benign
A growth or lump that is not a cancer. A benign lump may still cause a problem if it interferes with function or causes pain. Benign lumps do not metastasise (or spread) and are usually removed by surgery.
biochemistry
Testing of the chemical parts of the blood, such as the salts and trace elements that are normally dissolved in the blood.
biopsy
A diagnostic technique which collects a sample of tissue from a lump to be sent for microscopic examination to make a diagnosis and plan further treatment. There are two main types: excisional biopsy where the entire lump or mass is removed and incisional biopsy where only a small part is removed.
bone marrow transplant
Replacement of the cells from the bone marrow.
BRCA 1
A genetic marker that indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
BRCA 2
A genetic marker that indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer.