7.9 Glossary

Abnormal vaginal bleeding (ăb-nŏr-măl vă-jĭ-năl blēd-ing): Unusual bleeding from the vagina, including very heavy menstrual flow, bleeding between cycles, or prolonged bleeding. (Chapter 7.6)

Adenocarcinoma in situ (ăd-ĕ-nō-kăr-sĭ-NŌ-mă ĭn SĪ-tū): A condition where advanced, precancerous cells are found in the glandular tissue of the cervix. (Chapter 7.6)

Adnexa (ăd-NĔK-să): The accessory structures of the uterus, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. (Chapter 7.5)

Amenorrhea (ā-men-ŏ-RĒ-ă): The absence of menstrual flow. (Chapter 7.5)

Anovulation (an-ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn): The absence of ovulation when an egg is not released from the ovaries. (Chapter 7.5)

Bartholin’s glands (BAR-tō-lĭns glăns): Glands that secrete mucus to keep the vestibular area moist, located near the vaginal opening. (Chapter 7.4)

Bilateral oophorectomy (bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of both ovaries. (Chapter 7.7)

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl săl-pĭng-gō-ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of both ovaries and both Fallopian tubes. (Chapter 7.7)

Biopsy (BĪ-ŏp-sē): A diagnostic procedure where tissue, fluid, or lymph nodes are removed for examination under a microscope. (Chapter 7.6)

Breast cancer (brest KAN-sĕr): Malignant tumors developing from breast tissue cells. (Chapter 7.6)

Breast-conserving surgery (brĕst kŏn-sĕr-vĭng sŭr-jĕr-ē): Surgical procedure removing only the cancerous part of the breast, not the entire breast. (Chapter 7.6)

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (brĕst măg-NĔT-ĭk rĕz-ŏ-NĂNS ĬM-ă-jĭng (MRI): A diagnostic imaging technique used to create detailed images of the breast tissue, often used in detecting and evaluating breast abnormalities. (Chapter 7.6)

Breast ultrasound (brĕst ŭl-tră-sound): A diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. (Chapter 7.6)

Cervical cancer (SĔR-vi-kăl KAN-sĕr): Cancer arising from the cervix, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. (Chapter 7.6)

Cervix (SĔR-vĭks): The lower part of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina. (Chapter 7.4)

Chemotherapy (kē-mō-THĔR-ă-pē): The use of drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. (Chapter 7.6)

Clitoris (KLĬT-ŏ-rĭs): Erectile tissue originating from the same fetal cells as the penis, containing abundant nerves important in sexual sensation and orgasm. (Chapter 7.4)

Cold knife conization (kŏn-Ī-ZĀ-shŏn): A procedure using a scalpel or laser to remove a cone-shaped section of abnormal cervical tissue. (Chapter 7.6)

Colposcopy (kŏl-PŎS-kō-pē): A procedure using a lighted magnifying instrument to examine the cervix and potentially remove tissue for biopsy. (Chapter 7.6)

Conception (kŏn-sĕp-shŏn): The process of a sperm fertilizing an ovum, forming a zygote. (Chapter 7.5)

Contraception (kon-tră-SEP-shŏn): Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. (Chapter 7.5)

Corpus luteum (KŌR-pus LŪ-tē-um): A temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries that is involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone and moderate levels of estrogen and inhibin A. (Chapter 7.5)

Cryotherapy (krī-ō-THĔR-ă-pē): A treatment method using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. (Chapter 7.6)

Cystocele (SĬS-tō-sēl): A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina, often referred to as an anterior vaginal prolapse. (Chapter 7.6)

Diagnostic mammogram (dī-ăg-nŏs-tĭk mă-mō-grăm): An enhanced mammogram used when an area of the breast looks abnormal on a screening mammogram. (Chapter 7.6)

Dilation & Curettage (dī-LĀ-shŏn and kūr-ĕ-täj) (D&C): A surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. (Chapter 7.7)

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (dĭs-fŭnk-shŭn-ăl yŪ-tĕr-ĭn blēd-ing): Abnormal bleeding from the uterus, often due to hormonal imbalances. (Chapter 7.6)

Dysmenorrhea (dĭs-mĕn-ŏ-RĒ-ă): Painful menstruation, often with cramps. (Chapter 7.5, Chapter 7.6)

