In situ
Cancer that has not spread beyond the layer of cells where it began.
Invasive Cancer
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues.
Local Recurrence
The return of cancer to its original location.
Lumpectomy
Surgery to remove a tumor (lump) and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
Lymphedema
Swelling (usually in the arms or legs) due to a build-up of lymph fluid.
Malignant Tumor
A tumor that is cancerous and capable of spreading.
Mutation
A change in a gene’s DNA sequence.
Neoplasm
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should.
Pap Test
A test where cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope to see if there are any abnormal (or precancerous) cells.
Partial Response
A decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the extent of cancer in the body, in response to treatment.
