Name: Gynaecological Cancer Glossary
Published: 2026-10-13

A

ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)Also called: Ayushman Bharat Health Account: A 14-digit health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. With the patient's consent, it can help link health records across providers. It is not health insurance and does not decide eligibility for government schemes. Read more: Records and the change of hospital
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)Also called: ANC, neutrophil count: The number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight infection, in a sample of blood. It shows directly how many infection-fighting cells are available. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Adjuvant treatment: Treatment given after the main treatment, usually surgery, to lower the chance that the cancer returns. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common examples. Read more: Will I need chemotherapy or radiation as well as surgery?
Anaemia (low haemoglobin)Also called: low haemoglobin, low red blood cells: A shortage of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It can cause tiredness, weakness, breathlessness and dizziness. Chemotherapy can cause it, and treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance): A Pap smear result meaning some cells look slightly abnormal, but the pathologist cannot say for certain what is causing the change. It is common and does not mean cancer. The next step, often an HPV test, depends on your age, your HPV result and your previous reports. Read more: Abnormal Pap smear: ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and CIN 1–3 explained
Ascites: A build-up of fluid inside the abdomen that can cause swelling, bloating and a feeling of fullness. It can happen with some cancers, including ovarian cancer, and the fluid can be drained and tested. Read more: Ovarian cancer; Ovarian cyst: benign or cancer?; Ovarian cancer or abdominal TB?
Atypical hyperplasiaAlso called: atypical endometrial hyperplasia: Thickening of the uterine lining with cell changes that are not cancer but can develop into cancer over time. It needs specialist review and a clear follow-up plan. Read more: Thick endometrium and postmenopausal bleeding: what the biopsy shows

B

Benign: Not cancer. A benign growth does not spread to other parts of the body, although it may still need treatment if it causes symptoms.
Biopsy: A small sample of tissue taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope. It is the test that confirms whether cancer is present and what type it is. Read more: Understanding a cancer diagnosis; Ovarian cancer or abdominal TB?; Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Blood transfusionAlso called: transfusion: Giving blood components, such as red blood cells or platelets, from a screened donor through a drip into a vein. It is used when anaemia has symptoms, when platelets are very low, or for serious bleeding. The effect usually comes quickly, and transfusion carries risks, so it is given when the benefit is clear. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression)Also called: myelosuppression: A common side effect of some chemotherapy, in which the bone marrow makes fewer blood cells. It can lower neutrophils, red blood cells and platelets. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Bone mineral density (BMD)Also called: bone density: The amount of mineral, mainly calcium, in a given area of bone. It is measured with a DXA scan and helps show how strong the bones are and how likely they are to break. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause
Borderline ovarian tumourAlso called: low malignant potential tumour, LMP tumour: An ovarian tumour with abnormal cell growth that is not clearly invasive cancer, because it does not show the destructive invasion that defines invasive cancer. It is usually managed differently from invasive cancer, and fertility-sparing options may be considered for younger women in selected situations. The final diagnosis comes from examining the whole tissue sample. Read more: Ovarian cancer: surgery first or chemotherapy first?
Brachytherapy: A form of radiotherapy in which the radiation source is placed inside the body, in or next to the tumour. It is often used in the treatment of cervical cancer and some uterine cancers.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Genes that normally help repair damage to DNA. Inherited changes (mutations) in these genes raise the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, among others. Genetic testing and counselling can show whether a person carries such a change. Read more: Ovarian Cancer in the Family: Who Should Get BRCA Testing?; Radiation and Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: Chemoradiation vs Surgery; Could my cancer be hereditary?