Dysparenuria (dĭs-păr-ĕn-ŪR-ē-ă): Pain during sexual intercourse. (Chapter 7.5, Chapter 7.6)

Ectopic pregnancy (ĕk-TŌP-ĭk PRĔG-năn-sē): A pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. (Chapter 7.6)

Embryo (Ĕm-brē-ō): The early developmental stage of an organism following fertilization. (Chapter 7.5)

Endometrial ablation (en-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl ă-BLĀ-shŏn): A procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. (Chapter 7.6)

Endometrial cancer (en-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl KAN-sĕr): Cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). (Chapter 7.6)

Endometrial sampling (ĕn-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl săm-plĭng): A procedure to remove tissue from the endometrium for examination under a microscope. (Chapter 7.6)

Endometriosis (en-dō-mē-trē-Ō-sĭs): A painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. (Chapter 7.6)

Endometrium (en-dō-MĒ-trē-um): The innermost lining of the uterus, providing the site for implantation of a fertilized egg or shedding during menstruation. (Chapter 7.4)

Estrogen (ĔS-trŏ-jen): A hormone produced by the ovaries, playing a key role in the female reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. (Chapter 7.5)

Fallopian tubes (fă-LŌP-ē-an): Tubes that transport oocytes from the ovary to the uterus. (Chapter 7.4)

Fibrocystic breasts (fī-brō-SĬS-tĭk brests): Condition characterized by lumpy or ropelike breast tissue, often experiencing pain, tenderness, and lumpiness especially before menstruation. (Chapter 7.4)

Fimbriae (FĬM-brē-ā): The fringe-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, near the ovaries, which help to guide the ovum into the tube after ovulation. (Chapter 7.4, Chapter 7.5)

Fistula (FIS-chŭ-lă): An abnormal passageway between two organs or between an internal organ and the body surface. In the context of the female reproductive system, it could be between the vagina and another organ such as the urinary bladder, colon, or rectum. (Chapter 7.5)

Follicles (FŎL-ĭ-klz): In the context of the female reproductive system, these are the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each containing an immature ovum (egg). (Chapter 7.5)

Follicle stimulating hormone (FŌL-ĭ-kl stim-YŪ-lā-ting HŌR-mōn) (FSH): A hormone released by the brain that stimulates the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries. (Chapter 7.5)

Follicular phase (Fŏl-ĭk-yŭ-lăr fāz): The menstrual cycle phase where the endometrium thickens, and follicle growth is stimulated by FSH and LH. (Chapter 7.5)

Gynecologist (gīn-ĕ-KOL-ŏ-jĭst): A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system and the breasts. (Chapter 7.7)

Gynecology (gī-nĕ-KOL-ŏ-jē): Study of the female reproductive system. (Chapter 7.7)

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (hī-grād SKWĀ-mŭs ĭn-tră-ĕ-pĭ-THĒ-lē-ăl LĒ-zhŭns) (HSIL): More serious changes in the cervical cells that indicate a higher risk of progressing to cervical cancer. (Chapter 7.6)

Hirsutism (HĬR-sū-tĭz-ŭm): Excessive hair growth on the face and body, often a symptom of PCOS. (Chapter 7.6)

Hormonal therapy (hôr-MŌ-năl THĔR-ă-pē): Treatment using hormones to block cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. (Chapter 7.6)

HPV test (H-P-V tĕst): A test to check for infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer. (Chapter 7.6)

Human papillomavirus (HYŪ-măn pă-pĭ-lō-mă VĪ-rŭs) (HPV): A group of viruses, some of which can cause genital warts and are associated with an increased risk of cervical and other types of cancers. (Chapter 7.6)

Hysterectomy (his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the uterus, which may include the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other surrounding structures. (Chapter 7.6, Chapter 7.7)

Hysterosalpingogram (hĭs-tĕ-RO-săl-pĭnj-ō-gram): A common imaging procedure performed to assess for potential causes of infertility in women.  During the procedure, radiopaque dye is injected into the uterus and fills the uterine cavity, continues into the fallopian tubes, and eventually reaches fimbriated ends next to the ovaries.  Structures are visualized with an x-ray. (Chapter 7.7)

