Ovarian Cancer Glossary
B
Biomarker – Biological molecule found in blood, bodily fluids or tissues that can indicate normal or abnormal processes in your body, as a result of a condition or disease.
Biopsy – A diagnostic procedure involving removal and examination of bodily tissue, which may be performed in various ways, including with needles, an endoscope, etc.
BRCA-negative/BRCA wild type – This means a change (also called a mutation) is not present in the BRCA gene. A person without a mutation in the BRCA gene can still develop cancer. This may also be called wild type
BRCA-positive – This means a change (also called a mutation) has been noted in the BRCA gene. A positive result does not mean that cancer will occur, but this puts you at a higher risk for certain cancers
BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation – Gene mutations linked to breast cancer that also increase the risk of ovarian cancer