C

CA-125: A protein measured with a blood test. Levels can be raised in ovarian cancer, but also in non-cancer conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, infection and menstruation, so it cannot diagnose cancer on its own. It is used together with scans and examination, and to follow how well treatment is working. Read more: Stage 3 and 4 Ovarian Cancer: Survival, CA-125 and PARP Inhibitors Explained; Ovarian cancer symptoms women should not ignore; Ovarian cyst: benign or cancer?; Ovarian cancer or abdominal TB?
Calcium: A mineral needed to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Food is the best source where possible, such as milk, curd, paneer, ragi, sesame seeds, leafy vegetables and small fish eaten with their bones. Supplements are used to fill a gap, as your doctor advises. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause
CarcinosarcomaAlso called: malignant mixed Müllerian tumour: A rare and aggressive uterine cancer with two kinds of tissue: carcinoma (cancer of the lining-type cells) and sarcoma-like (connective tissue) parts. It is a different disease from uterine sarcoma, and it is managed by a gynaecological oncology team. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
CaregiverAlso called: carer: A family member or friend who helps with daily needs, medicines, appointments and emotional support during treatment. Caring for someone is demanding, so sharing the tasks and looking after your own health matter too. Read more: Family guide: caring for someone at home
Catastrophic health expenditure: Health spending that takes a large share of household income. Some Indian studies define it as out-of-pocket payments above 25% of annual household income. Planning the financial side early can reduce this risk. Read more: Why cost should be discussed at the start of treatment
Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina. Read more: Cervical cancer
Chemoradiation: Treatment that gives radiation and chemotherapy at the same time. In cervical cancer this usually means external radiation with weekly cisplatin, often followed by brachytherapy. Read more: Radiation and Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: Chemoradiation vs Surgery
Chemotherapy: Medicines that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, given into a vein or as tablets, usually in cycles with rest periods in between. Read more: Chemotherapy for Gynaecological Cancer: Side Effects, Diet and Fever; Family guide: caring for someone at home
CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia)Also called: cervical pre-cancer, dysplasia: Abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix that are not cancer but could become cancer over time if they are not treated. CIN is graded 1, 2 or 3 according to how much of the cervical lining is affected. Read more: Cervical screening and HPV vaccination
Clear-cell carcinoma: A rare type of endometrial cancer whose cells look pale or clear under the microscope. It is treated as high-grade and is more aggressive than endometrioid cancer. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Colposcopy: An examination in which a doctor uses a magnifying instrument (a colposcope) to look closely at the cervix, and sometimes the vagina and vulva. Small samples can be taken from any abnormal area. Read more: Colposcopy in Kolkata
Conisation (cone biopsy)Also called: LEEP, LLETZ: Removal of a small cone-shaped piece of the cervix. It is used to diagnose, and in some cases to treat, pre-cancerous changes or a very early cancer of the cervix.
Core biopsyAlso called: core needle biopsy: A tissue sample taken with a hollow needle before treatment starts, used to confirm the diagnosis. It is different from a frozen section, which is examined during an operation.
CT scan: An imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed cross-section pictures of the inside of the body. It helps show the size of a cancer and whether it has spread.
Cytoreductive surgeryAlso called: debulking surgery: An operation to remove as much visible tumour as possible, most often used for ovarian cancer. How much tumour is left behind after the operation is an important part of the outlook. Read more: Ovarian Cancer: Surgery First or Chemotherapy First?; Ovarian cancer

D

Dilation and curettage (D&C): A minor procedure in which the cervix is gently opened and tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed for testing, for example when there is abnormal bleeding. Read more: Thick Endometrium and Postmenopausal Bleeding: What 5 mm, 10 mm and "Thickened" Mean
DXA scan (DEXA)Also called: DEXA scan, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone density scan: A quick, low-dose X-ray test that measures bone density, usually at the hip and spine. It helps identify osteopenia and osteoporosis. Doctors may suggest a baseline scan after early menopause from treatment, or when starting aromatase inhibitor medicines. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause

E

Empanelled hospitalAlso called: Empanelment, Network hospital: A hospital approved and listed by an insurer or government scheme, so that patients can receive cashless treatment there. Empanelment can change, so confirm it for your specific treatment. Read more: Choosing the Right Hospital for Gynaecological Cancer in Kolkata; Choosing a hospital beyond size and reputation; Government or Private Cancer Hospital in Kolkata? How to Compare
Endometrial cancerAlso called: uterine cancer, womb cancer: Cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus. It is the most common type of uterine cancer, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, is its most common warning sign. Read more: Uterine cancer; Uterine cancer awareness; Thick Endometrium and Postmenopausal Bleeding: What 5 mm, 10 mm and "Thickened" Mean; Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN)Also called: EIN, endometrial precancer: A precancerous change in the lining of the uterus in which the glands and cells look abnormal under the microscope. EIN is not endometrial cancer, but it can progress to cancer, and a cancer may already be present elsewhere in the lining even when the biopsy shows only EIN. It needs specialist assessment. Treatment usually means removing the uterus (hysterectomy), and selected women may be offered progestin treatment with repeat biopsies. Read more: Thick Endometrium and Postmenopausal Bleeding: What 5 mm, 10 mm and "Thickened" Mean
Endometrioid carcinomaAlso called: endometrioid adenocarcinoma: The most common type of endometrial cancer. Its cells resemble the normal lining of the womb, and it is graded from 1 to 3 according to how much of the tumour grows in solid sheets. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Endometriosis: A long-lasting condition in which tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the lining of the pelvis. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain and difficulty becoming pregnant. It is not cancer, but it can form cysts on the ovary called endometriomas.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus (womb). It normally thickens during the menstrual cycle and is shed as a period if there is no pregnancy. After menopause it is usually thin, so a thick lining at that stage needs checking. Some forms of thickening, such as endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), are precancerous. Read more: Thick Endometrium and Postmenopausal Bleeding: What 5 mm, 10 mm and "Thickened" Mean
External beam radiotherapy: Radiotherapy delivered by a machine that directs high-energy beams at the tumour from outside the body, usually given on a series of days.

F

Fallopian tubes: The two narrow tubes that carry an egg from each ovary to the uterus. Some cancers once thought to begin in the ovary are now known to start in the fallopian tube.
Fertility-sparing treatment: Approaches that aim to keep the ability to have a child, such as leaving the uterus or an ovary in place, or freezing eggs, embryos or ovarian tissue before treatment. Some options have to be used before treatment starts, so raise the subject at the first planning conversation. Read more: Can I still have children after treatment?; Can I Have Children After Gynaecological Cancer?
FibroidAlso called: uterine fibroid, leiomyoma: A non-cancerous (benign) growth made of muscle cells in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are very common in women of reproductive age. Many cause no symptoms, but some cause heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or problems with pregnancy. Treatment depends on the symptoms, and fibroids do not usually turn into cancer. Read more: Fibroid or uterine cancer? Know the facts
FIGO staging: The staging system of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, used for gynaecological cancers. Stages are numbered I to IV, with letters for sub-divisions, and the stage guides which treatments are suitable. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Folate receptor alpha (FRα) testAlso called: FRα: A laboratory test on a tumour sample that shows how much folate receptor alpha protein the cancer cells carry. In ovarian cancer, a high level can decide whether a targeted medicine such as mirvetuximab is considered. Read more: Ovarian Cancer: When Treatment Stops Working
Frozen sectionAlso called: intraoperative frozen section, frozen section examination: A rapid microscope examination of a small piece of tissue taken during an operation. The tissue is frozen, thinly sliced and stained, and the pathologist gives the surgeon a provisional opinion during the operation, such as benign, borderline or malignant. This can help decide how much surgery to do at that time. It is not the final diagnosis, which comes from examining the whole specimen afterwards. Read more: Ovarian cancer: surgery first or chemotherapy first?
Full blood count (CBC)Also called: CBC, haemogram, complete blood count: A blood test that measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It is usually done before each chemotherapy cycle to check whether the body has recovered enough for the next dose. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?

G

G-CSF (growth-factor injection)Also called: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: An injected medicine that encourages the bone marrow to make neutrophils more quickly. Your team may use it for some regimens, depending on the risk of serious infection. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD): A group of rare conditions in which the cells that would normally form the placenta grow abnormally after conception. It includes molar pregnancy and, less often, cancers that need chemotherapy. Most cases can be treated successfully with careful follow-up. Read more: GTD and molar pregnancy
Tumour gradeAlso called: grade: How abnormal the cancer cells look under the microscope. Higher-grade cells tend to grow and spread faster. Grade is different from stage, and both matter for planning. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
Gynaecological oncologist: A doctor trained in both gynaecology and cancer surgery who treats cancers of the female reproductive organs and works alongside medical and radiation oncologists. Read more: Which doctor should I see?

