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G
G-CSF
Neupogen, or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, that helps the
white cells recover rapidly following chemotherapy treatments.
Gamma
knife
Radiation therapy in which high-energy rays are aimed at a tumor
from many angles in a single treatment session.
Gene
The fundamental unit of DNA that controls inherited characteristics.
Also see in Resources -> Genetics
& Breast Cancer.
Gene
Alteration
Any change or difference in the usual makeup or function of a gene,
including a modification in the formation of proteins.
Gene
Deletion
The total loss or absence of a gene.
Gene
Therapy
Treatment that alters genes (the basic units of heredity found in
all cells in the body). In studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers
are trying to improve the body's natural ability to fight the disease
or to make the tumor more sensitive to other kinds of therapy.
Gland
An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use
in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs.
Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. Breasts
are mammary glands which are designed to produce milk, although
this function will not be activated unless other hormones are released
during pregnancy. Men and women both have mammary glands. Men do
not develop milk production because the necesary hormones are not
released in the male.
Grade
Describes
how closely a cancer resembles normal tissue of its same type, and
the cancer's probable rate of growth.
Grading
A way of describing the aggressiveness of cancer cells. This system
for classifying cancer cells sorts them in terms of how malignant
or aggressive they appear microscopically. The grading of a tumor
indicates how quickly cancer cells are likely to spread and helps
your medical team to make accurate treatment decisions.
Growth
Factors
See colony-stimulating factors.
Gynecomastia
An enlargement of the male breast. It may be related to Klinefelter's
syndrome, chronic diseases such as heart disease, or a variety of
drugs used to treat chronic diseases. Men should be aware of the
link between breast cancer and this condition. Also see in Resources
-> Male
Breast Cancer. Also see related feature -> Men
& Breast Cancer.
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