier to handle. For example, fillers are often used to make pills or capsules because the amount of active drug is too small to be handled conveniently.

fine-needle aspiration

Pronunciation: (as-per-AY-shun)

FNA. The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. Also called needle biopsy. Some women receive a fine-needle aspiration of the breast lump.

first-degree relative

A biologically related parent, sibling or child.

first-line therapy

The first time a specific therapy is given for a condition or disease.

FISH

Fluorescence in situ hybridization. A laboratory test that measures the amount of amplification of a certain gene in breast cancer cells. The FISH test is sometimes used to determine whether a breast cancer cell has too much of the HER2/neu protein. Results of this test may help determine treatment options.

five-year relative survival rate

The total number of people who live at least five years after their breast cancer is diagnosed, excluding those individuals who are ill with other diseases.

five-year survival rate

The number of people who live at least five years after their breast cancer is diagnosed.

flavonoid

A member of a group of substances found in many plants and plant-based foods. Flavonoids have shown antioxidant effects.

flaxseed

Also called linseed. The seed of the flax plant. It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and a compound called lignin.

flow cytometry

A method of measuring the number of cells in a sample, the percentage of live cells in a sample, and certain characteristics of cells, such as size, shape, and the presence of tumor markers on the cell surface. The cells are stained with a light-sensitive dye, placed in a fluid, and passed in a stream before a laser or other type of light. The measurements are based on how the light-sensitive dye reacts to the light.

fludeoxyglucose F 18

The radioactive form of glucose used in positron emission tomography (PET), a diagnostic imaging procedure.

fludrocortisone

A synthetic corticosteroid. It is used to replace steroid hormones normally produced by the adrenal gland.

fluid

A substance in its liquid state.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization

FISH. A laboratory test that measures the amount of amplification of a certain gene in breast cancer cells. The FISH test is sometimes used to determine whether a breast cancer cell has too much of the HER2/neu protein. Results of this test may help determine treatment options.

focal

In terms of cancer, limited to a specific area.

folate

Also called folic acid. A B-complex vitamin that is being studied as a cancer prevention agent.

follicle

Pronunciation: (FOL-i-kul)

A sac or pouch-like cavity.

follicle stimulating hormone

FSH. The hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates eggs to form in a woman's ovaries. Women who have had chemotherapy treatment may undergo an FSH test to see whether their ovaries are still functioning.

follow-up

Monitoring a person's health over time after treatment. This includes keeping track of the health of people who participate in a clinical study or clinical trial for a period of time, both during the study and after the study ends.

fractionation

In radiation therapy, dividing the total dose of radiation therapy into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a specified interval, such as several days. This principle also can be applied to giving medication.

free radical

A highly reactive chemical that often contains oxygen and is produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons (a process called oxidation). Free radicals can damage important cellular molecules such as DNA or lipids or other parts of the cell.

frozen section

The quick-freezing of a thin slice of tissue from a breast tumor to examine under a microscope.

FSH

Follicle stimulating hormone. The hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates eggs to form in a woman's ovaries. Women who have had chemotherapy treatment may undergo an FSH test to see whether their ovaries are still functioning.

fundus

The larger part of a hollow organ that is farthest away from the organ's opening. The bladder, gallbladder, stomach, uterus, eye, and cavity of the middle ear all have a fundus.

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