Glossary
Benign: Not cancer.
CA 125: A substance in the blood that may increase in the presence of some cancerous tumors.
Cyst: A sac or pouch filled with fluid.
Cystectomy: Surgical removal of a cyst.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.
Laparoscope: An instrument that is inserted through a small incision to view internal organs or to perform surgery.
Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a small incision. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery.
Malignant: A term used to describe cells or tumors that are able to invade tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Menopause: The time in a woman’s life when menstruation stops; defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 1 year.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Surgery done through a very small incision.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.
Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both of the ovaries.
Ovary: One of the paired organs in the female reproductive system that contain the eggs released at ovulation and produce hormones.
Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.
Transducer: A device that emits sound waves and translates the echoes into electrical signals.
Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures.