Accessory breast tissue
The presence of extra breast tissue that may be associated with extra nipples. Often found towards the armpit.
Acute breast abscess
An infection of the breast with a collection of pus in the breast tissues.
Acute Mastitis
This occurs when bacteria get into the breast. It is particularly likely to occur during breastfeeding, due to the milk ducts in the breast being more exposed than normal.
Amastia
The absence of the mammary glands (either through surgery or developmental defect)
Areola
The dark area that surrounds the nipple
Arimidex (anastrozole)
Arimidex is a type of hormonal therapy used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have had their menopause. It is an aromatase inhibitor (see below.)
Aromasin (exemestane)
Aromasin is a type of hormonal therapy that is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have had their menopause. It is an aromastase inhibitor (see below.)
Aromatase Inhibitors
These are drugs that block the formation of oestrogen.
Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia
A disorganised overgrowth of the cells in the breast lobule. This may indicate an early form of genetic or genomic instability within the breast.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH)
Abnormal cells in the breast milk ducts which are considered to show a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Patients with ADH should have regular check-ups.
Atypical lobular hyperplasia
An overgrowth of the cells in the breast lobule in a disorganized way that may represent the earliest form of instability within the breast.
Axilla
The armpit region.
Axillary dissection
A procedure which dissects the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) during surgery, usually performed in conjunction with breast cancer surgery.
Axillary lymph glands (or lymph nodes)
The glands in the armpit region. There are around 20 lymph glands in each armpit which can increase in size if infected, or if invaded by cancer cells.
Benign Breast Change (BBC)
Also known as benign mammary dysplasia, cystic mastitis, fibroadenosis and fibrocystic change is a condition occurring as a result of normal hormonal activity during the menstrual cycle.
Benign lump
A harmless breast lump which is not cancerous.
Benign tumour
A non cancerous growth or swelling that does not invade, or spread to, other parts of the body.
Bone scan
A method of viewing any cancer deposits in the skeleton by injecting a radioactive material into the blood stream. Areas of bone containing groups of cancer cells may appear as hot spots.
BRCA-1
A gene (on chromosome 17) identified during genetic testing, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
BRCA-2
A gene (on chromosome 13) identified during genetic testing, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast abscess
A collection of pus within the breast. This is commonly treated with ultrasound-guided aspiration, which can be on a daily basis in combination with antibiotic therapy.
