A glossary of terms covering all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer.
M
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) |
A way of producing a picture of the inside of the body using magnetic fields |
| Mammogram |
A way of taking a picture of the breast using a low-dose X-ray |
| Manual lymphatic drainage |
A massage technique used in the management of lymphoedema |
| Mastectomy |
Removal of the whole breast |
| Medical oncologist |
A health professional who specialises in managing chemotherapy, cancer pain and other symptoms |
| Menopausal symptoms |
Symptoms of menopause - may include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes and loss of sex drive |
| Menopause |
The final menstrual period |
| 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 |
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Patron: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia