Glossary
Breast Reconstruction
A procedure that rebuilds evenness between the two breasts by replacing skin, breast tissue and the removed nipple. After this surgery, a patient might require radiation which will affect the overall outcome of the surgery. Ask your doctor about your concerns.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
The most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. Ductal means that the cancer starts inside the milk ducts, carcinoma refers to any cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues (including breast tissue) that cover or line the internal organs, and in situ means "in its original place." DCIS is called "non-invasive" because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct into any normal surrounding breast tissue. DCIS is not life-threatening, but having DCIS can increase the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer later on.
Hormone (Estrogen) Receptor Positive
A cancer is called Estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) if it has receptors for estrogen.
Hormone (Estrogen) Receptor Negative
A cancer is called Estrogen-receptor-positive (ER-) if it does not have receptors for estrogen.
Hormone therapy
Hormonal therapy medicines treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers in two ways:
- By lowering the amount of the hormone estrogen in the body
- By blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells
The hormone therapy we refer to in this website is Tamoxifen, a pill, otherwise known as an oral medication.
We may also be referring to Aromatase Inhibitors. A pill that blocks the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Side effects to this type of treatment include joint stiffness and joint pain and heart problems. Ask your doctor if you would like to learn more.
Invasive Breast Cancer
A type of breast cancer that does not stay within the milk ducts or lobules in the breast. These cells grow into or invade normal tissues within or beyond the breast.
Lumpectomy
A surgical procedure that involves removing the affected breast area and a small portion of the surrounding tissue from a woman's breast. The outcomes of this surgery vary based on the size and location of the breast and tumor.
Lumpectomy plus hormone therapy
The combination of surgical procedure that involves removing a tumor, or lump, and a small portion of the surrounding tissue from a woman's breast plus taking an oral hormone drug for 5-10 years before and/or after surgery. We currently do not have as much information about this option as we do the other options, and therefore it is not included in our treatment options. Please talk to your doctor more about this option if you want additional information.
Lumpectomy plus radiation therapy
The combination of a surgical procedure that involves removing the affected area of breast tissue as well as radiation to the breast for a period of time.
Lumpectomy plus radiation therapy and hormone therapy
The combination of lumpectomy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.
Mastectomy
The surgical removal of the entire breast. If considering this option speak to your doctor about breast reconstruction.
Radiation therapy
Also called radiotherapy — is a highly targeted and highly effective way to destroy cancer cells that may be present even after surgery using high energy beams in the breast. To receive radiation you must visit the clinic about one hour, every weekday for a certain number of weeks.