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Gynecologic Cancers > Gynecologic Resources > Patient
Handbook
Alopecia
Partial or complete loss of hair. This may result from radiation to the head, or from certain chemotherapy drugs.
Anemia
A condition when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or in hemoglobin.
Antiemetics
Drugs given to prevent or minimize nausea and vomiting.
Ascites
An abnormal fluid collection in the abdomen from cancer or other causes.
Biopsy
The surgical removal of a small portion of tissue for diagnosis.
Blood cells
Cells that make up blood are formed in the bone marrow. These include:
Red blood cells - (Erythrocytes; RBC) carry oxygen throughout the body (measured by
the hematocrit or HCT).
White blood cells - cells that help the body defend against foreign substances.
Neutrophils are the most important type.
Platelets - cells necessary to help form a clot and stop bleeding.
Brachytherapy
The use of a radioactive "seed" implanted directly into a tumor. This allows a very high,
localized dose of radiation to be given to a tumor, while limiting significant radiation exposure to other
tissues.
Chemotherapy
The treatment of cancer by drugs designed to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. For more information see
Chemotherapy and You booklet.
Clinical trials
The process by which new cancer treatments are tested in humans. Clinical trials are conducted after preliminary
testing has shown that a new treatment might be effective. For more information see What Are Clinical Trails All
About booklet.
Cone Biopsy
The removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue from around the opening of the cervix.
Colony Stimulating Factor
A substance that stimulates the growth of bone marrow cells. Treatment with colony-stimulating factors (CSF) can
help the blood-forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These include
Granulocytes colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF, Neupogen is the trade name) and Epoetin alpha, (Epogen, EPO,
Procrit are trade names).
Complete Blood Count - (CBC)
A blood test that determines the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood.
Debulking
A surgical procedure that removes a significant part or most of a tumor. This may make future radiation or
chemotherapy more effective.
Effusion
A collection of fluid inside a body cavity, such as around the lungs, (pleural), intestines (peritoneal) or heart
(pericardial).
Electrolytes
Certain chemicals including sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate found in the tissues and blood. They are often
measured to monitor toxicities, effects of treatment, etc.
Emesis
Vomiting.
Enteral feeding
Administration of liquid food (nutrients) through a tube inserted into the stomach or intestine.
Epidural
The space just outside the spinal cord. Catheters may be inserted into this space to deliver anesthetics or
morphine for pain control.
Estrogen
The female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen controls the development of physical sexual characteristics,
menstruation and pregnancy. Synthetic forms are used in oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, and
other various therapies.
Extravasation
Leakage into the surrounding tissues of intravenous fluids or drugs -- i.e. cancer chemotherapy drugs --
from the vein being used for the infusion or injection. Extravasation may damage tissues.
Frozen section
A procedure done by the pathologist during an operation to give the surgeon an immediate answer as to whether a
tissue is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Grade of Tumor
A way of describing tumors by their appearance under the microscope. Low-grade tumors are slow to grow and spread,
while high-grade tumors grow and spread rapidly.
Granulocyte
The most common type of white blood cell. Its function is to kill bacteria. This cell is also called a neutrophil,
poly, PMN.
Guiac test
A test to see if there is hidden blood in the stool.
Hematocrit
A way of measuring the red blood cell content of the blood. A low hematocrit is a sign of anemia.
Hematuria
Blood in the urine. This may be seen easily by the naked eye (gross hematuria) or it can be hidden
(microscopic hematuria).
Hemoglobin
A way of measuring the oxygen carrying ability of the blood.
Immunosupression
The state of having decreased immunity and thus being less able to fight off infection.
Intravenous (IV)
Within or through a vein.
Ileostomy
An artificial opening in the skin of the abdomen, leading to the small bowel.
Malaise
The feeling of tiredness, lack of drive.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells that spread are like those of the original cancer.
For example: Ovarian cancer cells may spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and cause the growth a of a new tumor.
When this happens, the disease is called metastatic ovarian cancer. It is important to note that the cancer is still
considered to be ovarian in origin because the tumor is made of abnormal ovarian cells.
Mucositis
Inflammation and soreness of mucous membranes such as tissue lining the mouth or throat. This is sometimes a side
effect of chemotherapy or radiation.
Nadir
The lowest point at which the blood counts drop after chemotherapy.
Nephrotoxic
Medications or drugs that are toxic to the kidneys.
Neuropathy
This is a side effect, often of chemotherapy drugs, that causes numbness and/or tingling.
Oophorectomy
The surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
Paracentesis
A procedure done by a physician in which fluid is taken out of the abdomen by a very thin cathete.
Petechiae
Small red spots under the skin caused by a low platelet count.
Protocol
A formalized outline or plan such as a description of what treatments a patient will receive and exactly when
each should be given.
Residual Disease or Residual Tumor
Cancer left behind after surgery or other treatment.
Stomatitis
Inflammation and soreness of the mouth. This is sometimes a side effect of
chemotherapy or radiation.
Transfusions
The infusion of any blood cell product. Example: red blood cells, platelets.
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