Glossary

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular (secretory) properties.

Biopsy is the removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an exisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration. When a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal is removed in a surgical procedure, it is called a cone biopsy or conization. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition.

Cancer A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Cervical Relating to the neck, or the neck of any organ or structure. The cervix is the lower, narrow end (or neck) of the uterus.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.

Cervix The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

Clinical Breast Examination An examination by a medical professional during which the breasts are palpated (or lightly felt) with the hand and fingers to determine the condition underneath. Breast appearance is checked for dimpling, rashes, and nipple discharge.

Colposcopy Examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) A synthetic estrogen that was developed in 1938 to supplement a woman’s natural estrogen production. DES was prescribed by doctors for women who experienced miscarriages or premature deliveries. DES was originally considered effective and safe for both the pregnant woman and the developing baby. In the United States, an estimated 5-10 million persons were exposed to DES during 1938-1971. Since 1971, DES has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell adeno carcinoma of the vagina and cervix, infertility, and pregnancy complications in women exposed to DES before birth (in the womb), known as DES Daughters. In addition, women who were prescribed DES while pregnant are at a modestly increased risk for breast cancer. Men exposed to DES before birth (in the womb), known as DES Sons, are at an increased risk for non-cancerous epididymal cysts.

Ectopic Pregnancy A pregnancy outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

Endometrium The layer of tissue that lines the uterus (womb).

Epidiymis A cord-like structure along the back border of each testis. Sperm matures and is stored in the coiled duct that runs through the structure.

Estrogens A family of hormones promote the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics. Estrogen is a generic term for estrus-producing compounds (female sex hormones) including estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

Fallopian tubes Part of the female reproductive tract; the long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus.

Gonads The part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs in females (ovaries) and sperm in males (testicles ⁄ testes).

Gynecologic Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina).

High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) A pre-cancerous condition in which the cells of the uterine cervix are moderately or severely abnormal. Not all HSILs become cancerous, even if left untreated.

Hormone Chemicals produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs.

Hysterectomy An operation in which the uterus is removed.

Incisional Biopsy A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area of tissue is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Infertility The inability to produce children.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer A type of breast cancer in which the breast looks red and swollen and feels warm. The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d’ orange (like the skin of an orange). The redness and warmth occur because the cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin.

In Situ Cancer Early cancer that has not spread neighboring tissue.

Invasive Cervical Cancer Cancer that has spread from the surface of the cervix to tissue deeper in the cervix or other parts of the body.

Lesion An area of abnormal tissue.

Malignant Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast.

Menopause The time of life when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Also called change of life.

Menstrual cycle The monthly cycle of a woman’s hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next.

Menstruation Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus (womb). Until menopause, menstruation occurs approximately every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.

Miscarriage When a fetus leaves the uterus before the fifth month of pregnancy.

Orchiectomy A surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles.

Ovaries The pair of female reproductive glands in which the eggs (ova) are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (womb).

Ovulation The release of an egg from an ovary during the menstrual cycle.

Pap Smear The collection of cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. Pap smears are used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer (pre-cancerous) and can detect non-cancerous conditions (such as infection or inflammation). Also called a Pap test.

Pelvic Having to do with the pelvis (the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones).

Perimenopausal The time in a woman’s life when menstrual periods become irregular. Refers to the time near menopause.

Postmenopausal The time in a woman’s life after menopause.

Pre-cancerous A term used to describe a condition that might or is likely to become cancer. Also called premalignant.

Premenopausal The time in a woman’s life before menopause.

Prescription A doctor’s order for medicine or another treatment.

Primary Care Physician A doctor who manages a person’s health care over time. A primary care physician can provide a wide range of care (including prevention and treatment) can discuss treatment choices, and can refer a patient to a specialist.

Progesterone A female hormone.

Prostate A gland in the male reproductive system just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of semen.

Reproductive System In women, this system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), cervix, and vagina (birth canal). The reproductive system in men includes the prostate, testes, and penis.

Scrotum In males, the external sac that contains the testicles.

Semen The fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate and other sex glands.

Seminal fluid The fluid from the prostate and other sex glands that helps transport sperm out of the man’s body during orgasm. Seminal fluid contains sugar as an energy source for sperm.

Seminal Vesicles Glands that help produce semen.

Speculum An instrument used to widen an opening of the body to make it easier to look inside.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.

Squamous Cells Flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These cells cover internal and external surfaces of the body.

Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (SIL) A general term for abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. The changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The changes in the cells are described as low grade or high grade, depending on how much of the cervix is affected and how abnormal the cells appear.