Brand Name DrugA brand name drug is a drug marketed under a proprietary, trademark-protected name.
Brassica vegetable(BRA-sih-kuh VEJ-tuh-bul) A member of the family of vegetables that includes kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and…
BRCA1A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting…
BRCA2A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting…
breakthrough painIntense increases in pain that occur with rapid onset even when pain-control medication is being used.
breast (brest)Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk.
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).
breast carcinoma in situAbnormal cells that are confined to the ducts or lobules in the breast. There are two forms, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma…
breast densityDescribes the relative amount of different tissues present in the breast. A dense breast has less fat than glandular and connective tissue.
breast duct endoscopyA method used to examine the lining of the breast ducts to look for abnormal tissue.
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System(brest ih-mih-jing rih-port-ing SIS-tem) A method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography…
breast implantA silicone gel-filled or saline-filled sac placed under the chest muscle to restore breast shape.
breast self-examAn exam by a woman of her breasts to check for lumps or other changes.
breast-conserving surgeryAn operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump)…
breast-sparing surgeryAn operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-sparing surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump)…
breastboneThe long flat bone that forms the center front of the chest wall. The breastbone is attached to the collarbone and the first seven ribs.
Brittle Diabetes(Labile or Unstable Diabetes) Marked fluctuations in blood glucose concentrations which are difficult to control causing frequent episodes of insulin…
brivanib(brih-VAN-ib) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Brivanib blocks the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow and may kill…
brivanib alaninate(brih-VAN-ib a-luh-NIN-ayt) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
brivudineA substance that is being studied in the treatment of infections caused by herpesvirus, including herpes-zoster (shingles).
BRM therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases.
broccoli sprout extract(BRAH-kuh-lee ⦠EK-strakt) A substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. Broccoli sprout extract comes from newly sprouted broccoli.
bromelainAn enzyme found in pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as collagen and muscle fiber, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
bronchi(BRONG-ky) The large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.
bronchial(BRON-kee-ul) Having to do with the bronchi, which are the larger air passages of the lungs, including those that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the…
bronchial adenoma(BRON-kee-ul A-deh-NOH-muh) Cancer that forms in tissues of the bronchi (large air passages in the lungs including those that lead to the lungs from the…
bronchial carcinoma(BRAHN-kee-yul kar-sin-OH-muh): Cancer that grows in the bronchi, which are the large airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs.
bronchiole(BRONG-kee-ole) A tiny branch of air tubes in the lungs.
bronchitis(bron-KYE-tis) Inflammation (swelling and reddening) of the bronchi.
bronchoalveolar carcinoma(BRAHN-koh-al-vee-OH-lur kar-sin-OH-muh): Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a subtype of lung cancer.
bronchodilator(BRON-koh-DY-lay-ter) A type of drug that causes small airways in the lungs to open up.
bronchogenic carcinoma(BRON-koh-JEH-nik KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the tissue that lines or covers the airways of the lungs, including small cell and non-small cell…
bronchoscope(BRON-koh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs.
bronchoscopy(bron-KOS-koh-pee) A procedure that uses a bronchoscope to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs.
bronchus(BRON-kus) A large airway that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to a lung. The plural of bronchus is bronchi.
brostallicin(broh-STAL-ih-sin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of DNA intercalator.
broxuridineA drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation and is also used as a diagnostic agent to determine how fast cancer cells grow.
bryostatin 1(BRY-uh-STA-tin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer and certain brain conditions such as Alzheimer disease and stroke.
BSHA substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BSH is injected into a vein and becomes concentrated in tumor cells.
BSI-201A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It blocks enzymes that repair damage to DNA.
buccal mucosa(BUH-kul myoo-KOH-suh) The inner lining of the cheeks.
budesonideA drug used in the treatment of asthma and rhinitis. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer.
bugbaneAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
bugwortAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
Bulbs(bulbz) [of breast ] the grape-like structure in the lobules of the breasts that produce milk.
bulk-forming agentA substance, such as fiber in food, that adds bulk and water to stools so that they can pass more easily through the intestines (lower part of the…
BUNNitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver).
bupivacaine(byoo-PIV-uh-kane) A drug used to relieve pain by blocking signals at nerve endings.
bupivacaine hydrochloride(byoo-PIV-uh-kane HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to relieve pain by blocking signals at nerve endings.
BuprenorphineA mixed opiate agonist/antagonist medication approved by the FDA in October 2002 for the treatment of opioid addiction (e.g., heroin).
bupropion(byoo-PRO-pee-ON) A substance that is used to treat depression, and to help people quit smoking. It belongs to the family of drugs called antidepressants.
burdockA plant whose seeds and root have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects.
