Cracking the Code: Breast Cancer Vocabulary for the Initial Visit

Pathologist: This is the doctor who’ll examine the cells in your tumor microscopically, to help determine your treatment. Usually, you don’t meet the pathologist.

Primary tumor: The main or largest tumor in your breast–the primary tumor–is the one identified on the mammogram, the one biopsied, and the one the surgeon will remove. Secondary (smaller) tumors may be discovered along the way, but this is the one that got you started down the path.

Radiation therapy (commonly abbreviated to just “radiation”): Often prescribed as a follow-up to a lumpectomy, radiation is the delivery of X-rays or radioactive materials to the breast area to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Stages of cancer: Cancer is “staged” from 0 to 4, with 0 being the least advanced, 4 the most. A number of factors will be used to stage your cancer, which in turn will determine the most effective treatment. Ask your oncologist to explain how he or she arrived at your stage number.