| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Computed tomography (CT) |
A special type of X-ray that provides a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body |
| Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy |
The surgical removal of the non cancerous breast in an effort to reduce the risk of breast cancer developing in that breast or to maximise breast symmetry. |
| Control group |
The group of patients in a clinical trial that receive standard treatment or care |
| Conventional treatments |
Standard approaches to the treatment of disease |
| Core biopsy |
A way of removing a small piece of tissue from the breast for testing (usually done under local anaesthetic |
| Crude survival |
Crude survival is the proportion of people alive at a specified point in time subsequent to the diagnosis of cancer. [AIHW & AACR. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010] |
| CT angiography |
Computer tomography (CT) angiography involves injecting a contrast medium into a peripheral vein. The contrast medium circulates through blood vessels to produce detailed images of both blood vessels and tissues. Computer tomography then uses special x-ray equipment to visualise blood vessels. |
| CT scan |
A special type of X-ray that provides a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The initials stand for 'computerised tomography' |
| Decongestive physiotherapy |
A specialised type of physiotherapy used in the treatment of lymphoedema |
| Deep inferior epigastric perforator |
A type of breast reconstruction using the blood vessels, fat and skin from the stomach |
| Delayed |
Breast reconstruction undertaken in a different operation to a mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction may be undertaken at any time after a mastectomy. |
| Delayed breast reconstruction |
Breast reconstruction undertaken in a different operation to a mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction may be undertaken at any time after a mastectomy. |
| DIEP flap |
A type of breast reconstruction using the blood vessels, fat and skin from the stomach |
| Diethylstilbestrol |
A drug prescribed to women during the 1930s to 1970s to prevent miscarriage and treat other complications of pregnancy |
| Dietitian |
A health professional who specialises in providing advice about what to eat |