Glossary of Terms

Cancer has a language all its own. We want every patient to understand every aspect of their journey.

And that includes learning some of the common terms you might hear in your daily conversations with us. This list can be a helpful starting point for those who have been recently diagnosed, have a hereditary predisposition, or are supporting a friend or family member.

Of course, your GPS team is always happy to explain unfamiliar terms and provide additional information every step of the way. If you aren’t sure about something, please ask.

1Abdomen
The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
2Acupuncture
The technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms.
3Adjuvant therapy
Additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk that the disease will come back. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
4Alopecia
The loss of hair from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp. Alopecia is a potential side effect of chemotherapy.
5Alternative medicine
Practices used instead of standard treatments. They generally are not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Examples of alternative medicine include megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, and spiritual healing.
6Anemia
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal, often as a result of cancer treatment, causing fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.
7Ascites
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that can cause swelling.
8Benign
Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.
9Bevacizumab
Generic name for the drug Avastin. A chemotherapeutic agent that is an angiogenesis inhibitor, slowing the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.
10Biomarker
A unique biological indicator of an event, or the presence of a substance in the body.
11Biopsy
The surgical removal of a small amount of tissue from the body for examination by a pathologist to determine whether disease is present. There are several types of biopsy procedures including the incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; a needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, and the excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis.
12Blinded study
A type of research study in which the patients (single-blinded) or the patients and their doctors (double-blinded) do not know which drug or treatment is being given.
13BRCA1
A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits an altered, or “mutated,” version of the BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
14BRCA2
A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits an altered, or “mutated,” version of the BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
15CAT or CT scan
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body that are taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography scan.
16Cervix
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
17Clinical trial
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. A clinical trial is also called a clinical study.
18Cyst
A sac or capsule in the body. It may be filled with fluid or other material.
19Diagnosis
The process of identifying a disease, such as ovarian cancer, from its signs and symptoms.
20Early menopause
A condition in which the ovaries stop working and menstrual periods stop before age 40. Early menopause can be caused by some cancer treatments, surgery to remove the ovaries, and certain diseases. Also called premature menopause. Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
21Endometrial carcinoma
Cancer that forms in the tissue lining in the uterus.
22Enzyme
A protein that speeds up the rate of chemical reactions in living cells.
23Epithelial ovarian cancer
Cancer that occurs in the cells on the surface of the ovary. Also called ovarian epithelial cancer.
24Estrogen
A type of hormone secreted by the ovaries that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics. Estrogens can also be made in the laboratory. They may be used as a type of birth control and to treat symptoms of menopause, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
25Five-year survival
The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who have survived at least five years after diagnosis. Five years is the standard for most cancers when discussing survival.
26Genetic counseling
A communication process between a specially trained health professional (a genetic counselor) and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease. The person’s family and personal medical history may be discussed, as well as whether or not the person would benefit from genetic testing.
27Genetic testing
Analyzing DNA to see if a person has certain gene changes that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.
28Hormones
Naturally occurring substances made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs.
29Hormone therapy
Treatment that removes female hormones or blocks their action as a way to prevent ovarian cancer cells from getting or using the hormones they may need. For certain conditions such as menopause, hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels.
30HRT
Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to women after menopause to replace the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. Also called hormone replacement therapy and menopausal hormone therapy.
31Hycamtin
Trade name for the drug topotecan.
32Immunotherapy
Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen the side effects that may be caused by some other cancer treatments.
33Induction therapy
Initial treatment used to reduce ovarian cancer. Induction therapy is followed by other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to get rid of cancer that remains. Also called first-line therapy, primary therapy, and primary treatment.
34Informed consent
A process by which individuals are given important information, including possible risks and benefits, about a medical procedure, a clinical trial, or genetic testing. This is to help them decide if they want to be treated, tested or take part in the trial.
35Infusion
A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion.
36Intravenous
Into or within a vein. It usually refers to a way of giving a drug through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called IV.
37Laparoscope
A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen. A laparoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may have a tool to remove tissue.
38Laparoscopy
A procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen. When a surgical incision is made in the wall of the abdomen it is called a laparotomy.
39Lymph
The clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases.
40Lymph nodes
A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph, store white blood cells and help the immune system fight disease.
41Lynch syndrome
An inherited disorder also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. In addition to being at higher than average risk for colon cancer, a woman has a higher-than-normal chance of developing ovarian and uterine cancer, often before the age of 50, if she has Lynch syndrome.
42Malignant ascites
A condition in which fluid containing cancer cells collects in the abdomen.
43Menopause
The time of life when a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones and menstrual periods stop. A woman is in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for 12 months in a row.
44Metastasis
The spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another, often by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a secondary tumor and contain cells that are like those in the original tumor. It is also called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.”
45Metastasize
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
46MRI
A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. Also called magnetic resonance imaging.
47Neutropenia
An abnormally low number of a particular type of white blood cell, called a neutrophil. This may result in an increased risk of infection.
48Omentum
A fold of the peritoneum (the thin tissue that lines the abdomen) that surrounds the stomach and other organs in the abdomen.
49Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating and caring for people who have cancer.
50Oophorectomy
Surgery to remove one or both ovaries.
51Palliative treatment or care
Treatment that relieves symptoms, such as pain, and reduces the suffering caused by cancer. Its main purpose is to keep the best quality of life for as long as possible without seeking to cure the disease.
52Pap test
A procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination under a microscope to detect cervical cancer and changes that may lead to the disease. A Pap test, also called a Pap smear and Papanicolaou test, can also show noncancerous conditions such as infection or inflammation. A pap test does not detect ovarian cancer.
53Partial response
A decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the extent of cancer in the body, in response to treatment. Also called partial remission.
54Pathologist
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
55Pegfilgrastim
Generic name for the drug Neulasta. A drug used to increase numbers of white blood cells in patients who are receiving chemotherapy.
56Placebo
Sometimes called a “sugar pill,” a placebo is an inactive substance that looks the same as, and is administered the same way as, a drug being tested in a clinical trial. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
57Primary therapy
Initial treatment used to reduce ovarian cancer. Primary treatment is followed by other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to get rid of cancer that remains.
58Quality of life
The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out normal life activities.
59Radiation therapy
Treatment with high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources, to kill cancer cells or shrink a tumor.
60Randomized trial
A study in which the participants in a clinical trial are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. Neither the researchers nor the participants can choose which group.
61Recurrence
Cancer that has recurred (come back) usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer could come back to the same place as the original tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrent cancer.
62Refractory cancer
This describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment.
63Regional cancer
Refers to cancer that has grown beyond the original tumor to nearby lymph nodes or organs and tissues.
64Remission
Complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer in response to treatment. A remission may not be a cure. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.
65Salpingo-oophorectomy
Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
66Scan
A look at structures within the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease include CAT scans and MRI scans.
67Second-look surgery
Surgery performed after primary treatment to determine whether tumor cells remain.
68Side effects
Unwanted effects of treatment that can include hair loss, fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, and neuropathy (nerve damage).
69Stable disease
Cancer that is neither growing nor shrinking.
70Stage
The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread from the other site to other parts of the body, and whether lymph nodes contain cancer. Ovarian cancer is divided into four stages by the location of the tumor cells at the time of the initial diagnosis.
71Stromal cell tumors
These tumors start in the supporting connective tissue that holds the ovary together. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are made in the stromal cells. The tumors can occur in women of any age, but they are uncommon.
72Systemic
Affecting the entire body. Systemic chemotherapy employs drugs that travel through the bloodstream to cells all over the body.
73Targeted therapy
A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances, such as monoclonal antibodies, to attack specific cancer cells. Targeted agents tend to have fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy drugs. Taxol: Trade name for the drug paclitaxel.
74Transfusion
A procedure in which a person is given an infusion of donated blood.
75Transvaginal ultrasound
A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. An instrument is inserted into the vagina that causes sound waves to bounce off organs inside the pelvis. These sound waves create ultrasound echoes that are sent to a computer, which creates a picture (a sonogram). Transvaginal ultrasound is also referred to as transvaginal sonography and TVS.
76Tumor
A lump or mass of cancerous or noncancerous cells.
77Unresectable
Unable to be removed with surgery.
78Uterus
The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis. It is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb.
79Vagina
The muscular canal that goes from the uterus to the outside of the body. During birth, the baby passes through the vagina.
80Vulva
The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina.

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