Body Part - Breast
CYST
Fluid/water sac. Simple cyst means sac containing only fluid. Simple cyst is almost always benign. Complex cyst means there is something other than fluid/water and may/may not be related to cancer. Complex cyst can be followed to make sure it does not become cancer.
CYST ASPIRATION
Technique for sucking out fluid from a cyst, using a small needle.
DIFFUSE CALCIFICATIONS
These are calcification that are scattered everywhere in the breast.
DOT-DASH BRANCHING CALCIFICATIONS
The calcifications look like alternating dots and dashes. These are worrisome because there is high likelihood that these are associated with cancer.
DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS)
A non-invasive breast cancer that is contained in the milk ducts. This has not spread outside of the ducts, yet.
DUCTOGRAPHY
A study used to look at the milk ducts of the breasts. Contrast material is injected into the nipple and a mammogram picture is taken.
DYSTROPHIC CALCIFICATIONS
These can have many different appearances. These are usually irregularly shaped but have smooth borders (). These are usually considered not cancerous.
ECHOGENIC (breast)
Appears brighter than surrounding tissue on an ultrasound. Some of the things that can appear bright on an ultrasound include calcium deposits, air, and fat. Although some calcifications can be seen on breast ultrasound, all calcifications are better seen and characterized with a mammogram.
EDEMA (breast)
Swelling. State of being saturated with fluid. For example, when you have a swollen ankle after twisting it, there is ankle edema. Breast edema shows up as swollen breasts.
EGG SHELL CALCIFICATION
These look like white ovals or circles on a mammogram. These are likely not cancerous. These can be associated with cysts or fat necrosis. These are also known as “rim calcifications”.
Search By Alphabet
