A glossary of terms covering all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer.
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Metastasis |
The name for a cancer that spreads to another part of the body |
| Metastatic breast cancer |
The name for breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body |
| Metastatic ovarian cancer |
Ovarian cancer that has spread to other areas of the pelvis and to areas or organs outside the pelvis |
| Microcalcification |
Tiny specks of calcium in the breast that may be a sign of breast disease |
| Mitotic inhibitor |
A class of chemotherapy, eg paclitaxel (Taxol®), docetaxel (Taxotere®) |
| Morphine |
A drug used to control pain |
| Multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan |
A test that measures how well the heart pumps blood |
| Multidisciplinary care |
A team approach to cancer treatment and planning |
| Nasogastric tube |
A tube inserted through the nose and throat and into the stomach |
| Occupational therapist |
A health professional who provides practical support to help overcome physical problems or barriers at home or work. Some occupational therapists are qualified to provide specific treatments such as lymphoedema massage |
| Oestradiol |
Another name for oestrogen |
| Oestrogen |
A type of female hormone produced by the ovaries |
| Omentectomy |
Surgery to remove part or all of the omentum |
| Omentum |
A fold of tissue that surrounds the stomach and other organs in the abdomen |
| Oncologist |
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer |
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Patron: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia