Benign: Non-cancerous.

Biopsy: A surgical procedure used to test for cancer by removing a pil of tissue from the breast.

Breast Cancer: The uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells. This is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. Early detection through regular breast self-exams and a regular program of mammography and physical exams shows excellent results in combatting it.

Breast Disease: Any one of a number of abnormalities of the breast, either non-cancerous -- fibroadenoma, fibrocystic disease, mammary duct ectasia, ductal papilloma, fat necrosis and others; or cancerous -- breast cancer. 75-80% of breast diseases are non-cancerous.

Breast Lumps: Any swelling or unusual lump or hardness in the breast. An indication of breast disease and a reason to see your doctor. Most are not cancerous.

Breast Self-Exam: The process, developed by the American Cancer Society, for women to examine their own breasts monthly. This process can reveal breast problems.

Calcifications: Tiny flecks of calcium frequently seen on screening mammograms.

Ductal Papillomas: A non-cancerous breast disease that may cause a bloody nipple discharge.

Estrogen: A hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive cycle. Also used as a therapy for post-menopausal women.

Fat Necrosis: A non-cancerous breast disease caused by trauma or injury.

Fibroadenoma: A non-cancerous breast disease most common in younger women.

Fibrocystic Changes: A non-cancerous breast condition, resulting in painful cysts or lumpy breasts. Seen most often in middle-aged women. Present to some extent in almost all women.

Galactocele: Milk filled cyst.

Malignant: Cancerous.

Mammary Duct Ectasia: A non-cancerous breast disease occurring most often in older women around the time of menopause.

Mammary Glands: The breast glands that form and carry milk to the nipples during pregnancy.

Mammogram: An x-ray image of the breast taken to detect the presence of a breast lump. The best test we have to detect early-stage breast cancer.

Menopause: The ending of the normal menstrual cycle in women. It occurs most frequently in the late forties or early fifties.

Metastasize: The process in which cancer can travel from one section of the body to another through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.

Microcalcifications: Small sand-like particles that may be found in any portion of the breast and may occur in benign or malignant conditions.

Needle Aspiration and Core Needle Biopsy: A process for obtaining small samples of the tissue in question.

Needle Localization: A technique used to precisely locate a breast abnormality for a more detailed X-ray examination of the area.

Ultrasound: A soundwave imaging technique used to examine a part of the body. It is sometimes used to further evaluate a breast lump or other abnormality seen on mammography.