Glossary of terms – breast cancer conditions
Terms relating to breast cancer conditions
This list is not exhaustive, it contains terms experienced by supporters of Against Breast Cancer who have each chosen to share their own stories in the hope that they might serve to educate or inform others.
The glossary of terms contains both a definition and a link to an external site* to provide further reading.
*Against Breast Cancer is not responsible for the content of external sites
Cerebral bleed
When bleeding occurs within the brain tissue or ventricles. This is also known as an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).
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Left hemispherical focal seizures
A focal seizure that starts in, and affects, the left hemisphere of the brain.
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Lymphoedema
A condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, most commonly the arms and legs.
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Medical menopause
The menopause happens when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Medical menopause can be caused by treatment such as surgery to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiotherapy to the pelvis area.
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Neutropenia
Neutropenia occurs when a person has a low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow which helps the body fight infection.
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Palmar-plantar erythema
Also called hand-foot syndrome or hand-to-foot syndrome, Palmar-plantar erythema is a known side effect of several anti cancer therapies. It is experienced as redness that resembles sunburn. This condition is caused by small amounts of the drug leaking out of the capillaries, this combined with heat and friction in the hands can the cause an increase in this leakage.
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Seroma
After surgery some people may develop a collection of fluid called a seroma. This can occur under the arm and/or in the breast or chest wall and is usually reabsorbed by the body over time. Seromas can also occur in the abdominal area if tissue has been taken from here for reconstruction. Sometimes, the seroma is aspirated with a needle to reduce associated discomfort.
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Superficial Siderosis
A degenerative condition where after a brain bleed, the blood is broken down by the body, leaving iron deposits on the brain and spinal cord. This can cause disruption to balance, sight and hearing.
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