HER2: See "Human..." below.

Histologic Subtypes of Breast Cancer: These older terms are used less frequently as "Tumor Markers" give much more specific information. Colloid = an "invasive" cancer that grows into the normal tissue around it; it usually grows slowly. Comedo = a "non-invasive" cancer that usually does not spread; it tends to grow fast. Cribriform = a non-invasive cancer which usually grows slowly. Medullary & mucinous = invasive cancers. Papillary & Solid = non-invasive cancers that grow slowly. Tubular = a slower-growing invasive cancer.

Hospice; A "care philosophy" for patients (and their loved ones) in the terminal stages of an illness which promotes quality of life rather than length of life. It provides medical, nursing, and spiritual support.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2); One of the cell-surface proteins regulating cell growth and division which can become "cancerous". 20% of breast cancers show over-expression of HER2.

Incisional Biopsy: Removal of a small portion of a larger mass through an open surgical incision.

In-Situ Cancer: One that has NOT broken through the wall of the milk duct (DCIS) or breast lobule (LCIS) in which it arose. They are usually curable.

Intraductal Papilloma: A small benign growth on the inside wall of a milk duct that bleeds easily.

Invasive Carcinoma: Cancer which has broken through the duct or lobule wall and "invaded" the surrounding tissue. It MAY have spread to areas outside the breast.

Ki-67: See "Tumor Markers".

Leukopenia: An abnormally low number of white blood cells (which help to fight infection) in the blood.

Lobular Cancer: One of the two major histological (cell-type) types of breast cancer. The other is "Ductal Cancer".

Lobular Carcinoma-in-situ (LCIS): Not truly a cancer, despite its name, it is a 'marker' found in a person who has a very high risk of developing a "lobular cancer" at a later date. It is usually found incidentally to another (often benign) process that led a woman to have a biopsy.

Local Recurrence: The reappearance of cancer at the site of previous surgery.

Lumpectomy: See "Breast conservation surgery".

Mammogram, Mammography: An x-ray taken of each breast to detect abnormal tissue shadows. Most are benign, and not all of them need biopsy. Cancers are detected earlier through mammography.

Mastectomy: The surgical removal of the entire breast.

Metachronous Tumors: Similar tumors arising at different times (perhaps years apart).

Metastasis (Metastasize): The spread of cancer from the primary tumor to another part of the body. In breast cancer the spread is usually to the lung, liver, bones, or brain.

Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy given before surgery to shrink or downsize a tumor, so that a less-radical operation may be possible. A side benefit is that the oncologist can measure the tumor's response to treatment, since it has not yet been removed.

Nodal Status: Indicates whether a cancer has spread (not-positive) or has not spread (node-negative) to lymph nodes. The number and site of nodes helps predict the risk of recurrence.