Novemeber 12, 2001 Endometrial Cancer Glossary of Terms Mario Kopljar, MD

As a physician, I know the ease of falling into the trap of doing things automatically, almost without any conversation with the patient. This is exactly why I tried to make Endometrial Cancer for laymen and students simple, easy to understand, with a glossary explaining some unavoidable medical terms.

Adnexa

common name for tubes and ovaries.

Aorta

the largest blood vessel in the body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It descends from the heart downwards.

Cancerogenesis

a process of cancer formation. Can be simply explained as excessive and uncontrolled multiplication of cells.

Cervix

part of the uterus that connects uterus to the vagina.

Curettage

a part of Dilation&Curetage (DC) means taking samples of the uterine lining with an instrument called curette. Samples are then examined under microscope.

Differentiation

a process by which cells become "specialized" for certain functions. Genetic instruction is the same in all cells in the body, but they only "read" certain "chapters". For instance, genetic material in blood cells and skin cells is the same, but different parts of genetic code are active in each cell type.

Dilation and Curettage

this procedure is obligatory whenever extra menstrual or abnormal uterine bleeding occurs. First, cervical canal is widened, and then samples of cervical lining are taken. Then curettage is done. Procedure is done under anesthesia.

Endometrium

uterine lining.

Fallopian tubes

or uterine tubes .They connect uterus with ovaries. After ovulation egg travels through the tubes to the uterus.

Gestagens

hormones that "secure" pregnancy. Their level is high during pregnancy and they add to relaxing (act against contracting) of the uterus and thus prevent premature contractions.

Hormones

substances in the body that induce cells to behave in certain way. Each hormone makes cells behave differently.

Hormonal therapy

giving hormones to control the cancer.

Hysterectomy

surgical removal of the uterus. See also Salpingo - oophorectomy.

Irradiation

see Radiation therapy.

Lining

thin layer of cells that covers the void of the uterus. Under the influence of hormone called estrogen these cells multiply, and under the influence of hormone called progesterone (that belongs to gestagens) they secrete liquid that provides food for the egg.

Lymphatic nodes/vessels

lymph is see - through liquid that runs through tiny canals called lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels connect lymphatic nodes where immune cells remove infectious and other harmful agents. Tumor cells may travel through lymphatic vessels and end up in lymphatic nodes where they multiply. Such group of tumor cells is called lymphatic node metastasis. Lymphatic nodes with tumor cells are called positive lymphatic nodes. See also Nodes and picture 1.

Maturation

could be taken as a synonym for differentiation.

Metastases

cells that get detached from the main tumor may be taken to other parts of the body by lymphatic vessels or blood vessels (veins). Also, they can be scattered around the peritoneal cavity and form so called peritoneal metastases.

Mucosa

same as lining.

Nodes

short for lymphatic nodes.

Oophorectomy

surgical removal of the ovaries if they are affected with cancer, or to stop the production of estrogen that can promote the multiplication of normal uterine lining cells as well as cells of the cancer.

Paraaortal

close to aorta. Some nodes are located just alongside the aorta. Lymph runs from those nodes to the heart via lymphatic duct and then from the heart to entire body. That is how tumor can spread.

Pelvis

the lowest part of the abdomen containing the uterus, ovaries, urinary bladder and bowels as well as pelvic lymphatic nodes.

Progestins

see Gestagens.

Radiation therapy

exposure to radiation. Radioactive material can be inserted into vagina (so called intracavitary radiation therapy or brachitherapy) or the source of radiation can be outside the body (external radiation therapy).

Receptors

substances inside cells that bind hormones. Such hormone-receptor complex then activates certain processes in cells (division etc.). If there are no receptors, hormones can not act.

Salpingo-oophorectomy

salpinx (salpingo) is Latin for uterine tube. Oophoron is Greek for ovary. This term means removal of both tubes and ovaries, usually if they are affected with cancer.

Serosa

see picture 2. It is a thin layer of cells that covers the uterus.

Tubes

see Fallopian tubes.

Uterus

see picture 1. This is pear shaped hollow organ. In its void fetus grows.

Vagina

canal shaped organ that connects the uterus to the surface of the body. At the time of delivery it gets wider and is called a part of birth canal (along with cervix and lower part of the uterus).

Mario Kopljar, MD
Department of Surgery
University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice"
Vinogradska 29
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Fax: +385 1 3769 067
Tel: +385 1 3787 111

http://www.cancerlinks.com/Endometrial/index.html

You are welcome to share this © article with friends, but do not forget to include the author name and web address. Permission needed to use articles on commercial and non commercial websites. Thank you.
Search Cancerlynx.com - We Prowl the Net^TM What do you think?Top of PageHome