Information for the public
Explanation of medical terms
Explanation of medical terms
Abdomen
The part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. It contains many of the body's organs, such as the stomach, intestine, liver and kidneys.
CA125
A protein that most women have in their blood. The level of CA125 may be higher in women with ovarian cancer because it is sometimes produced by ovarian cancer cells. However, the level of CA125 can also be raised in women who have other conditions.
Chemotherapy
A type of treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. A course of chemotherapy normally involves several cycles of treatment.
Clinical trial
Clinical trials test new treatments to see how well they work and what their side effects are.
CT (computerised tomography) scan
A scan that makes a picture of a part of the body by taking a series of X-rays.
Fibroids
Non-cancerous growths in the womb (uterus). Fibroids are most common in women under 50.
Gynaecologist
A doctor who specialises in conditions and diseases that affect women and their reproductive systems.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Treatment that helps with the symptoms of the menopause by 'topping up' low levels of the female sex hormones.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common gut disorder, the exact causes of which are not known. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort that can be relieved by going to the toilet (passing stools), changes in bowel habit (constipation or diarrhoea) and abdominal bloating.
Laparoscopic biopsy
A small operation under general anaesthetic in which a thin fibre-optic tube called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut. This enables the doctor to take a biopsy.
Lymph nodes
A network of glands found throughout the body that are involved in fighting infection and cancer.
Pelvic area
The part of the body below the navel (belly button) and above the hips.
Percutaneous image-guided biopsy
A procedure carried out under local anaesthetic in which tissue samples are taken by inserting a needle through the skin.