A glossary of terms covering all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer.
E
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Early breast cancer |
Early breast cancer is an invasive breast cancer that is contained in the breast and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes in the breast or armpit. Some cancer cells may have spread outside the breast and armpit area but cannot be detected. |
| Early menopause |
Menopause occurring at age 45 years or younger |
| Echocardiogram |
A type of ultrasound test that looks at the size, shape and function of the heart |
| Endocrine therapies |
Another name for hormonal therapies |
| Endometriosis |
A condition in women in which the cells that line the uterus (womb) are deposited in areas outside the uterus |
| Epidural |
A type of anaesthesia that involves delivering the anaesthetic into the lower back |
| Epithelial ovarian cancer |
A type of ovarian cancer that starts in the cells that cover the surface of the ovary |
| Epithelium |
Cells or tissue that line or cover the cavities and surfaces of the body |
| Ethics committee |
A group of experts who review clinical trial protocols to make sure that patient rights are protected |
| External breast prosthesis |
An artificial breast; also called a breast form |
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Patron: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia