Glossary
A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Abdomen: the part of the body between the chest and pelvis that contains the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and other organs.
Adjuvant therapy: is the additional treatment that your oncologist may give you after primary treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, biologic therapy, or targeted therapy.
Alopecia: partial or complete hair loss all over the body due that may be due to the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Alternative medicine: treatments not recognized by the medical community as standard treatments. They may include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal supplements, and spiritual healing.
Antiemetic: medication that is given to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting.
Ascites: the buildup of fluid in the abdomen results in swelling in that area.
B
Benign: not cancerous. Benign tumors may increase in size but do not move to other parts of the body.
Biopsy: the surgical removal of body tissue to determine if diseases such as cancer are present.
BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer 2): produce proteins that repair DNA in the body. When there are mutations in these genes this can cause cancer. Individuals who inherit mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer (and prostate cancer).
C
CA 125 (cancer antigen 125): a protein found in the blood that is measured to determine if there is an occurrence or recurrence of cancer. Higher amounts (over 35 U/mL) may indicate that cancer or other illnesses is present.
Cancer: a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably.
Carboplatin: Generic for Paraplatin, carboplatin is a medication that is used to treat advanced cancer or the recurrence of cancer.
Chemotherapy: a drug that is intended to destroy cancer cells and keep them from growing and spreading.
Clinical trial/clinical study: research study that evaluates the effectiveness of new medications or medical interventions.
CT/CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) Scan: a diagnostic procedure that takes detailed cross-sectional images of the body using a computer and x-ray.
Cyst: a capsule or sac in the body that is filled with fluid.
D
Debulking surgery: also known as cytoreduction, this is a surgery to remove as much of a mass or tumor as possible.
Diagnosis: using signs and symptoms to identify a disease.
E
Edema: accumulation of fluid in the body.
Early menopause: occurs when the ovaries no longer work, and menstruation stops before the age of 40. Surgical removal of both ovaries causes early menopause.
F
Fallopian tubes: tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. There is one fallopian tube attached to each ovary.
First-line/Frontline treatment: the initial treatment given for a disease. Surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy is considered standard first-line/frontline treatment for ovarian cancer.
G
Gynecologic Oncologist: a physician who specializes in treating cancers that affect the female reproductive system.
H
Hormones: substances made by the body that sends signals and regulates specific actions in cells and organs.
Hysterectomy: surgical removal of the uterus.
I
Infusion: delivering medication and fluids directly into the bloodstream using a needle and catheter.
L
Lymph nodes: located all over the body, lymph nodes collect and transport lymph, needed for fighting infections.
M
Malignant: cancerous.
Metastatic: the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
N
N.E.D. ( No evidence of disease): another term for remission; showing no signs of disease. N.E.D/remission is determined using imaging and examinations.
O
Occupations: everyday activities that people need and want to do.
Occupational engagement: being motivated and choosing to participate in meaningful activities.
Occupational therapist: a healthcare professional who uses everyday activities therapeutically to treat impairments, diseases or disabilities.
Occupational therapy: the use of everyday activities to address impairments, diseases, or disabilities.
Oncologist: a physician who specializes in treating patients with cancer.
Ovaries: almond-shaped organs located on the left and right sides of the uterus in individuals born with a female reproductive system.
Ovarian cancer: occurs when abnormal cells in and around the ovaries (including the fallopian tubes and peritoneum) grow out of control and destroy healthy cells.
P
Peripheral neuropathy: tingling, numbness, weakness, or burning in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
Plexopathy: Plexopathy is another type of cancer-related pain and is caused by radiation therapy. Plexopathy affects blood vessels, nerves, and the lymphatic system and may cause persistent pain, muscle atrophy, and sensory changes.
Prognosis: the outcome of a disease in a particular patient; the likelihood of remission or recurrence.
Q
Quality of life: self-appraisal and contentment with one’s life.
R
Radiation therapy: treatment that uses high-energy radiation to shrink or kill cancer cells.
Remission: when no evidence of disease (N.E.D) or cancer is found in the body, determined by examination and imaging.
Recurrence: the return of cancer after remission.
Restorative sleep: high-quality sleep that leaves an individual feeling refreshed when they wake.
S
Scan: images that show various structures in the body. Scans are used for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring in cancer treatment.
Staging: evaluating the extent to which the cancer has spread.
Systemic: involving the whole body. Systemic treatments target the entire body.
T
Transvaginal ultrasound: a procedure that involves inserting an instrument into the vagina to check the bladder, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tube for abnormalities.
Tumor: a lump or swelling that is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
U
Uterus: known as the womb, the uterus is an organ in the female reproductive system in which a fetus develops.
V
Vagina: in individuals born with a female reproductive system, this is the canal from outside of the body to the uterus.