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

G-Spot

Grafenberg spot. A sensitive area on the upper wall of the vagina about two inches from the opening that when stimulated brings on intense sexual feelings.

Gail model

A computer program that uses personal and family history to estimate a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

galactocele

A clogged milk duct or a cyst filled with milk. Galactoceles sometimes form in the breast during breastfeeding.

gallium scan

A procedure to detect areas of the body where cells are dividing rapidly. It is used to locate breast cancer cells or areas of inflammation. A very small amount of radioactive gallium is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The gallium is taken up by rapidly dividing cells in the bones, tissues, and organs and is detected by a scanner. This test is rarely used today.

gamma irradiation

A type of radiation therapy that uses gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that is different from x-rays.

gamma knife

Radiation therapy in which high-energy rays are aimed at a tumor from many angles in a single treatment session. Often used on cancer that has traveled to the brain.

gamma ray

A type of high-energy radiation that is different from an x-ray.

gamma scanning

Pronunciation: (GA-muh SKAN-ing)

A procedure to find areas in the body where cells, such as breast tumor cells, are dividing rapidly. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein or swallowed, and travels through the bloodstream. A machine called a scanner measures the radioactivity and produces pictures (scans) of internal parts of the body. The pictures can show abnormal changes in the area of the body containing the radioactive material. Examples of gamma scans include PET scans, gallium scans, and bone scans. Also called radionuclide scanning.

ganglioside

A complex molecule that contains both lipids (fats) and carbohydrates (sugars) and is found in the plasma (outer) membrane of many kinds of cells. Several different types of gangliosides have been identified. Some vaccines for cancer are directed to the ganglioside, which is often found on cancer cells.

garden heliotrope

Valeriana officinalis. A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in people undergoing breast cancer treatment. Also called valerian, garden valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, Mexican valerian, and Valerianae radix.

garden valerian

Valeriana officinalis. A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in people undergoing breast cancer treatment. Also called valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, Mexican valerian, garden heliotrope, and Valerianae radix.

gene

The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

gene deletion

The total loss or absence of a gene.

gene expression profiling

A research method that measures messenger RNA made from many different genes in various cell types. It is being used as a diagnostic test to help identify subgroups of breast tumor types, to help predict which people may respond to treatment, and which people may be at increased risk for cancer relapse.

gene mutation

A change in a gene so it does not work in the normal way. Mutations to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene put a person at greater risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer than those who do not have the mutation.

gene therapy

Treatment that alters a gene. In studies of gene therapy for breast cancer, researchers are trying to improve the body's natural ability to fight the disease or to make the breast cancer cells more sensitive to other kinds of therapy.

gene transfer

The insertion of genetic material into a cell.

gene-modified

Cells that have been altered to contain different genetic material than they originally contained.

general anesthesia

Pronunciation: (an-es-THEE-zha)

Medications that cause loss of feeling or awareness and put the person to sleep.

generic

Official nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the medication.

genetic

Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.

genetic analysis

The study of a sample of DNA to look for mutations (changes) that may increase risk of disease or affect the way a person responds to treatment.

genetic counseling

A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease. The person's family and personal medical history may be discussed, and counseling may lead to genetic testing.

genetic markers

Alterations in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder.

genetic susceptibility

An inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease.

genetic testing

Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.

genistein

An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied to see if they help prevent breast cancer.

genitourinary system

Pronunciation: (GEN-ih-toe-YOO-rin-air-ee)

The parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine (i.e. bladder and kidney), or both.

genome

The complete genetic material of an organism.

germ cell

A reproductive cell of the body. Germ cells are egg cells in females and sperm cells in males.

germ cell tumor

A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

germ-free

Free of bacteria, disease-causing viruses, and other organisms that can cause infection.

German Commission E

The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices Commission E. A committee made up of scientists, toxicologists, doctors, and pharmacists formed by the German government in 1978 to find out if herbs sold in Germany are safe and effective. The Commission has published information on the uses, side effects, and drug interactions of more than 300 herbs.

germline mutation

A gene change in the body's reproductive cells (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of offspring; germline mutations are passed on from parents to offspring. Breast cancer gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are germline mutations. Also called hereditary mutation.

ginger

Zingiber officianale. An herb with a root that has been used in cooking, and by some cultures to treat nausea, vomiting, and certain other medical conditions. It is being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by breast cancer chemotherapy.

ginseng

An herb with a root that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects.

gland

An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body.

glucose

A type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms.

glutamine

An amino acid used in nutrition therapy. It is also being studied for the treatment of diarrhea caused by radiation therapy to the pelvis.

glutathione

A substance found in plant and animal tissues that has many functions in a cell. These include activating certain enzymes and destroying toxic compounds and chemicals that contain oxygen.

glutathione S-transferase

A family of enzymes involved in metabolism and in making toxic compounds less harmful to the body.

Glycine max

A plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products. Soy products contain isoflavones (estrogen-like substances) that are being studied for the prevention of breast cancer, hot flashes that occur with menopause, and osteoporosis (loss of bone density). Soy products in the diet may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Also called soy, soya, and soybean.

glycolysis

A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.

glycopeptide

A short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) that has sugar molecules attached to it. Some glycopeptides have been studied for their ability to stimulate the immune system.

glycoprotein

A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it.

glycoprotein 100

gp100. A tumor-specific antigen used in the development of breast cancer vaccines.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone. A hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are involved in reproduction.

gonad

The part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs (ovary) or sperm (testicle/testis).

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

GnRH. A hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are involved in reproduction.

gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

A hormone made in the laboratory that has the same effect as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced naturally by the body.

grade

The grade of a tumor depends on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are different for each type of cancer.

grading

A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when examined under a microscope. The objective of a grading system is to provide information about the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade tumors vary with each type of cancer. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions.

Grafenberg spot

G-spot. A sensitive area on the upper wall of the vagina about two inches from the opening that when stimulated brings on intense sexual feelings.

granulocyte

Pronunciation: (GRAN-yoo-lo-site)

A type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes.

granulocytopenia

A deficiency in the number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. Low white blood counts increase the risk for infection.

gray elm

Ulmus fulva or Ulmus rubra. The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called slippery elm, Indian elm, red elm, and sweet elm.

green tea extract

A substance that is being studied in the prevention of breast cancer. It is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains chemicals called catechins, which are antioxidants.

groin

The area where the thigh meets the abdomen. Also known as the inquinal area.

growth factor

A substance made by the body that functions to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy.

gynecologic

Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina).

gynecologic cancer

Pronunciation: (guy-neh-ko-LAH-jik)

Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

gynecologic oncologist

Pronunciation: (guy-neh-ko-LAH-jik on-KOL-o-jist)

A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.

gynecologist

Pronunciation: (guy-neh-KAH-lo-jist)

A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.

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