H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) Staining
A common laboratory method that uses two dyes called hematoxylin and eosin that make it easier to see different parts of the cell under a microscope. Hematoxylin and eosin staining helps identify different types of cells and tissues and provides important information about the pattern, shape, and structure of cells in a tissue sample. It is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. Also called H and E staining.
HER2/neu (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, erbB2)
A protein involved in normal cell growth. It is found on some types of cancer cells, including breast and ovarian. Cancer cells removed from the body may be tested for the presence of HER2/neu to help decide the best type of treatment.
Herceptin (see Trastuzumab in T)
Hereditary (see Genetic in G)
Homeopathy (Homeopathic Medicine)
An alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used most often in very small amounts, restore health. According to these beliefs, in order for a remedy to be effective, it must cause in a healthy person the same symptoms being treated in the patient. Also called homeopathic medicine.
Hormones
Hormones are made by glands in the body that help control how certain types of cells and organs work. Some hormones can also be made in a lab.
Hormone Receptor
A cell protein that binds a specific hormone. The hormone receptor may be on the surface of the cell or inside the cell. Many changes take place in a cell after a hormone binds to its receptor.
Hormone Receptor Status
Shows whether or not a breast cancer needs hormones to grow. A hormone receptor-positive (estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive) cancer needs hormones to grow. A hormone receptor-negative (estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-negative) cancer does not need hormones to grow. See Hormone Receptor in H.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (see Menopausal Hormone Therapy in M)
Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy, Endocrine Manipulation)
Some types of breast cancer are affected by hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. The breast cancer cells have receptors (proteins) that attach to estrogen and progesterone, which helps them grow. Treatments that stop these hormones from attaching to these receptors are called hormone or endocrine therapy. Hormone therapy can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body and not just in the breast. It's recommended for women with tumors that are hormone receptor-positive. It does not help women whose tumors don't have hormone receptors (these tumors are called hormone receptor-negative).
Hyperplasia (Usual and Atypical Hyperplasia)
An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue. These cells appear normal under a microscope. They are not cancer, but may become cancer.