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T
T
cell
A type of white blood cell. It attacks virus-infected cells, foreign
cells, and cancer cells. T cells produce substances that help to
regulate the body's immune system.
Tag-72
antigen
A protein/sugar complex found on the surface of breast cancer cells.
T138067
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called "mitotic
inhibitors". It slows down or stops cancerous tumors by preventing
mitosis - a stage in cell division. If the cancer cells cannot reproduce,
they can't form tumors.
Tamoxifen
(Nolvadex)
Cancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antiestrogens.
Tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen. Cancerous cells may be
estrogen-dependent. Nolvadex binds to the estrogen receptors (ER)
on the tumor cells depriving them of their supply of the hormone.
It is used to prevent or delay the return of breast cancer or to
control its spread. Tamoxifen is used in the treatment of metastatic
breast cancer.
Taxanes
Anticancer drugs that inhibit cancer cell growth by stopping cells
from reproducing. They may also be referred to as antimitotic or
antimicrotubule agents or mitotic inhibitors.
Taxol
Cancer drug from the Pacific Yew tree.
Terminal
Leading to death. When used in a cancer diagnosis, it indicates
a very limited life expectancy. Also see in Resources -> Facing
a Loss.
Thermography
A test used to measure and display heat patterns of tissues near
the surface of the breast. Since abnormal tissue is generally warmer
than healthy tissue, it may be possible to diagnose breast cancer
using this tool. At this time the technique is being studied and
its value in detecting breast cancer is not proven.
Time
To Progression
The amount of time after a disease has been diagnosed or a treatment
given until the disease starts to get worse. This is commonly used
in discussing advanced breast cancer. A chemotherapy drug will often
cause the tumors to stop growing or get smaller only for a certain
time frame and then the cancer begins to progress. Doctors will
monitor the cancer during the treatments. If it stops responding
to the drug the treatment plan can be revised.
Tin
Sn 117m DTPA
A radioactive chemical being studied to treat bone pain associated
with cancer.
Tissue
A group of cells that together perform specific functions such as
muscle, fat or fibrous connective tissue.
Tissue
Flap Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction technique in which a flap of tissue is surgically
moved from another area of the body to the chest. The tissue is
then formed into a new breast mound.
TNM
staging system
A system used to describe the severity of breast cancer at diagnosis.
T describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby
tissue, N describes any lymph nodes that are involved, and M describes
metastasis (spread to another part of the body). Earlier diagnosis
usually means a smaller tumor with less spread and a better chance
for remission.
Topical
Chemotherapy
Treatment with anticancer drugs in a lotion or cream that is applied
directly to the skin. Miltex is an example of this.
Topoisomerase
Inhibitors
A type of chemo therapy that acts by interfering with the topoisomerase
enzymes. These enzymes are involved in cell growth and replication.
Blocking the action of these enzymes may kill cancer cells or stop
their growth.
Toremifene
(Fareston)
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antiestrogens.
Toremifene blocks the effect of the hormone estrogen in the body.
It may help control some cancers from growing, and it may delay
or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Total
Estrogen Blockade
Therapy used to completely eliminate estrogen in the body. This
may be accomplished by treatments using chemotherapy, radiation,
surgery, or a combination of these procedures.
Total
Mastectomy
Removal of the breast tissue but not the muscle
underlying the breast. Also called simple mastectomy.
Also
see in Resources -> Breast
Cancer Surgery.
Toxins
A term applied to harmful substances. These poisons may be produced
by certain animals, plants, or bacteria. Environmental toxins are
pollutants releases into the atmosphere. This form of toxins may
be produced by natural processes or may be man made. Dioxins are
an example of toxins that may increase cancer risk. There are many
others. Detoxification is a natural remedy for removing toxins from
your system.
Transformation
The change that a normal cell goes through as it becomes malignant.
Transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood products. Transfusions may be made
with donor blood or with blood that the patient has stored for this
purpose.
Treatment
Status
With a diagnosis of cancer, the treatment status
is reported to clarify the exact status of the patient's treatment
to all members of the health care team.
Trastuzumab
(Herceptin)
A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can
locate and bind to cancer cells. Trastuzumab blocks the effects
of the growth factor protein HER2, which transmits growth signals
to breast cancer cells.
Tumor
An abnormal mass of tissue. This usually results from mutation within
the cell causing it to multiply too quickly. A tumor may be benign
which means it is not cancerous, or malignant which is cancerous.
Tumor
Block
A section of tissue biopsy preserved in wax for future study.
Tumor
Marker
A substance in blood or other body fluids that may suggest that
a person has cancer. Also see in Resources -> Diagnostic
Tools.
Tumor
Necrosis Factor
A type of biological response modifier. These substances can improve
the body's natural response to disease. Scientists are still learning
how this substance causes cancer cells to die.
Tumor-Suppressor
Gene
Genes in the body that can suppress or block the development of
cancer.
U
Ultrasound
High frequency sound waves forming a pattern of echoes that are
electronically translated into a visual image. Can help distinguish
between solid masses and cysts. Also
see in Resources -> Diagnostic
Tools.
Ultrasonography
A study in which sound waves (ultrasound) are
bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted into a picture
(sonogram).
V
Virus
Small living organisms that can infect cells and change how the
cells function. A cold or flu symptoms are caused by viruses. Some
researchers believe that a special type of viral infections may
the root cause of cancer.
Viscera
Term used to describe the internal organs of the abdominal cavity.
Virus
Small living organisms that can infect cells and change how the
cells function. A cold or flu symptoms are caused by viruses. Some
researchers believe that a special type of viral infections may
the root cause of cancer.
Vital
Necessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function while
your pulse and your heart rate are vital signs.
W
White
Blood Cells
Cells that help the body fight infection and disease.
X
X-ray
Short length high-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose
diseases and in high doses to treat metastatic breast cancer
to control and stabilize bone metastases.
Xerogram
An x-ray of soft tissue.
Xeroradiography
A type of mammography in which a picture of the breast is recorded
on paper rather than on film.
Z
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