Also called MRI, NMRI and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the breast. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging creates higher quality images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. It is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones.

A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about the activity of cells. It is used along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides information about the shape and size of the tumor.

Treatment that is given to help keep breast cancer from coming back after it has disappeared following initial therapy. It may include treatment with medicines, vaccines or antibodies that kill cancer cells, and it may be given for a long time. Tamoxifen and exemestane (brand name, Aromasin) are two examples of maintenance therapy for preventing breast cancer recurrence.

A cancerous breast tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue, and spread to other parts of the body.

A condition in which cancer causes an abnormal amount of fluid to collect between the thin layers of tissue (pleura), lining the outside of the lung and the wall of the chest cavity. Lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma and leukemia cause most malignant pleural effusions.

Also called benign breast disease, fibrocystic breast changes, and fibrocystic breast disease. 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. Symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause.

Having to do with the breast, or breasts.

The use of film or a computer to create an X-ray picture that shows the internal anatomy of the breast.

A Mammotome device is a vacuum assisted breast biopsy device that uses image guidance such as x-ray, ultrasound and/or MRI to perform breast biopsies.

Also called monoamine oxidase inhibitor. A type of medicine used to treat depression. It stops the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve a person's mood. A MAO inhibitor is a type of antidepressant.

A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.

In medicine, a lump in the body. It may be caused by the abnormal growth of cells, a cyst, hormonal changes or an immune reaction. A mass may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

A painful condition in which breast tissue is inflamed. It is usually caused by an infection and is most often seen in nursing mothers. The symptoms of mastitis are similar to the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. Those symptoms include breast enlargement (on one side only) and pain, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, flu-like symptoms, itching, lump, nipple discharge, redness and swelling. Fever is a symptom of mastitis that is not common to inflammatory breast cancer.

Also called MTD. The highest dose of a medicine or treatment possible that does not unacceptable side effects. The maximum tolerated dose is determined in clinical trials by testing increasingly higher doses on different groups of people, until the highest dose with acceptable side effects is found.

A tumor that can be accurately measured in size. This information can be used to judge response to treatment.

The time from either diagnosis or the start of treatment at which half of the participants with a given disease either are or are expected to be living. In a clinical trial, median survival time is one way to measure how effective a treatment is.

A health insurance program for people who cannot afford regular medical care. The program is run by U.S. federal, state, and local governments. People who receive Medicaid may have to pay a small amount for the services they get. Breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatments are listed as an option for coverage through Medicare.

An instrument, tool, machine, test kit, or implant that is used to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease or other conditions. Medical devices range from tongue depressors to medical imaging equipment.

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist is often the main health care provider for someone who has breast cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.

Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or conditions that impact health. This term may also refer to a legal medicine, used for the same purpose.

Also called linac, linear accelerator, and MeV linear accelerator. A machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. This creates high-energy radiation that may be used to treat breast cancer.

Also called Alkeran. A medicine that is being studied in the treatment of cancer, including breast cancer. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian epithelial cancer. It belongs to the family of medicines called alkylating agents.

The time of life when a woman's ovaries stop producing hormones and her menstrual periods stop. Natural menopause usually occurs around age 50. A woman is said to be in menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating and infertility.

The monthly cycle of hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next.

Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs about every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.

A person's overall psychological and emotional condition. Good mental health is a state of well-being in which a person is able to cope with everyday events, think clearly, be responsible, meet challenges and have good relationships with others.

In traditional Chinese medicine, one of 20 channels that form a network through which qi or chi (the body's vital energy) flows and that connect the body's acupuncture sites.

A process that analyzes data from different studies done about the same subject. The results of a meta-analysis are usually stronger than the results of any study by itself.

Surgery to remove one or more metastases - tumors formed from cells that have spread from the primary tumor. When all metastases are removed, it is called a complete metastasectomy.

To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.

A medicine used to treat some types of breast cancer. Methotrexate stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite.

Continuous or frequent treatment with low doses of anticancer medicines, often given with other methods of therapy.

Small numbers of cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, in numbers too small to be picked up on mammogram, CT or MRI scan. Micrometastasis can be detected with a sentinel node biopsy - a surgical procedure in which the sentinel lymph node - the lymph node located closest to the primary tumor - is removed and examined under a microscope. In breast cancer, the axillary lymph nodes, underneath the armpits, are examined to detect whether micrometastasis has occurred.

Also called breast duct. A thin tube in the breast that carries milk from the breast lobules to the nipple.

A type of meditation based on the concept of being 'mindful' or having increased awareness of the present. It uses breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

To make milder or less painful.

Also called biomarker and signature molecule. A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A molecular marker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition.

A procedure in which biomarkers (for example, biological molecules or changes in tumor cell DNA) are used to estimate a person's risk for developing cancer. Specific biomarkers may be linked to particular types of cancer.

Also called MAO inhibitor. A type of medicine used to treat depression. It stops the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve a person's mood. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor is a type of antidepressant.

A disease or the incidence of disease within a population. Morbidity also refers to adverse effects caused by a treatment.

A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the breast. These pictures can show the difference between healthy and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called magnetic resonance imaging, NMRI, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Also called maximum tolerated dose. The highest dose of a medicine or treatment possible that does not trigger unacceptable side effects. The MTD is determined in clinical trials by testing increasing doses on different groups of people until the highest dose with acceptable side effects is found.

A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.

Breast cancer in which there is more than one tumor, all of which have formed separately from one another. The tumors are likely to be in different quadrants (sections) of the breast. Multicentric breast cancers are rare.

Also called tumor board review. A treatment planning approach in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines) review and discuss the medical condition and treatment options for an individual. In breast cancer treatment, a multidisciplinary opinion may include that of a medical oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with medicines), a surgical oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with surgery), and a radiation oncologist (who provides cancer treatment with radiation).

Treatment used to make cancer cells less resistant to anticancer medicines.

Treatment that uses music to help relieve pain or stress and promote well-being. It is being studied in the treatment of several cancer-related problems and other conditions.

Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to breast cancer or other diseases.