A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or x-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called MRI, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and NMRI.

Treatment that is given to help a primary (original) treatment keep working. Maintenance therapy is often given to help keep cancer in remission.

Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast in men. Most male breast cancer begins in cells lining the ducts. It is very rare and usually affects older men.

A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

An x-ray of the breast.

The use of x-rays to create a picture of the breast.

A medical delivery system that attempts to manage the quality and cost of medical services the individual receives. Managed care plans feature a network of physicians, hospitals, and other providers who participate in the plan.

The edge or border of the tissue removed in cancer surgery. The margin is described as negative or clean when the pathologist finds no cancer cells at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has been removed. The margin is described as positive or involved when the pathologist finds cancer cells at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has not been removed.

Surgery to remove the breast (or as much of the breast tissue as possible).

The maximum amount a health plan will pay in benefits to an insured individual during that individual’s lifetime. This amount typically ranges from $250,000 to $2 million.

The maximum dollar amount an insured individual is required to pay out of pocket during a year. Until this maximum is met, the plan and insured individual share in the cost of covered expenses. After the maximum is reached, the insurer pays all covered expenses, often up to a lifetime maximum.

The maximum amount payable by the insurer for covered expenses for the insured and each covered dependent while covered under the health plan. Plans can have a yearly and/or a lifetime maximum dollar limit.

The average time that patients in a clinical study remained alive. The time is measured beginning either at diagnosis or the start of treatment.

A tumor that can be accurately measured in size. This information can be used to judge response to treatment.