|
F
Fat
Necrosis
A benign breast change where a firm, irregular mass forms as a result
of trauma to the fatty tissue. It may appear years after the insult.
The injury causes the fat in the breast to become inflamed and form
round, firm lumps which may or may not be painful. The skin around
them may appear red or bruised. Also
see -> Benign
Breast Lumps.
Fatigue
Feeling of extreme tiredness, weariness, or exhaustion. This is
found in metastatic breast cancer patients in connection with treatments
or undiagnosed cancer progression. Anemia from metastases to the
bone marrow and other causes, tissue repair following radiation
treatment, bone marrow depression associated with chemotherapy treatment,
inadequate nutrition, depression and anxiety are some of the more
common causes.
Fibroadenoma
Benign masses seen in mammograms most common
in women in their 20's and 30's. These occur more frequently in
African American women. They are firm, rubbery, movable and often
rounded. Also see -> Does
Race Matter in Breast Cancer?
Fibrocystic
Changes
A term referring to a common non-specific condition
of the breast. The condition usually is not cancer, but a benign
change in the breast tissue due to cyclical hormones. These lumps
or cysts are fluid filled sacs that often enlarge and become tender
just before the menstrual period. Cystic changes are most prominent
in women age 35 to 50 years old. Both breasts are usually involved
and multiple cysts of many sizes are common. Also see -> Benign
Breast Lumps.
Final
Diagnosis
A final determination reached from evaluating
signs, symptoms and laboratory findings. Treatments are based on
these findings.
Fine
Needle Biopsy/Cyst Aspiration
Removal and evaluation of breast tissue or cystic
fluid using a very thin needle.
Also see in Resources -> Diagnostic
Tools.
First-line
Treatment
Treatment given following adjuvant treatment,
when there is a recurrence.
Flow
Cytometry
A test of cancer cells to determine the number
that are in the S-Phase or dividing stage, and to look at the DNA
content, called "ploidy." These factors are correlated to aggressiveness
of tumor growth.
|