H

HaemoglobinAlso called: Hb: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Its level is measured in a blood test. A low level is called anaemia.
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): A hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. In gestational trophoblastic disease it is measured by blood tests after treatment to check that levels fall to normal and stay there.
HE4 (human epididymis protein 4): A protein measured with a blood test. Like CA-125, it can be raised in ovarian cancer, but common non-cancer conditions raise it less often. It is often combined with CA-125 in a risk score called ROMA. HE4 has its own limits, so it is used together with scans and examination. Read more: Ovarian cyst: benign or cancer?
HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy): Heated chemotherapy liquid that is circulated inside the abdomen, usually straight after cytoreductive surgery, to treat microscopic cancer cells that may remain on the surface of abdominal organs. It is used only in selected patients, and your team will explain whether it is suitable for you.
HistopathologyAlso called: Histology: Examination of tissue removed during a biopsy or surgery, under a microscope, to confirm the type of cancer and how aggressive it looks. Original slides or blocks may be needed by a new team. Read more: Why the original reports matter when changing hospital
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)Also called: HRT: Tablets, patches or gels containing oestrogen, sometimes with progesterone, used to relieve menopause symptoms, including menopause brought on by surgery. It is different from the hormone therapy given to treat cancer. Read more: Menopause and sexual health after gynaecological cancer treatment
Hormone therapy: Treatment that lowers or blocks hormones to slow the growth of cancers that depend on them. In gynaecological cancer it may be used for some hormone-sensitive uterine cancers. It is different from hormone replacement treatment for menopause symptoms.
Hospital accreditation (NABH and ESGO)Also called: NABH, ESGO accreditation: A formal quality review of a hospital or a cancer surgery service. NABH assesses a hospital against national standards for patient safety and quality. ESGO accredits centres for advanced ovarian cancer surgery against its quality indicators. Accreditation shows the organisation meets a standard, but it does not guarantee the result of an individual operation. Read more: Government or Private Cancer Hospital in Kolkata? How to Compare
HPV (human papillomavirus): A very common group of viruses spread by skin-to-skin contact. Most infections clear by themselves, but long-lasting infection with certain high-risk types causes almost all cervical cancers. A vaccine protects against the most important types. Read more: HPV Positive: What Next? HPV 16/18, Dormancy and the HPV Vaccine; The HPV vaccine in India; Cervical screening and HPV vaccination
HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): A Pap smear result describing more marked changes in the cervical cells and a higher chance of significant precancer. It does not confirm cancer, but it usually needs prompt colposcopy and a biopsy. Read more: Abnormal Pap smear: ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and CIN 1–3 explained
Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus. In cancer care it may be simple (uterus only) or radical, which also removes the tissue around the uterus and sometimes the top of the vagina. The ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed at the same time. Read more: How long does recovery take?
Hysteroscopy: Looking inside the uterus with a thin, lighted camera passed through the vagina and cervix. A sample of the lining can be taken at the same time, for example to investigate abnormal bleeding. Read more: Thick Endometrium and Postmenopausal Bleeding: What 5 mm, 10 mm and "Thickened" Mean

I

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)Also called: IHC, tissue staining: A laboratory method that uses coloured antibody stains on a tissue sample to show whether particular proteins are present. It is used for tests such as MMR and p53 on biopsies.
Immunotherapy: Treatment that helps the body's own immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is used for some gynaecological cancers in selected patients.

K

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgeryAlso called: minimally invasive surgery: An operation done through several small cuts using a camera and long instruments. It usually means less pain and a quicker recovery, but it is not the best choice for every cancer, so ask your surgeon which approach suits your diagnosis. Read more: Is keyhole or robotic surgery always better?

L

Lactation (breastfeeding)Also called: breastfeeding, breast milk production: Making breast milk and feeding a baby from the breast. After gynaecological cancer treatment, breastfeeding may be possible, but its safety depends on the medicines received, the time since the last dose and whether treatment is continuing. Some chemotherapy, hormone, targeted and immunotherapy medicines pass into breast milk and can harm a baby, so a doctor or pharmacist should check each medicine first. Read more: Can I breastfeed after gynaecological cancer treatment?
Lichen sclerosus: A long-term skin condition, most often of the vulva, that makes the skin thin, white, itchy or sore and can scar the tissue. It can also affect the skin around the anus. It is not cancer, but it raises the risk of vulval cancer, so it needs regular check-ups and treatment. Read more: Vulval cancer
LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): A Pap smear result describing mild changes in the surface cells of the cervix, most often linked to HPV infection. Many LSIL changes go away without treatment, especially in younger women. Follow-up depends on your age and HPV test result. Read more: Abnormal Pap smear: ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and CIN 1–3 explained
Lymph nodesAlso called: lymph glands: Small bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and are part of the immune system. Cancer cells can travel to nearby lymph nodes, so whether the nodes are affected is an important part of staging.
LymphadenectomyAlso called: lymph node dissection: An operation to remove a group of lymph nodes so that they can be examined for cancer. It can be done together with the main cancer operation.
LymphoedemaAlso called: lymphedema: Long-lasting swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid, most often in a leg, after lymph nodes are removed or treated with radiation. Early attention can lower the risk or stop it getting worse, so report new swelling, heaviness or tightness in a leg or the groin promptly. Read more: What is lymphoedema, and can it be prevented?

M

Maintenance treatment: Medicine given after the main treatment, often for a long period, to lower the risk that the cancer comes back. It may be a tablet or an infusion. Some maintenance medicines also need a break from breastfeeding, so check with your team. Read more: Ovarian cancer treatment
Malignant: Cancerous. A malignant tumour can grow into nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.
Surgical marginsAlso called: clear margins: The edge of the tissue removed in an operation. If the pathologist finds no cancer cells at the edge, the margins are described as clear, which suggests the whole tumour was removed.
Menopause (surgical): When both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, or are damaged by treatment, menopause begins suddenly rather than gradually. Hot flushes, sleep changes and dryness are common, and there are ways to ease them, so ask your team. Read more: Menopause and sexual health after gynaecological cancer treatment
MetastasisAlso called: metastatic, secondary cancer: The spread of cancer from where it started to another part of the body. The new growths are made of the same type of cancer cell as the original tumour.
Mismatch repair deficiency (MMR)Also called: MMR, MMR-d: A tumour in which some of the cell's DNA repair proteins are missing. It is found with a stain on the biopsy sample, and it can affect treatment choices, including immunotherapy in some advanced or recurrent cancers.
Molar pregnancyAlso called: hydatidiform mole: A pregnancy in which the placental tissue grows abnormally and a baby does not develop normally. It is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease and needs follow-up blood tests to be sure that all the abnormal tissue has gone. Read more: GTD and molar pregnancy
Molecular classificationAlso called: molecular subtypes: Grouping of endometrial cancers by features in their genes and proteins: POLE mutation, mismatch repair deficiency, p53 abnormality, and no specific molecular profile. The 2023 FIGO staging system uses these groups alongside the stage. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
MRI scan: An imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of soft tissue. In gynaecological cancer it is often used to assess the size and extent of a tumour in the pelvis.
Mucinous ovarian tumourAlso called: mucinous tumour: An ovarian tumour whose cells produce mucus-like material. These tumours can be very large and can contain benign, borderline and invasive areas in the same mass, which makes diagnosis at frozen section harder. Read more: Ovarian cancer: surgery first or chemotherapy first?
Multidisciplinary team (tumour board)Also called: MDT, tumour board: A meeting where surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists review a case together and agree on a recommended plan, so that the advice does not rest on one opinion. Read more: How is a treatment plan decided?
MyometriumAlso called: uterine muscle: The thick muscle layer in the wall of the uterus. On MRI, doctors check how deeply a cancer has grown into the myometrium, and this affects the stage.

N

Neoadjuvant treatment: Treatment given before the main treatment, usually surgery, to shrink the cancer and make it easier to treat.
Neutropenia (low white blood cells)Also called: low neutrophils: A fall in the white blood cells that fight infection, which can happen during chemotherapy. When it happens, an infection can become serious quickly, so a fever during treatment needs an immediate call to the team. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?; Family guide: caring for someone at home; Chemotherapy: side effects, diet and fever