Hysteroscopy (his-tĕ-ROS-kŏ-pē): A procedure to look inside the uterus using a thin, telescope-like device inserted through the vagina and cervix. (Chapter 7.7)

Implantation (ĭm-plan-TĀ-shŏn): The process by which a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to begin pregnancy. (Chapter 7.5)

Infertility (ĭn-fĕr-TĬL-ĭ-tē): The inability to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity without contraception. (Chapter 7.5)

Intrauterine devices (ĬN-tră-yŪ-tĕr-ēn dī-VĪS-ĭz): Contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. (Chapter 7.6)

Irregular bleeding (ĭ-rĕg-yŭ-lăr blēd-ing): Bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. (Chapter 7.6)

Labia majora (LĀ-bē-uh MĀ-jŏr-uh): Larger outer folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis. (Chapter 7.4)

Labia minora (LĀ-bē-uh mĭ-NŌR-uh): Thinner, hairless, and more pigmented folds found medially to the labia majora, protecting the female urethra and the entrance to the female reproductive tract. (Chapter 7.4)

Lactation (lak-TĀ-shŏn): The process of producing milk in the mammary glands to feed an infant. (Chapter 7.4)

Lactiferous (lak-TĬF-ĕr-us) ducts: Tubes carrying milk from the mammary glands (lobules) to the nipple. (Chapter 7.4)

Laparoscopy (lăp-ă-RŎS-kŏ-pē): A surgical procedure using a laparoscope to examine the organs inside the abdomen. (Chapter 7.6)

Laparotomy (lap-uh-ROT-uh-mee): A surgical procedure with a large incision in the abdomen to access the abdominal organs. (Chapter 7.6)

Laser therapy (LĀ-zĕr THĔR-ă-pē): The use of an intense light beam (laser) to treat various medical conditions, including removing abnormal cervical tissue. (Chapter 7.6)

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (lōōp ĕ-lĕk-trō-SŬR-jĭ-kăl ĕk-SĬZ-shŭn prō-SĒ-jŭr) (LEEP): A surgical technique used to remove abnormal cervical tissue using a thin wire loop that carries an electric current. (Chapter 7.6)

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (lō-grād SKWĀ-mŭs ĭn-tră-ĕ-pĭ-THĒ-lē-ăl LĒ-zhŭns) (LSIL): Changes in the cervical cells that are often associated with HPV infection and are typically mild, often resolving on their own. (Chapter 7.6)

Luteinizing hormone (LŪ-tē-ĭ-nīz-ĭng HŌR-mōn) (LH): A hormone involved in triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum. (Chapter 7.5)

Lymphadenectomy (lĭmf-ăd-ĕ-NEK-tŏ-mē): Another term for lymph node dissection, often used in the context of cancer treatment. (Chapter 7.6)

Lymph node dissection (lĭmf nōd dĭ-sĕk-shŏn): Surgical removal of lymph nodes to examine for the presence of cancer. (Chapter 7.6)

Mammogram (MĂM-ō-grăm): An X-ray image of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities. (Chapter 7.6, Chapter 7.7)

Mastitis (mas-TĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the breast, often occurring during lactation. (Chapter 7.5)

Medical oncologists (mĕd-ĭ-kăl ŏn-KOL-ŏ-jĭsts): Physicians specializing in treating cancer with medication. (Chapter 7.6)

Menarche (mĕn-ĂR-kē): The first occurrence of menstruation in a female. (Chapter 7.5)

Menometrorrhagia (mĕn-ō-mĕt-rō-RĀ-jē-ă): Excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at irregular and/or frequent intervals. (Chapter 7.5)

Menopause (MEN-ŏ-poz): The end of menstrual cycles in a woman’s life, marking the end of reproductive years. (Chapter 7.6)

Menorrhagia (mĕn-ō-RĀ-jē-ă): Excessive menstrual bleeding. (Chapter 7.5, Chapter 7.6)

Menstruation (men-strŪ-Ā-shŏn): The monthly shedding of the endometrial lining in females, typically involving vaginal bleeding. (Chapter 7.5)

Metastasized (mĕ-tăs-tă-sīzd): The process by which cancer spreads from the primary site to other parts of the body. (Chapter 7.6)

