colonoscopy (ko-lun-AHS-ko-pee): An examination of the inside of the colon using a thin, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. If abnormal areas are seen, tissue can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine if disease is present.
corpus : The body of the uterus.
CT scan : Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computed axial tomography (CAT) scan.
dilation and curettage (dye-LAY-shun and kyoo-reh-TAHZH): D&C. A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage).
endometriosis (en-do-mee-tree-O-sis): A benign condition in which tissue that looks like endometrial tissue grows in abnormal places in the abdomen.
endometrium (en-do-MEE-tree-um): The layer of tissue that lines the uterus.
estrogen replacement therapy : ERT. Hormones (estrogen and/or progesterone) given to postmenopausal women, or women who have had their ovaries surgically removed. Hormones are given to replace the estrogen no longer produced by the ovaries.
estrogens (ES-tro-jins): A family of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics.
fallopian tubes (fa-LO-pee-in): Part of the female reproductive tract. The long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus.
fibroid (FYE-broyd): A benign smooth muscle tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract. Also called leiomyoma.
fundus : The larger part of a hollow organ that is farthest away from the organ's opening. The bladder, gallbladder, stomach, uterus, eye, and the cavity of the middle ear all have a fundus.
grade : The grade of a tumor is determined by how abnormal the cancer cells appear when examined under a microscope, the probable growth rate of the tumor, and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade tumors vary with each type of cancer.
gynecologic oncologist (guy-neh-ko-LAH-jik on-KOL-o-jist): Doctors who specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.
gynecologist (guy-neh-KAH-lo-jist): A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.
hormone therapy : Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also called endocrine therapy.
hormones : Chemicals produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs.
hyperplasia (hye-per-PLAY-zha): An abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.
hysterectomy (hiss-ter-EK-toe-mee): An operation in which the uterus is removed.
local therapy : Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.
lymph node : A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and they contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph).
lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik): The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.
malignant (ma-LIG-nant): Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
menopause (MEN-o-pawz): The time of life when a woman's menstrual periods stop for at least a year. Also called "change of life."
menstruation : Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. Until menopause, menstruation occurs approximately every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.
metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis): The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases.
MRI : Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o- nans IM-a-jing). A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
myometrium (mye-o-MEE-tree-um): The muscular outer layer of the uterus.
osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-pa-ROW-sis): A condition that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.