Burkitt leukemia(BER-kit loo-KEE-mee-uh) A rare, fast-growing type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many white blood cells called B lymphocytes form in the blood…
Burkitt lymphoma(BER-kit lim-FOH-muh) An aggressive (fast-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs most often in children and young adults.
burr holeA small opening in the skull made with a surgical drill.
bursitis(ber-SY-tis) Inflammation (swelling, pain, and warmth) of a bursa. A bursa is a flat, fluid-filled sac found between a bone and a tendon or muscle.
buserelinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormones.
buspirone(byoo-SPY-rone) A drug that is used to treat certain anxiety disorders. It belongs to the family of drugs called antianxiety agents.
busulfanAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
bypassA surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of body fluids.
C cellA type of cell in the thyroid. C cells make calcitonin, a hormone that helps control the calcium level in the blood.
c-ABLAn enzyme that is involved in many cell processes, such as cell division. The gene for c-ABL is on chromosome 9.
c-erbB-2A protein involved in normal cell growth. It is found in high levels on some breast cancer cells.
c-kit receptor(... reh-SEP-ter) A protein on the surface of some cells that binds to stem cell factor (a substance that causes certain types of cells to grow).
CA 19-9 assayA test that measures the level of CA 19-9 in the blood. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker released into the bloodstream from both cancer cells and normal cells.
CA-125A substance that may be found in high amounts in the blood of patients with certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.
CABSurgery in which a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body is used to make a new path for blood around a blocked artery leading to the…
cachexia(ka-KEK-see-a) Loss of body weight and muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in patients with cancer, AIDS, or other chronic diseases.
CADCoronary artery disease. A disease in which there is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the…
cadmium(KAD-me-um) A metallic element that occurs naturally in tiny amounts in air, water, soil, and food.
caffeine(ka-FEEN) A substance found in the leaves and beans of the coffee tree, in tea, yerba mate, guarana berries, and in small amounts in cocoa.
calcificationDeposits of calcium in the tissues. Calcification in the breast can be seen on a mammogram, but cannot be detected by touch.
Calcifications or Microcalcifications(cal-sih-fih-cay"-shuns) are a finding reported on mammograms. They are an indicator of increased in breast activity in some cells.
calcitonin(KAL-sih-TOH-nin) A hormone formed by the C cells of the thyroid gland. It helps maintain a healthy level of calcium in the blood.
calcitriol(kal-sih-TREE-ol) The active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol is formed in the kidneys or made in the laboratory.
calcium(KAL-see-um) A mineral found in teeth, bones, and other body tissues.
calcium carbonateA mineral taken primarily as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis. It is also being studied for cancer prevention.
calcium gluconate(KAL-see-um GLOO-koh-nayt) The mineral calcium, combined with a form of the sugar glucose. It is used to prevent and treat bone loss.
calcium levoleucovorin(KAL-see-um LEE-voh-LOO-koh-VOR-in) A drug used to reduce the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (substances that block the action of folic acid)…
calendula ointment(kuh-LEN-dyuh-luh OYNT-ment) A substance made from the flower of the marigold plant Calendula officinalis .
calgranulin A(kal-GRAN-yoo-lin ...) A protein that is made by many different types of cells and is involved in processes that take place both inside and outside of the…
calgranulin B(kal-GRAN-yoo-lin ...) A protein that is made by many different types of cells and is involved in processes that take place both inside and outside of the…
callusesThick, hardened areas of the skin, generally on the foot, caused by friction or pressure.
caloric intakeRefers to the number of calories (energy content) consumed.
Calorie(KA-luh-ree) A measurement of the energy content of food. The body needs calories as to perform its functions, such as breathing, circulating the blood…
CAMForms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments.
Campath-1HA monoclonal antibody used to treat leukemia. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells.
camphorA substance that comes from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in the laboratory.
camptothecinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors.
camptothecin analogAn anticancer drug related in structure to camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor. One such drug is aminocamptothecin.
Cancell(kan-SEL) A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
Cancer(KAN-ser) A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the…
cancer antigen 125(KAN-ser AN-tih-jen...) A substance that may be found in high amounts in the blood of patients with certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.
Cancer BurdenAn estimate of the financial, emotional, or social impact that cancer creates within the population.
cancer cluster(KAN-ser KLUS-ter) The occurrence of a larger-than-expected number of cases of cancer within a group of people in a geographic area over a period of time.
Cancer Information ServiceThe Cancer Information Service is the National Cancer Institute's link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and…
cancer of the adrenal cortexA rare cancer that forms in the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline…