An area of normal tissue that surrounds
cancerous tissue, as seen during examiation
under a microscope. Clear margins suggest
that the whole tumor was removed. Absence of
a clear margin "dirty margins" indicate that
the tumor was close to or crossed the margins
of the incision and residual tumor may have
been left beind.
Combination chemotherapy
The use of more than one drug to treat
cancer.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the digestive tract,
which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach,
and intestines.
Hormones
Natural substances released by one organ
that can influence the function of other
organs in the body.
Infusion
Slow and/or prolonged intravenous
delivery of a drug or fluids.
Injection
Using a syringe and needle to push fluids
or drugs into the body; often called a
"shot".
"in the site of" Refers to tumors that
haven't grown beyond site of origin and
invaded neighboring tissue.
Intra-arterial (IA)
Into an artery.
Intracavitay (IC)
Into a cavity or space, specifically the
abdomen, pelvis, or the pleural cavity of the
chest.
Intraductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
In Situ-in place. DCIS is a precancer or
non-invasive cancer that is contained. DCIS
is located in the milk ducts. Believed to
have a 30% to 40% lifetime chance of
developing into infiltrating Breast Cancer.
Cancer that has grown through the
basement membrane at its site of origin into
neighboring tissue. Invasive does not imply
that the cancer has already spread outside of
the breast. Invasive is the same meaning as
inflitrating.
It begns in the milk ducts of the breast
and penetrates the wall of the duct, invading
the fatty tissue of the breast and possibly
other regions of the body. It is the most
common type of Breast Cancer. Acconting for
80% of BC diagnosis. Also see invasive
cancer.
When cancer cells break away from their
original site and spread through the body.
Peripheral Neuropathy
A condition of the nervous system that
usually begins in the hands and/or feet with
symptoms of numbness, tinling, burning and/or
weakness. Can be caused by certain anticancer
drugs.
A small plastic or metal container placed
surgically under the skin and attached to a
central venous catheter inside the body.
Blood and fluids can enter or leave the body
through the Port using a special needle.
Positive Nodes
Lymph nodes that have been invaded by
cancer cells.
