Margins(mar' jinz) the distance between the edge of the tissue sample removed and abnormal cells.
Mastectomy(ma-STEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the breast (or as much of the breast tissue as possible).
Medical Oncologist(MEH-dih-kul on-KAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy.
Menopausal(men'o-pawz"ul) describes the time of life when the ovaries stop making estrogen.
Menopause(MEH-nuh-PAWZ) The time of life when a woman's menstrual periods stop. A woman is in menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row.
Menses(men'sees) the monthly flow of blood from the genital tract of women. Also called menstruating or the period.
MetaplasiaA change of cells to a form that does not normally occur in the tissue in which it is found.
metastasesWhen cancer spreads to another location in the body. For example, if breast cancer cells spread to the bone, this is called a "breast cancer metastasis."
metastasis(meh-TAS-tuh-sis) The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a "metastatic tumor" or a…
Metastatic(meh-tuh-STA-tik) Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
Microcalcifications or calcifications(mi'-crow-cal-sih-fih-cay"-shuns) are a finding reported on mammograms. They are an indicator of increased in breast activity in some cells.
monoclonal antibody(MAH-noh-KLOH-nul AN-tih-BAH-dee) A type of protein made in the laboratory that can locate and bind to substances in the body, including tumor cells.
Montgomery Glands(mont-gum'-er-ee glandz) bumps on the areola that secrete a protective lubricant which prepares the breast for breastfeeding.
Mucin(myou' sin) a protein-containing substance that composes the main component of mucus, the slimy fluid secreted from mucous membranes.
Myelin sheath(my' uh lin) the tubular structure that surrounds the nerve fibers.