Metrorrhagia (mē-trō-RĀ-jă): Bleeding from the uterus at any time other than normal menstruation. (Chapter 7.5)

Modified radical mastectomy (mŏd-ĭ-fīd răd-ĭ-kăl mas-TEK-tŏ-mē): Surgery removing the entire breast with cancer, most of the lymph nodes, and sometimes other tissues. (Chapter 7.6)

Mons pubis (MŎNZ PYŪ-bĭs): A rounded mass of fatty tissue lying over the joint of the pubic bones, becoming covered in hair after puberty. (Chapter 7.4)

Myolysis (mī-OL-ŏ-sĭs): A procedure involving the destruction of fibroids using electric current or freezing. (Chapter 7.6)

Myomectomy (mī-ō-MĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. (Chapter 7.6)

Obstetrics (ŏb-STĔT-rĭks) (OB): The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth. (Chapter 7.7)

Oligomenorrhea (ŏl-ĭ-gō-mĕn-ō-RĒ-ă): Infrequent or very light menstruation. (Chapter 7.5)

Omentectomy (ō-mĕn-TEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the omentum, a part of the peritoneum in the abdomen. (Chapter 7.6)

Oophorectomy (ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries. (Chapter 7.7)

Ovarian cancer (ō-VAR-ē-ăn KAN-sĕr): Cancer that originates in the ovarian tissues. (Chapter 7.6)

Ovarian cyst (ō-VĀR-ē-an sĭst): A fluid-filled sac in the ovary, often part of the normal menstrual cycle or a benign condition. (Chapter 7.6)

Ovary (Ō-văr-ē): Female reproductive gland responsible for producing oocytes (eggs) and hormones. (Chapter 7.4)

Ovulation (ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn): The release of an ovum (egg) from the dominant follicle in the ovary, typically occurring around the middle of the menstrual cycle. (Chapter 7.5)

Ovum (Ō-vum): The female reproductive cell, or egg, which, when fertilized by a sperm, can develop into an embryo. (Chapter 7.5)

Papanicolaou smear (păp-ă-NĒ-kă-low smēr) (Pap smear): A screening procedure for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions, involving the collection of cells from the cervix. (Chapter 7.6, Chapter 7.7)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PĔL-vĭk ĭn-flă-MĂ-tŏ-rē) (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections. (Chapter 7.6)

Perineum (pĕr-ĭ-NĒ-um): The area between the vaginal opening and the anus. (Chapter 7.4)

Peritoneum (pĕr-ĭ-tō-NĒ-ŭm): The membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering most of the abdominal organs. (Chapter 7.6)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (pŏl-ē-SĬS-tĭk Ō-vă-rē SĬN-drōm) (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. (Chapter 7.6)

Polymenorrhea (pŏl-ē-mĕn-ō-RĒ-ă): Condition characterized by frequent menstrual cycles, shorter than 21 days in length. (Chapter 7.5)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (prē-MĔN-strŭ-ăl dis-FŌR-ĭk) (PMDD): A severe form of PMS characterized by significant mood disturbances. (Chapter 7.6)

Premenstrual syndrome (prē-MĔN-strŭ-ăl SĬN-drōm) (PMS): A group of symptoms that occur in women, typically between ovulation and a period. (Chapter 7.6)

Progesterone (pro-JĔS-tĕr-ōn): A hormone released by the corpus luteum in the ovary. It plays a role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. (Chapter 7.5)

Prolapse (PRŌ-laps): The slipping down or displacement of an organ or part, such as the uterus. (Chapter 7.6)

Radiation oncologists (rā-dē-Ā-shŏn ŏn-KOL-ŏ-jĭsts): Doctors who treat cancer using radiation therapy. (Chapter 7.6)

Radiation therapy (rā-dē-Ā-shŏn THĔR-ă-pē): The use of high-energy rays to kill or damage cancer cells. (Chapter 7.6)

Radical hysterectomy (răd-ĭ-kăl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Extensive surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and sometimes other tissues for cancer treatment. (Chapter 7.7)

Rectocele (RĔK-tō-sēl): A posterior vaginal prolapse where the rectum protrudes into the vagina. (Chapter 7.6)

Salpingectomy (sal-pĭn-JEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of one or both Fallopian tubes. (Chapter 7.7)

