Ductal carcinoma in situ, also called intraductal carcinoma. A noninvasive condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, DCIS may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive.

Surgical removal of as much of a tumor as possible. Debulking may increase the chance that chemotherapy or radiation therapy will kill all the tumor cells. It may also be done to relieve symptoms or help the individual live longer. Also called tumor debulking.

The treatment plan for a disease or disorder that has been chosen as the best one for an individual after all other choices have been considered.

Also called AMG 162, Prolia and Xgeva. Denosumab is a medicine used to prevent or treat certain bone problems. In women affected with breast cancer, it may help prevent bone loss linked to use of aromatase inhibitors, a family of medicines used to treat postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive disease. Under the brand name Xgeva, denosumab is used to prevent broken bones and other bone problems caused by solid tumors that have metastasized (spread) to bone. Denosumab binds to a protein called RANKL, and keeps RANKL from binding to another protein called RANK, on the surface of certain bone cells. This may help keep bone from breaking down. Denosumab is a type of monoclonal antibody.

The process of identifying a disease, such as breast cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

A specific test or series of steps done to help diagnose a disease or condition. Mammograms are one example of a diagnostic procedure.

A research study that evaluates methods of detecting disease.

Frequent and watery bowel movements.

A type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels called deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP), and the skin and fat connected to them, are removed from the lower abdomen and used for reconstruction. Muscle is left in place.

Also called nutritional supplement. A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid and enzyme).

In breast cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.

The use of a computer, rather than X-ray film, to create a picture of the breast.

Fluid that comes out of the body, sometimes from one or both nipples of the breast. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease in women, but is a reason to seek medical attention. In men, discharge from the nipples requires medical attention. A second meaning for 'discharge' is the release of an individual from care at a hospital or health care facility.

The percent of people in a study or treatment group who have not died from a specific disease in a defined period of time. The time period usually begins at the time of diagnosis or at the start of treatment and ends at the time of death. Individuals who died from causes other than the disease being studied are not counted in this measurement.

Also known as distant cancer. Refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes.

Also called do not resuscitate order. A type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to restart the heart if his or her heart or breathing stops.

Brand name Anzemet. Dolasetron is a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by breast cancer treatment. It is a type of serotonin receptor antagonist and a type of antiemetic. Also called dolasetron mesylate.

Refers to the effects of treatment with a medicine. If the effects change when the dose of the medicine is changed, the effects are said to be dose-dependent.

The strength of a treatment given over a period of time.

A clinical trial in which the medical staff, the participant and the people who analyze the results do not know the specific type of treatment the individual receives until after the clinical trial is over.

In medicine, to remove fluid as it collects; or, a tube or wick-like device used to remove fluid from a body cavity, wound or infected area. Drains are sometimes required after mastectomy.

A medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting in individuals who receive anesthesia before surgery. It is also used to treat anxiety. Droperidol is a type of antiemetic, adjunct anesthesia and antipsychotic.

The failure of cancer cells, viruses, or bacteria to respond to a medicine used to kill or weaken them. The cells, viruses, or bacteria may be resistant to the agent at the beginning of treatment, or may become resistant after being exposed to the medicine.

A condition that occurs when the body gets used to a medicine, so that either more medicine is needed or different medicine is needed.

A noninvasive condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, ductal carcinoma in situ may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive. Also called DCIS and intraductal carcinoma.

In medicine, a tube or vessel of the body through which fluids pass. In the female anatomy, passageways that carry milk from the lobules in the breast to the nipple.

Also called DPA. A type of power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person (such as a relative, lawyer or friend) the authority to make legal, medical or financial decisions for another person. It may go into effect right away, or when that person is no longer able to make decisions for himself or herself. A durable power of attorney remains in effect until the person who grants it dies or cancels it. It does not need to be renewed over time.

A bad taste in the mouth. Also called parageusia.