Breast Health Glossary

areola
A darker, round area of skin on the breast around the nipple.

asymptomatic
A person has no visible or felt symptoms — even if something serious is happening inside the body.

atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH)
A benign (not cancer) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the lining of breast ducts and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical ductal hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer.

atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
A benign condition in which there are more cells than normal in the breast lobules and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical lobular hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer.

axillary lymph node (ALN)
A small disease-fighting structure that is near the armpit.

biopsy
A procedure that removes fluid or tissue samples to be tested for a disease.

calcification
Deposits of calcium in the tissues.

clinical breast exam (CBE)
A physical exam of the breast performed by a health care provider to check for lumps or other changes.

contrast
A substance put into your body to make clearer pictures during imaging tests.

core needle biopsy (CNB)
A procedure that removes tissue samples with a hollow needle. Also called core biopsy (CB).

diagnostic mammogram
Pictures of the insides of both breasts that are made from a set of x-rays in individuals with signs or symptoms.

duct
A tube-shaped structure through which milk travels to the nipple.

ductal carcinoma
A cancer derived from cells that line small tube-shaped vessels.

ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
A breast cancer that has not grown outside the breast ducts.

edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

erythema
Reddening of the skin, usually in patches.

excoriation
Skin that has worn off.

gene
Coded instructions in cells for making new cells and controlling how cells behave.

genetic counseling
Expert guidance on the chance for a disease that is passed down in families.

gynecomastia
The abnormal growth of breast tissue in those assigned male at birth.

hereditary breast cancer
Breast cancer that was likely caused by abnormal genes passed down from biological parent to child.

histology
The structure of cells, tissue, and organs as viewed under a microscope.

lobular carcinoma
A breast cancer that started in cells that line the milk glands (lobules).

lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
A benign (not cancer) condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast.

lobular neoplasia
A benign condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast and increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Types of lobular neoplasia include atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

lobule
A gland in the breast that makes breast milk.

lymph
A clear fluid containing white blood cells.

lymph node
A small, bean-shaped disease-fighting structure.

lymphadenopathy
Lymph nodes that are abnormal in size or consistency.

lymphedema
Swelling in the body due to a buildup of fluid called lymph.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A test that uses radio waves and powerful magnets to make pictures of the inside of the body.

mammogram
A picture of the inside of the breast that is made by an x-ray test.

menopause
The point in time when menstrual periods end, typically diagnosed after 12 months of no periods.

nipple discharge
Fluid that is not milk coming from the nipple.

nipple-areola complex (NAC)
The ring of darker breast skin is called the areola. The raised tip within the areola is called the nipple.

palpable adenopathy
Lymph nodes that feel abnormal in size or consistency.

pathologist
An expert who interprets cells and tissues removed during a biopsy or surgery.

postmenopausal
The state of having no more menstrual periods.

premenopause
The state of having menstrual periods.

radiation therapy (RT)
A treatment that uses high-energy rays.

radiologist
Expert who interprets the results of mammograms, MRIs, and other imaging tests.

residual lifetime risk
Risk based on the number of years of life that remain.

screening mammogram
X-rays of the breasts taken to check for breast cancer in someone without signs or symptoms of cancer.

technologist
Person trained to operate a mammography unit to produce images of the breasts for diagnostic purposes.

ultrasound (US)
A test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of the body.