Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina, throat or many organs make and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.
Anoscopy: An exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an anoscope.
Angiograms: are special x-rays of the blood vessels. A dye that shows up on x-rays is injected into the bloodstream so that the vessels can be seen in detail. This test is also done to help plan surgery
Biopsy: A biopsy (in Greek: bios = life and opsy = look) is a medical examination involving the removal of cells/tissues to test them. The tissue is generally examined under a by a pathologist under a microscope, and can also be analyzed chemically.
Biological Therapy: Treatment to improve the body’s natural defenses against cancer or other diseases. The therapy is given by injection into a vein where the substances injected either control or destroy the diseased body cells and also help in increasing body’s resistance against diseases
Bone scan: It outlines the size, shape, and location of abnormal areas in the bone. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. This material collects in the bones and is detected by a special instrument called a scanner.
Bone marrow: Blood cells form in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones. Immature blood cells are called stem cells and blasts. Most blood cells mature in the bone marrow and then move into the blood vessels. The bone marrow makes different types of blood cells. Each type has a special function:
White blood cells help fight infection and diseases.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
Platelets help form blood clots that control bleeding.
Cancer: Transformation of normal cells in which they grow and multiply without normal controls. As the cells multiply, they form a mass called a tumor. Tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant. This means that they invade neighboring tissues because of their uncontrolled growth. Tumors overwhelm surrounding tissues by invading their space and taking the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function. Cells from malignant tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancer cells spread by breaking away from the original (primary) tumor and entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The cells invade other organs and form new tumors that damage these organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis
Chemotherapy: In chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells. A combination of three or more drugs is used. Chemotherapy can be given orally or by injection into a muscle or blood vessel. Chemotherapy is given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment and recovery period, and so on. Chemotherapy maybe used in combination with surgery for cancers. Sometimes, chemotherapy is used to shrink a tumor before surgery. It is also used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery to kill cancer cells that may remain in the body and to prevent the disease from recurring. In some cases, a patient may have chemotherapy both before and after surgery.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
Colposcopy: The doctor uses a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) to look at the cervix or vagina for abnormal cases. The colposcope combines a bright light with a magnifying lens to make tissue easier to see. It is not inserted into the vagina. A colposcopy is usually done in the doctor's office or clinic. Tissue samples may be taken using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
CT or CAT scan: Computed Axial Tomography is an x-ray procedure that gives detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body. The pictures are created by a computer.
Cystoscopy: A procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
D&C: Scraping of the uterine cavity.
Digital rectal exam: It is a part of a thorough regular health examination. During the digital rectal exam, the examiner inserts a gloved and lubricated finger in the rectum to feel the prostate for abnormalities. Digital refers to finger.
Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound: A procedure in which an ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
Endoscopy: The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) to look into your stomach. The doctor first numbs your throat with an anesthetic spray. You also may receive medicine to help you relax. The tube is passed through your mouth and esophagus to the stomach.
Endoscopic ultrasound: The doctor passes a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) down your throat. A probe at the end of the tube sends out sound waves that you cannot hear. The waves bounce off tissues in your stomach and other organs.
ERCP: Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatogram), is a special x-ray of the common bile duct. For this test, a long, flexible tube (endoscope) is passed down the patient's throat through the stomach and into the small intestine. A dye is injected into the common bile duct, and x-rays are taken. The doctor can also look through the endoscope and take tissue samples.
Gastritis: Long-term inflammation of the stomach lining
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs): HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer and anal cancer. HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix or anus. HPV infections are very common. These viruses can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. Most adults have been infected with HPV at some time in their lives. Some types of HPV can cause changes to anal and cervical cells. These changes can lead to genital warts, cancer, and other problems. Doctors may check for HPV even if there are no warts or other symptoms.
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus. In some cases the surgeon also removes fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Laparoscopy: A surgeon makes small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. The surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) into the abdomen. The surgeon may remove lymph nodes or take tissue samples for biopsy.
Laparotomy: It is an operation during which the doctor can look at organs in the abdomen and can remove tissue. The laparotomy helps the doctor determine the stage, or extent, of the disease. Knowing the stage helps the doctor plan treatment.
Lymphadenectomy: A surgical procedure in which lymph nodes are removed and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. This procedure is also called lymph node dissection. If the cancer is in the upper vagina, the pelvic lymph nodes may be removed. If the cancer is in the lower vagina, lymph nodes in the groin may be removed.
Lymphangiogram: A procedure used to x-ray the lymph system. A dye is injected into the lymph vessels in the feet. The dye travels upward through the lymph nodes and lymph vessels and x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages. This test helps find out whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Metastasis: The process of invading and spreading of cancer to other organs via bloodstream.
MRI: (magnetic resonance imaging) creates detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body. MRI uses a very strong magnet linked to a computer.
Orchidectomy: Removal of one or both testicles.
Pap test/smear: It is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. In a pap test a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. These cells are then viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal or any sign of cancerous cells is evident.
