Breast Lumps and Pain Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Breast Lumps and Pain article.
Abnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Abscess: A local accumulation of pus anywhere in the body. The following are some example... See the entire definition of AbscessAging: The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environ... See the entire definition of AgingAlveoli: The plural of alveolus. The alveoli are tiny air sacs within the lungs where the ... See the entire definition of AlveoliAnalysis: In psychology, a term for conversation-based therapeutic processes used to gain ... See the entire definition of AnalysisAnesthesia: Loss of feeling or awareness, as when an anesthetic is administered before sur... See the entire definition of AnesthesiaAnesthetic: A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness, dulling pain to permit s... See the entire definition of AnestheticAntibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. ... See the entire definition of AntibioticAreola: 1. The small darkened area around the nipple of the breast. 2. The colored part of... See the entire definition of AreolaAspiration: Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle. Aspiration also re... See the entire definition of AspirationAxilla: Armpit. Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) ... See the entire definition of BacteriaBenign: Not malignant. A benign tumor is one that does not invade surrounding tissue or sp... See the entire definition of BenignBilateral: Affecting both sides. For example, bilateral arthritis affects joints on both t... See the entire definition of BilateralBiopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for ... See the entire definition of BiopsyBirth control: Birth control is the use of any practices, methods, or devices to prevent p... See the entire definition of Birth controlBrain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainBreast abscess: A local accumulation of pus within the breast due to infection. Symptoms m... See the entire definition of Breast abscessBreast biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of a suspicious breast growth is removed and ... See the entire definition of Breast biopsyBreast cancer: Breast cancer is diagnosed with self- and physician-examination of the brea... See the entire definition of Breast cancerBreast infection: Infection of breast tissue usually caused by bacteria, most often staph ... See the entire definition of Breast infectionBreast lump: A localized swelling, knot, bump, bulge or protuberance in the breast. Breast... See the entire definition of Breast lumpBreast milk: Milk from the breast. Human milk contains a balance of nutrients that close... See the entire definition of Breast milkBreast pain: Pain in the breast or mammary gland, known medically as mastalgia. From the G... See the entire definition of Breast painBreastfeeding: Feeding a child human breast milk. According to the American Academy of Ped... See the entire definition of BreastfeedingBruise: Injury of the soft tissues that results in breakage of the local capillaries and l... See the entire definition of BruiseCaffeine: A stimulant compound found naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa (chocolate), and kola... See the entire definition of CaffeineCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChills: feelings of coldness accompanied by shivering. Chills may develop after exposure t... See the entire definition of ChillsChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicConsultant: An individual to whom one refers for expert advice or services. The use of con... See the entire definition of ConsultantCostochondritis: Inflammation and swelling of the cartilage of the chest wall, usually inv... See the entire definition of CostochondritisCyst: A closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid or semisolid material. Cysts: Cysts are abnormal, closed sac-like structures within a tissue that contain a liqui... See the entire definition of CystsDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDischarge: 1.The flow of fluid from part of the body, such as from the nose or vag... See the entire definition of DischargeDrain: A device for removing fluid from a cavity or wound. A drain is typically a tube or ... See the entire definition of DrainDuct: A walled passageway, such as a lymph duct, that carries fluid from one place to anot... See the entire definition of DuctEstrogen: A female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts,... See the entire definition of EstrogenEvening primrose oil: A natural source of essential fatty acids (EFOs). Excisional: Pertaining to the act of excision, of removal by surgery. An excisional biopsy... See the entire definition of ExcisionalExcisional biopsy: A biopsy in which an entire lesion is removed. A excisional biopsy is... See the entire definition of Excisional biopsyFamily history: The family structure and relationships within the family, including inform... See the entire definition of Family historyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueFever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverFibroadenoma: The most common benign tumor of the breast and the most common breast tumor ... See the entire definition of FibroadenomaFine needle aspiration: The use of a thin needle to withdraw material from the body for an... See the entire definition of Fine needle aspirationGenes: The basic biological units of heredity. Segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nee... See the entire definition of GenesGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Genetic testing: Tests done for clinical genetic purposes. Genetic tests may be done for ... See the entire definition of Genetic testingGenetics: The scientific study of heredity. Genetics pertains to humans and all other orga... See the entire definition of GeneticsGland: A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body. For example, the thy... See the entire definition of GlandGynecomastia: Excessive development of the male breasts. Temporary enlargement of the brea... See the entire definition of GynecomastiaHerbal: 1. An adjective, referring to herbs, as in an herbal tea. Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activit... See the entire definition of HormoneIbuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pa... See the entire definition of IbuprofenIncidence: The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a pa... See the entire definition of IncidenceIncision: A cut through skin or other tissue performed by a health care professional. Infant: A young baby, from birth to 12 months of age. Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationInjury: Harm or hurt. To harm, hurt, or wound. The word injure may be in physical or emot... See the entire definition of InjuryLaboratory: A place for doing tests and research procedures, and for preparing chemicals a... See the entire definition of LaboratoryLactation: The process of milk production. Human milk is secreted by the mammary glands, w... See the entire definition of LactationLesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. Lesions vary in severity from harmless to serio... See the entire definition of LesionLymphatics: Small thin channels similar to blood vessels that do not carry blood, but coll... See the entire definition of LymphaticsMammogram: An X-ray of the breast that is taken with a device that compresses and flattens... See the entire definition of MammogramMastalgia: Pain in the breast or mammary gland, whether serious or not. Mastalgia has many... See the entire definition of MastalgiaMastitis: Inflammation of one or more mammary glands within the breast, usually in a lacta... See the entire definition of MastitisMenopause: The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop; it is also... See the entire definition of MenopauseMenstrual: Pertaining to menstruation (the menses), as in last menstrual period, menstrua... See the entire definition of MenstrualMenstrual cycle: The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uteru... See the entire definition of Menstrual cycleMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthNipple discharge: See: Breast discharge. Nursing: 1) Profession concerned with the provision of services essential to the maintena... See the entire definition of NursingOnset: In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for ex... See the entire definition of OnsetOperating room: A facility that is equipped for performing surgery. Abbreviated OR. Oxymetholone: A synthetic male steroid hormone that is sometimes used to treat wasting in ... See the entire definition of OxymetholonePain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPituitary: 1. As an adjective, pertaining to the pituitary gland or its hormonal se... See the entire definition of PituitaryPituitary gland: The main endocrine gland. It is a small structure in the head. It is ca... See the entire definition of Pituitary glandPostmenopausal: After menopause, the period of time after a woman has experienced 12 conse... See the entire definition of PostmenopausalPregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Thi... See the entire definition of PregnancyPremenstrual: Just before the start of menstruation. As in a premenstrual headache. Premenstrual syndrome: A combination of physical and mood disturbances that occur in the l... See the entire definition of Premenstrual syndromeProbe: (1) In surgery, a probe is a slender flexible rod with a blunt end used to e... See the entire definition of ProbePrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisPuberty: Adolescence, the period in which the human body first becomes capable of reproduc... See the entire definition of PubertyPus: A thick, whitish-yellow fluid that results from the accumulation of white blood cells... See the entire definition of PusRadiate: To spread out from a central area. For example, sciatic pain may radiate outward ... See the entire definition of RadiateRadiation: 1. Rays of energy. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy ... See the entire definition of RadiationRash: Breaking out (eruption) of the skin. A rash can be caused by an underlying medical c... See the entire definition of RashRecurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha... See the entire definition of RecurrentRule out: Term used in medicine, meaning to eliminate or exclude something from considera... See the entire definition of Rule outShingles: An acute infection caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus as causes ... See the entire definition of ShinglesSleep: The body's rest cycle. Sore: 1. (adjective) A popular term for painful, such as a sore throat. 2. (... See the entire definition of SoreStage: As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spre... See the entire definition of StageSteroid: One of a large group of chemical substances classified by a specific carbon struc... See the entire definition of SteroidSurgeon: A physician who treats disease, injury, or deformity via operative or manual meth... See the entire definition of SurgeonSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySymptom: Any subjective evidence of disease. In contrast, a sign is objective. Blood comin... See the entire definition of SymptomSyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Syringe: A medical device that is used to inject fluid into, or withdraw fluid from, the b... See the entire definition of SyringeTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Trauma: A physical or emotional injury. Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are a classic sign of inflammation, and can be ... See the entire definition of TumorUltrasound: High-frequency sound waves. Ultra-sound waves can be bounced off tissues by us... See the entire definition of UltrasoundUnilateral: Having, or relating to, one side. For example, a unilateral rash is one that i... See the entire definition of UnilateralViruses: Small living particles that can infect cells and change how the cells function. I... See the entire definition of VirusesVitamin E: Alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant vitamin which binds oxygen free radicals that ... See the entire definition of Vitamin E
|
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Women's Health Resources
- 7 Tips for Hiding Dandruff
- Top Diet, Fitness and Beauty Tips
- 7 Things You Should Know About Your Vagina
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies


