Glossary of Terms
Here are the definitions of just some of the words you see used on this site...
cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
cervix
Necklike opening to the uterus.
clitoris
A small mass of erectile tissue situated at the anterior apex of the vestibule.
dermatologist
A specialist expert in the treatment of disorders of the skin.
gynaecologic cancer
Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
gynaecological oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.
gynaecologist
A medical doctor who specialises in gynaecology and diseases affecting the female reproductive system. A gynaecologist who treats cancer is a gynaecological oncologist.
gynaecology
The area of medicine which involves the treatment of women's diseases, esp. those of the reproductive organs.
Human Papilloma Virus
aka condyloma acuminata
A disease caused by the human papilloma virus characterised by a soft wart-like growth on the genitalia (for example penis, vulva). In adults this infection is most commonly transmitted sexually.
Genital warts are very common and are increasing in incidence. Safe sex practices, such as using condoms can help decrease the risk of infection. Treatment includes several topical agents to eradicate the lesions, cryosurgery, laser therapy, electrocauterisation or surgical removal.
hysterectomy
The operation of excising the uterus, performed either through the abdominal wall or through the vagina.
lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
aka white spot disease and csillag's disease
A chronic, atrophic skin disease characterised by white, angular, flat, well-defined, indurated papules with an erythematous halo and follicular, black, keratotic plugs. It is the most common cause of kraurosis vulvae in females and balanitis xerotica obliterans in males.
lymphoedema
A condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling. It may occur in the arm or leg after lymph vessels or lymph nodes in the underarm or groin are removed or treated with radiation.
oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
ovary
One of two small oval bodies situated on either side of the uterus on the posterior surface of the broad ligament. The structures in which the ova (eggs) are developed and released during ovulation.
thrush
aka candidiasis
A disease produced by the invasion of a form of Candida fungus and attacking almost exclusively the mucosa of the mouth, respiratory tract, and vagina.
urinary
Relating to the urine or the urinary system.
uterus
The hollow muscular organ in which the fertilized ovum normally becomes embedded and in which the developing embryo and foetus is nourished. In the nongravid human, it is a pear shaped structure, about 3 inches in length, consisting of a body, fundus, isthmus and cervix. Its cavity opens into the vagina below and into the uterine tube on either side at the cornu. It is supported by direct attachment to the vagina and by indirect attachment to various other nearby pelvic structures.
vagina
The female organ of sexual intercourse, the birth canal.
vestibule
The space between the labia minora containing the orifice of the urethra.
vulva
The visible external female genitalia consisting of the mons pubis, labia, clitoris, vaginal orifice, vestibule and vestibular glands.
vulvectomy
Surgical removal of the vulva, or part thereof.