Partial (subtotal) gastrectomy: The surgeon removes the part of the stomach with cancer. The surgeon also may remove part of the esophagus or part of the small intestine. Nearby lymph nodes and other tissues may be removed.
Pelvic exenteration: Surgery to remove the lower colon, rectum, and bladder. In women, the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Artificial openings (stoma) are made for urine and stool to flow from the body into a collection bag.
Pernicious anemia: A blood disease that affects the stomach
Proctoscopy: An exam of the rectum using a short, lighted tube called a proctoscope. It is a procedure to look inside the rectum to check for abnormal areas. A proctoscope is inserted through the rectum. A proctoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is also called radiotherapy. It uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing and hence spreading to adjacent locations. In some cases, radiation therapy is used instead of surgery to destroy the tumor. This form of treatment can also be used to destroy cancer cells that remain in the area after surgery. The patient goes to the hospital or clinic each day for radiation treatments. Usually, treatments are given 5 days a week for 5 to 8 weeks.
External radiation: The radiation comes from a large machine outside the body.
Internal radiation (intracavitary radiation): In some cases like vaginal cancer, thin tubes (also called implants) containing a radioactive substance are left in the vagina for a few hours or up to 3 days. The woman may stay in the hospital during that time. To protect others from the radiation, the woman may not be able to have visitors or may have visitors for only a short period of time while the tubes are in place. Once the tubes are removed, no radioactivity is left in her body. Internal radiation may be repeated two or more times over several weeks.
Retinoblastoma: An uncommon cancer of the eye.
Skin grafting: Skin grafting may follow surgery, to repair or reconstruct the vagina. Skin grafting is a surgical procedure in which skin is moved from one part of the body to another. A piece of healthy skin is taken from a part of the body that is usually hidden, such as the buttock or thigh, and used to repair or rebuild the area treated with surgery.
Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given radiation therapy after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called adjuvant therapy.
Spinal tap: Also known as a lumbar puncture or "LP", a spinal tap is a procedure whereby spinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal for the purpose of diagnostic testing. It is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system and sometimes in cancers as well.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining an organ for exa. vagina. Squamous cell cancer spreads slowly and usually stays near the organ of origin, but may spread to the lungs and liver.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Due to the high and strong doses of medication to destroy the cancerous cells some patients with leukemia have stem cell transplantation. Since high doses of drugs, radiation, or both destroy both leukemia cells and normal blood cells in the bone marrow, therefore, later, the patient receives healthy stem cells through a flexible tube that is placed in a large vein in the neck or chest area. New blood cells develop from the transplanted stem cells. Various types of stem cell transplantation are:
Bone marrow transplantation — The stem cells come from bone marrow.
Peripheral stem cell transplantation — The stem cells come from peripheral blood.
Umbilical cord blood transplantation — For a child with no donor, the doctor may use stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The umbilical cord blood is from a newborn baby. Sometimes umbilical cord blood is frozen for use later.
Autologous stem cell transplantation — This type of transplant uses the patient’s own stem cells. The stem cells are removed from the patient, and the cells may be treated to kill any leukemia cells present. The stem cells are frozen and stored. After the patient receives high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the stored stem cells are thawed and returned to the patient.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation — This type of transplant uses healthy stem cells from a donor. The patient's brother, sister, or parent may be the donor. Sometimes the stem cells come from an unrelated donor. Doctors use blood tests to be sure the donor’s cells match the patient’s cells.
Syngeneic stem cell transplantation — This type of transplant uses stem cells from the patient’s healthy identical twin.
After a stem cell transplant, patients usually stay in the hospital for several weeks. The health care team protects patients from infection until the transplanted stem cells begin to produce enough white blood cells.
Total gastrectomy: The doctor removes the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the esophagus and small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. The spleen also may be removed. The surgeon then connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine. The surgeon makes a new "stomach" out of tissue from the intestine.
TURP: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (also known as TURP, plural TURPs and as a transurethral prostatic resection TUPR) is a urological operation. As the name indicates, it is performed by visualising the prostate through the urethra and removing tissue by sharp dissection.
Tumors: Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. Body cells also die when they grow old and new cells replace these older ones. This process of generation and degeneration takes place inside the body as and when required. Sometimes, this process goes wrong and new cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Tumors are of two types:
Benign tumors are not cancer. They can generally be removed and are rarely life threatening. They rarely grow back or invade the tissues around them and hence don’t spread to other parts of body. These types of tumors may be polyps, cysts and genital warts.
Malignant tumors are cancer and are more serious as hey are life threatening. They can also be removed surgically but they have a tendency to grow back. These types of tumors have cells that can invade or damage the organs or tissues around them and hence can spread to other parts of the body.
Upper GI series: The doctor orders x-rays of your esophagus and stomach. The x-rays are taken after you drink a barium solution. The solution makes your stomach show up more clearly on the x-rays
Ureteroscopy: A procedure to look inside the ureters to check for abnormal areas to diagnose fibroids in uterus. A ureteroscope is inserted through the bladder and into the ureters. A ureteroscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. A ureteroscopy and cystoscopy may be done during the same procedure.
Vaginectomy: Surgery to remove all or part of the vagina
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