If you’ve received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, you might be feeling overwhelmed with medical jargon. It’s common to encounter various terms, and while you may not have the time to ask your healthcare provider for clarity, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the language associated with your condition. Below is a compilation of key terms and their meanings that are frequently referenced in discussions about ovarian cancer.
If you’re seeking additional support or information about clinical trials, check out our Resources page. For a deeper dive into ovarian cancer, including staging and treatment options, visit our comprehensive Ovarian Cancer article. We also provide insights into managing ovarian cancer during pregnancy. We wish you strength and success in your journey against ovarian cancer.
Key Ovarian Cancer Definitions
A
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: This term refers to chemotherapy given after a conservative surgery aimed at removing cancerous growths.
- Aggressive: When cancer is classified as aggressive, it indicates a rapid growth and spread rate, often outpacing treatment options like chemotherapy or radiation.
- Ascites: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often seen in advanced ovarian cancer due to the spread of cancer cells to the peritoneum. This fluid buildup can lead to discomfort and other complications.
B
- Benign: A term used to describe a tumor that is not cancerous. Such growths are typically referred to simply as tumors.
- Biopsy: A procedure where a sample of tissue or fluid is extracted for laboratory analysis to determine if a tumor is malignant (cancerous) or benign.
- Bladder: An organ that stores urine, positioned beneath the uterus. Cancer can sometimes spread to this area.
C
- CA 125: This cancer marker, known as Cancer Antigen 125, is tested to help confirm a malignancy. It is not found in noncancerous cells and is not routinely tested in all suspected ovarian cancer cases.
- Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Ovarian cancer can occasionally spread to this area.
- Chemotherapy: The use of potent medications to combat cancer, often involving a combination of drugs targeting different aspects of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways including intravenously (IV), intraperitoneally (IP), or orally. Notably, during pregnancy, chemotherapy is typically recommended only in the second and third trimesters, with no confirmed evidence of fetal malformations.
For more information on the types of chemotherapy drugs used, you can refer to the American Cancer Society’s website.
- Conservative Surgery: This approach involves removing accessible cancerous growths when complete surgery isn’t feasible due to health conditions or pregnancy.
- Cystectomy: The surgical removal of the bladder, which may be necessary if cancer has spread there. An ovarian cystectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal of cysts from the ovary, which may or may not be linked to cancer.
- Cytology: The study of cells, often conducted on fluid samples to check for cancerous cells and tumor markers like CA 125.
Understanding these terms is an important step in navigating your ovarian cancer journey. If you’re considering at-home insemination, you can explore options like Make a Mom for reusable options or learn about the process through this guide. Additionally, for those in Las Vegas looking for a sperm donor, Vegas Pregnancy offers a free matching service. For more insights on at-home insemination, see our blog post here.
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In summary, familiarizing yourself with these terms can empower you in discussions about your diagnosis and treatment options. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to guide you through your journey.