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Glossary
B
- bcl-2 proto-oncogene
- a gene that may undergo mutation to form the bcl-2 oncogen, which codes for the bcl-2 family of proteins. These proteins are among the more prominent regulators of apoptosis, some members functioning as suppressors and others as promoters of apoptosis
- Benign
- Not cancerous. Does not grow into surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- non-malignant enlargement of the prostate
- Benign tumour
- A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to surrounding tissues and rarely recurs after it has been completely removed.
- Beta-glucoronidase
- an enzyme specific to cancer cells
- Bilateral
- On both sides.
- Bilaterality
- Involving both sides; in this case meaning both breasts.
- Bilateral orchidectomy
- surgical castration involving the removal of both testes
- Biological therapy
- treatment with substances that can stimulate the immune system to fight disease more effectively, eg, vaccines.
- Biopsy
- Surgical removal of a small sample of tissue for examination to detect disease or the presence of certain substances. The word is also used to describe the sample itself.
- Bisphosphonates
- A family of non-hormonal drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. They attach permanently to the surface of bones, slowing down bone-eroding cells and allowing bone-building cells to work more effectively. This results in increased bone density, and reduced risk of fracture.
- Bladder outflow obstruction
- a presenting symptom of prostate disease showing frequency, hesitancy or poor flow when urinating
- Brachial plexus
- a collection of nerves located in the neck and axilla
- Brachytherapy
- A technique of implanting sealed radioactive sources into or close by a tumour to localise the delivery of radiation.
- BRCA1
- a susceptibility gene for breast cancer
- BRCA2
- a susceptibility gene for breast cancer
- Breast calcifications
- The presence of calcium deposits in breast tissue.
- Breast Cancer
- Growth of malignant cells (a tumour) originating in the breast.
- Breast conserving surgery
- Surgery to remove a breast tumour, whilst preserving a significant amount of normal breast tissue.
- Breast reconstruction
- The use of plastic surgery to rebuild the breast.
- Breast self-examination (BSE)
- An easy-to-learn procedure for examining one's own breasts to detect changes in the way they look, or the way they feel.
- Bronchi
- name applied to the tubes into which the windpipe divides, with one going into either lung.
- Bronchioles
- the smallest (1mm or less in diameter) subdivisions of the bronchi
- Bronchoscopy
- visual inspection of the interior of the bronchi by passing a tube into the airways to examine the tissues.
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