Salpingo-oophorectomy (săl-pĭng-gō-ō-ŏf-ō-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of a Fallopian tube and its corresponding ovary. (Chapter 7.7)

Sexual intercourse (Sĕk-shū-ăl ĭn-tĕr-kōrs): The physical act of sex, involving the insertion of the penis into the vagina. (Chapter 7.5)

Speculum (SPEK-yŭ-lŭm): An instrument used to widen the opening of the vagina during medical examinations. (Chapter 7.6, Chapter 7.7)

Subtotal hysterectomy (sŭb-tō-tăl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. (Chapter 7.7)

Surgeons (SŬR-jŏns): Medical doctors who perform operations. (Chapter 7.6)

Surgery (SŬR-jĕr-ē): Medical procedures involving the manual and instrumental techniques to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities. (Chapter 7.6)

Tampon (TĂM-pon): A plug of soft material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. (Chapter 7.6)

Targeted therapy (TĂR-gĭ-tĕd THĔR-ă-pē): Treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. (Chapter 7.6)

Total abdominal hysterectomy (tō-tăl ăb-DŎM-ĭ-năl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of the uterus through an incision in the abdomen. (Chapter 7.7)

Total hysterectomy (tō-tăl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix. (Chapter 7.7)

Total hysterectomy/bilateral salpingectomy oophorectomy (tō-tăl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē / bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl săl-pĭn-JEK-tŏ-mē ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē) (TAH/BSO): A surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), both Fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and both ovaries (oophorectomy). (Chapter 7.7)

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (tō-tăl lăp-ăr-ŏ-SKŌP-ĭk his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of the uterus using laparoscopic techniques, involving small incisions and a camera. (Chapter 7.7)

Total mastectomy (tō-tăl mas-TEK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the entire breast that has cancer. (Chapter 7.6)

Toxic shock syndrome (TŌK-sĭk SHŌK SĬN-drōm): A rare, life-threatening complication of certain bacterial infections, associated with tampon use. (Chapter 7.6)

Transvaginal ultrasound (trăns-vă-jĭ-năl ŬL-tră-sound): An ultrasound procedure where a probe is inserted. (Chapter 7.7)

Tubal ligation (TOO-băl lī-GĀ-shŏn): A permanent surgical procedure for female sterilization, involving sealing, tying, or cutting the Fallopian tubes. (Chapter 7.5, Chapter 7.7)

Tubo-ovarian abscess (TŪ-bō ō-VAR-ē-ăn ăb-sĕs): An inflammatory mass involving the fallopian tube and ovary, often a complication of PID. (Chapter 7.6)

Uterine artery embolization (ŪT-ĕ-rīn ăr-tĕr-ē ĕm-bō-lĭ-ZĀ-shŏn): Another term for uterine fibroid embolization. (Chapter 7.6)

Uterine fibroid (ŪT-ĕ-rīn FĪ-brŏyd): Benign tumors in the muscular wall of the uterus. (Chapter 7.6)

Uterine fibroid embolization (ŪT-ĕ-rīn FĪ-brŏyd ĕm-bō-lĭ-ZĀ-shŏn): A procedure to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. (Chapter 7.6)

Uterine prolapse (ŪT-ĕ-rīn PRŌ-laps): A condition where the uterus sags or slips from its normal position into the vaginal canal. (Chapter 7.6)

Uterus (YŪ-tĕr-us): A muscular, pear-shaped organ responsible for housing and nourishing a developing fetus. (Chapter 7.4)

Vagina (vă-JĪN-uh): A muscular canal serving as the entrance to the reproductive tract and the exit from the uterus during menstruation and childbirth. (Chapter 7.4)

Vaginal candidiasis (vă-jĭ-năl kăn-dĭ-DĪ-ă-sĭs): A fungal infection in the vagina, commonly known as a yeast infection, causing itching and a thick, white discharge. (Chapter 7.6)

Vaginal hysterectomy (vă-jĭ-năl his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē): Removal of the uterus through the vagina. (Chapter 7.7)

Vaginal prolapse (vă-jĭ-năl PRŌ-laps): A condition where the vagina itself sags or slips out of its normal position. (Chapter 7.6)

Vulva (VŬL-vă): The external part of the female genitalia, which includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina. (Chapter 7.4)