Glossary of Terms
Definitions are adopted from the cancer.gov
glossary.
BRCA1
A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth.
A person who inherits an altered ("mutated") version of
the BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
BRCA2
A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth.
A person who inherits an altered ("mutated") version of
the BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast (both female
and male), ovarian, pancreas, and prostate cancer.
CA-125
A blood test used to measure the level of CA-125, a tumor marker
that is often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood
of women with ovarian cancer. In the current study, it is being
evaluated as a possible test to screen for
ovarian cancer.
Ductal Lavage
Ductal lavage is a new technique to collect cells from the lining
of the milk duct. In this procedure, nipple aspiration is first
used to draw a tiny amount of fluid to the surface of the nipple
to locate the milk ducts. A slender catheter is then inserted into
the duct through the natural opening. A small amount of anesthetic
is infused into the duct through the catheter, followed by a small
amount of saline. This saline rinses through the duct, collecting
cells, and is then withdrawn. This minimally invasive procedure
produces many more cells than the other methods commonly used to
collect cells from the milk ducts.
Needle Biopsy
The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under
a microscope. Also called "fine-needle aspiration," or
"core needle biopsy."
Nipple Aspiration
Nipple aspiration uses gentle suction to collect fluid from the
nipple. This is done with a device similar to the breast pumps
used by nursing women. Fluid containing cells from the lining of
the ducts can be obtained from about 75 percent of women in this
manner. Typically, only a tiny amount of fluid and a few cells
can be obtained; the quantity and quality of the fluid collected
limits the types of studies than can be done.
SERM
Selective estrogen receptor modulator.
A drug that acts like estrogen on some tissues but blocks the effect
of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are examples
of SERM medications.
Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)
A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes,
ovaries, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina,
and sound waves bounce off organs inside the pelvic area. These
sound waves create echoes, which a computer uses to create a picture
called a sonogram. Also called TVUS.
|