National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Send to Printer
breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)

 Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Enlarge
Breast anatomy; drawing shows lobes, lobules, ducts, areola, nipple, fat, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels

Previous Definitions:Brassica vegetable, BRCA1, BRCA2, breakthrough pain, breast
Next Definitions:breast carcinoma in situ, breast density, breast duct endoscopy, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, breast implant