| breast cancer susceptibility genes | Inherited factors that predispose to breast cancer. Put otherwise, these genes make one more susceptible to the disease and so increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Two of these genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified (and prominently publicised). Several other genes (those for the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden disease, Muir-Torre syndrome, and ataxia-telangiectasia) are also known to predispose to breast cancer. However, since all of these known breast cancer susceptibility genes together do not account for more than a minor fraction (1/5th at most) of breast cancer that clusters in families, it is clear that more breast cancer genes remain to be discovered. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| breast carcinoma | <oncology> The uncontrolled growth of malignant breast tissue. Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the 15-54 age group. Strong risk factors include a prior history for breast cancer or a positive family history for breast cancer. Early detection is possible through the use of monthly breast self-examination, annual clinical exams and mammography. WWW: cancerNET document for patients WWW: cancerNET document for clinicians (05 Jan 1998) |
| breast dose in mammography | <radiology> 180 mrad / view -- mid-breast dose, guideline: less than 1 rad for 2-view exam (12 Dec 1998) |
| breast feeding | The ability of the breast to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the baby's digestion. Breast and formula feeding can be used together. (12 Dec 1998) |
| breast implant | <procedure, surgery> A sac inserted under the skin of the chest wall to restore or improve the shape of the breast. (16 Dec 1997) |
| breast implantation | Surgical insertion of an inert sac filled with silicone or other material to augment the female form cosmetically. (12 Dec 1998) |
| breast implants | Inert sacs filled with silicone or other material, some of which are covered by polyurethane foam, used to augment the female form cosmetically. (12 Dec 1998) |
| breast infection | <microbiology> Inflammation of the breast tissue most often caused by a bacterial infection. Staphylococcus is the most common organism. This breast infection is seen most commonly in the immediate postpartum period (during breast-feeding). Treatment includes warm wet compresses to the site and oral antibiotics. (27 Sep 1997) |
| breast lump | <oncology, surgery> A breast lump that may be benign or cancerous. Examples of breast lumps include: breast abscess, fat necrosis, fibroadenoma, fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. A breast biopsy is the best way to determine the aetiology of a breast lump. Remember, 80 to 85% of all biopsies are benign. (13 Nov 1997) |
| breast mass | <oncology, surgery> A breast lump may be benign or cancerous. Examples of breast lumps include: breast abscess, fat necrosis, fibroadenoma, fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. A breast biopsy is the best way to determine the aetiology of a breast lump. Remember, 80 to 85% of all biopsies are benign. (27 Sep 1997) |
| breast neoplasms, male | Any neoplasms of the male breast. These occur infrequently in males in developed countries, the incidence being about 1% of that in females. Two-thirds of patients present with intraductal carcinoma. The average age of onset is 60 years for men. Orchiectomy was the standard treatment but it has been replaced by tamoxifen as the initial therapy since oestrogen-receptor-positive tumours are predominant in males. Orchiectomy and mastectomy may be used if initial drug therapy is not successful. The prognosis is worse than that for females. (12 Dec 1998) |
| breast pang | A paroxysmal thoracic pain, with a failing of suffocation and impending death, due, most often, to anoxia of the myocardium and precipitated by effort or excitement. (18 Nov 1997) |
| breast prosthesis | <oncology> An artificial breast form worn under clothing. (16 Dec 1997) |
| breast pump | A suction instrument for withdrawing milk from the breast. (05 Mar 2000) |
| breast self-examination | <procedure> A a regular, defined process of thorough examination of the breasts once a month to detect any changes or suspicious lumps. Exams should be practiced at the end of the period or seven days after the start of the period and be performed monthly at the same time. (09 Oct 1997) |