O

O-RADSAlso called: ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system: A scoring system from the American College of Radiology that places an ovarian cyst or mass seen on ultrasound or MRI into a category from 0 to 5, based on how it looks. Each category has an estimated chance of cancer. The higher the category, the greater the need for expert review. It is not a diagnosis on its own. Read more: Ovarian cyst: benign or cancer?
OophorectomyAlso called: removal of the ovary: Surgery to remove one or both ovaries. Removing the fallopian tube as well is called salpingo-oophorectomy.
OsteopeniaAlso called: low bone mass: Bone density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be called osteoporosis. It means bones are at higher risk of weakening over time, so exercise, enough calcium and vitamin D, and a medical review are important. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause
OsteoporosisAlso called: fragile bones, porous bones: A condition in which bones become thinner, weaker and more likely to break, sometimes after a minor fall. Falling oestrogen after menopause speeds up bone loss, so women who have both ovaries removed early may be at higher risk. It is usually confirmed with a bone density (DXA) scan. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause
Ovarian cystAlso called: ovarian cysts: A fluid-filled sac that forms in or on an ovary. Many cysts go away on their own, and most are not cancer. Doctors judge the risk from how the cyst looks on a scan, often using an O-RADS score, and cysts that are not clearly benign are followed up with care. Read more: Ovarian cyst: benign or cancer?
Ovarian transposition: A surgical step, done before pelvic radiotherapy in selected women, that moves the ovaries out of the radiation field. It does not guarantee that the ovaries will keep working, and it must be decided before treatment starts. Read more: Menopause and sexual health after gynaecological cancer treatment
Ovary: One of the two small organs, one on each side of the uterus, that store eggs and make the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Read more: Ovarian cancer

P

p53 proteinAlso called: TP53: A protein that helps control cell growth and repair damaged DNA. A change in p53 is one of the molecular features tested on an endometrial biopsy, and it is seen more often in aggressive types such as serous carcinoma.
Palliative (supportive) care: Specialist care that focuses on easing symptoms and improving comfort and quality of life. It can be given alongside cancer treatment at any stage, not only at the end of life.
Pap smearAlso called: Pap test, cervical screening: A screening test in which cells are gently collected from the cervix and examined for changes that could turn into cancer if untreated. An HPV test is often done as well, or instead. Read more: Abnormal Pap Smear: ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and CIN 1–3 Explained; Cervical screening and HPV vaccination
PARP inhibitor: A tablet that blocks a protein cancer cells use to repair their DNA. It is used as maintenance treatment for some ovarian cancers, particularly when tests show a BRCA change or related gene change.
Pathologist: A doctor who specialises in diagnosing disease by examining tissue and cells under a microscope. The pathologist writes the pathology report, which is the basis of the diagnosis.
Pathology report: The document written by a pathologist after studying tissue under the microscope. It describes the type of cancer, its grade and size, whether the margins are clear and whether lymph nodes are involved. Read more: Stage 3 and 4 Ovarian Cancer: Survival, CA-125 and PARP Inhibitors Explained; Understanding a cancer diagnosis; Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
PET-CT scan: A scan that combines a CT scan with a small amount of a radioactive sugar tracer. Cancer cells often take up more of the tracer, so the scan can help show whether cancer has spread.
PlateletsAlso called: thrombocytes: Small blood components that help the blood clot and stop bleeding. Chemotherapy can lower them. When the count is low, bruising and bleeding become more likely. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant: Terms describing how a cancer behaves with platinum drugs such as carboplatin. A recurrence more than six months after platinum treatment is platinum-sensitive and may respond to platinum again. One that returns within six months, or grows during treatment, is platinum-resistant and usually needs a different approach. Read more: Ovarian Cancer: When Treatment Stops Working; Stage 3 and 4 Ovarian Cancer
PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat)Also called: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: The national health protection scheme. It covers hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals. Cancer treatment is in the package list, but coverage depends on the package, the hospital and the patient's eligibility. Read more: Government schemes and the cost of treatment; Government or Private Cancer Hospital in Kolkata? How to Compare
POLE mutationAlso called: POLE: A change in the POLE gene, which takes part in DNA repair. Tumours with this change usually have a favourable outlook, and it is one of the molecular tests on an endometrial biopsy.
Pre-authorisationAlso called: Pre-authorization: Approval from an insurer or government scheme before a treatment or procedure, so that its cost is covered. Ask the hospital's insurance or scheme desk whether it is needed, and get the answer in writing. Read more: Cancer Treatment Costs in Kolkata: Estimates and Financial Help; Questions to ask the insurance or scheme desk; Government or Private Cancer Hospital in Kolkata? How to Compare

R

RadiotherapyAlso called: radiation therapy: Treatment with high-energy radiation, given either by a machine outside the body (external beam) or placed inside the body next to the tumour (brachytherapy).
Recurrence: Cancer that comes back after treatment, either in the same place or elsewhere in the body. Planned follow-up visits aim to find any recurrence early.
Remission: Signs of cancer have reduced or disappeared on tests. Doctors are careful about the word cured, which is why follow-up continues after remission.
Robotic surgeryAlso called: robot-assisted surgery: Keyhole surgery in which the surgeon controls the instruments from a console, with a magnified three-dimensional view. The surgeon, not the robot, makes every decision and movement. Read more: Robotic Surgery for Gynaecological Cancer: What It Can Improve and What It Cannot; Is keyhole or robotic surgery always better?

S

Salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove a fallopian tube and the ovary on the same side. When both sides are removed it is called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Screening: Testing people who have no symptoms in order to find cancer or pre-cancer early. Cervical screening exists and works; there is no routine screening test for ovarian or uterine cancer, which is why new symptoms should be checked promptly.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Testing only the first lymph node or nodes that drain the tumour, instead of removing a whole group. If the sentinel node is clear, further node removal may not be needed.
Serous carcinoma: A less common and more aggressive type of endometrial cancer. Its cells behave more like some ovarian and fallopian tube cancers, and it is treated as high-grade. Read more: Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
StagingAlso called: stage: A description of how large the cancer is and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. The stage guides which treatments are suitable and lets teams discuss outlook in a consistent way. Read more: Diagnosis versus staging
SurveillanceAlso called: follow-up: Planned check-ups after treatment to find any return of cancer early and to manage side effects. They are usually closer together in the first couple of years and are then spaced out. Read more: How often will I need follow-up visits?; Life after treatment

T

Targeted therapy: Medicines designed to act on specific features of cancer cells, such as a particular protein or gene change. They are chosen according to the results of tests on the tumour.
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)Also called: low platelets: A fall in the platelet count. It can cause easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding or heavier periods. Bleeding is more likely when the count is very low, so report any new bleeding to your team promptly. Read more: Why do blood counts fall during chemotherapy?
Transformation zone: The part of the cervix where the lining changes from one type of cell to another. Most precancerous changes happen here, so colposcopy aims to see all of it. Abnormal tissue can extend into the cervical canal, where it is not always visible. Read more: Abnormal Pap smear: ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and CIN 1–3 explained; Colposcopy in Kolkata
Tumour: An abnormal lump of tissue formed when cells grow more than they should. A tumour can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Tumour marker: A substance, often measured in the blood, that may be raised when cancer is present. Markers such as CA-125 help to follow a treatment but cannot diagnose cancer on their own.

U

Ultrasound scanAlso called: transvaginal scan: An imaging test that uses sound waves to make pictures of the organs in the pelvis. It may be done over the abdomen or with a slim probe placed in the vagina (a transvaginal scan).
Uterine sarcomaAlso called: leiomyosarcoma: A rare cancer that starts in the muscle or supporting tissue of the uterus rather than in its inner lining. It is a different disease from endometrial cancer, and its treatment can differ. Leiomyosarcoma is the most common type. Read more: Uterine cancer; Uterine biopsy report explained: grade, serous, clear-cell and carcinosarcoma
UterusAlso called: womb: The hollow, pear-shaped organ in the pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy. Its lining is called the endometrium and its lower end is the cervix. Read more: Uterine cancer

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Vagina: The muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. Read more: Vaginal cancer
Vaginal dilator: A smooth, tube-shaped device made in graded sizes. It is used gently and regularly after radiotherapy or surgery to keep the vagina open and flexible, and it can make examinations easier. Your team will advise when to start and which size to use. It is a support measure, not a medicine. Read more: Menopause and sexual health after gynaecological cancer treatment
Vaginal oestrogen: A low-dose oestrogen cream, tablet or ring placed in the vagina. It works mainly on the local tissue, and much less enters the bloodstream than with systemic HRT. Your oncologist must confirm that it is suitable for you. Read more: Menopause and sexual health after gynaecological cancer treatment
Vitamin D: A vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy. The body makes it from sunlight, and it is also found in some foods and supplements. Low levels are common and can be checked with a blood test (25-hydroxy vitamin D). Do not take high-dose vitamin D without medical advice. Read more: Bone health after surgical menopause
Vulva: The outer part of the female genitals, including the inner and outer lips and the clitoris. Read more: Vulval cancer

Gynaecological cancer glossary

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Further reading and review

Gynaecological cancer glossary

Find a term, in plain language

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

Further reading and review

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