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 This saline rinses through the duct, collecting cells, and is then withdrawn.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.