21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors - Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians
Edition 1.0 - October 2011
National Cancer Institute
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Progressive Management
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PART ONE
Chapter 1A: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Patient Information
Chapter 2A: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Health Professional
Chapter 3A: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Clinical Trials
PART TWO
Chapter 1B: Levels of Evidence for Adult and Pediatric Cancer Treatment Studies (NCI)
Chapter 2B: Glossary of Clinical Trial Terms
Chapter 3B: Clinical Trials Background Information
Chapter 4B: Cancer Clinical Trials -The Basic Workbook
Chapter 5B: Cancer Clinical Trials - The In-Depth Program
Chapter 6B: Clinical Trials at NIH
Chapter 7B: How To Find A Cancer Treatment Trial: A Ten Step Guide
Chapter 8B: Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
Chapter 9B: Cancer Clinical Trials
Chapter 10B: Access to Investigational Drugs
Chapter 12B: Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
Chapter 13B: Facing Forward - Life After Cancer Treatment
Chapter 14B: Chemotherapy and You
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PART ONE
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Chapter 1A: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Patient Information
Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Treatment
Patient Version
Last Modified: 03/09/2011
General Information About Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
Key Points for This Section
* Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissue covering the ovary.
* Possible signs of ovarian low malignant potential tumor include pain or swelling in the abdomen.
* Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
* In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissue covering the ovary.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumors have abnormal cells that may become cancer, but usually do not. This disease usually remains in the ovary. When disease is found in one ovary, the other ovary should also be checked carefully for signs of disease.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs work).
Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in the female reproductive system include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the endometrium.
Possible signs of ovarian low malignant potential tumor include pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Early ovarian low malignant potential tumor may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
* Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
* Pain in the pelvis.
* Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If the symptoms get worse or do not go away on their own, check with your doctor.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
* The stage of the disease (whether it affects part of the ovary, involves the whole ovary, or has spread to other places in the body).
* What type of cells make up the tumor.
* The size of the tumor.
* The patient’s general health.
In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.
These tumors are usually found early. However, even advanced stage ovarian low malignant potential tumors can be treated successfully. Patients who do not survive usually die from complications of the disease (such as a small bowel obstruction) or the side effects of treatment, but rarely because the tumor has spread.
Glossary Terms
abdomen (AB-doh-men)
* The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
abnormal (ab-NOR-mul)
* Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
advanced cancer (ad-VANST KAN-ser)
* Cancer that has spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with treatment.
bloating (BLOH-ting)
* A swelling or feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Bloating is usually the result of gas in the intestines and can be caused by many things, including overeating, lactose intolerance, and constipation. Bloating can also be a side effect of cancer or cancer treatment.
bowel (BOW-ul)
* The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The bowel has two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. Also called intestine.
cancer (KAN-ser)
* A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
cell (sel)
* The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
complication (kom-plih-KAY-shun)
* In medicine, a medical problem that occurs during a disease, or after a procedure or treatment. The complication may be caused by the disease, procedure, or treatment or may be unrelated to them.
condition (kun-DIH-shun)
* In medicine, a health problem with certain characteristics or symptoms.
constipation (KON-stih-PAY-shun)
* A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don’t happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
fetus (FEE-tus)
* The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth.
gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)
* Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.
hormone (HOR-mone)
* One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.
obstruction (ub-STRUK-shun)
* Blockage of a passageway.
organ (OR-gun)
* A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
ovarian low malignant potential tumor (oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* A condition in which cells that may become cancer form in the thin layer of tissue that covers an ovary (female reproductive gland in which eggs are made). In this condition, tumor cells rarely spread outside of the ovary. Also called ovarian borderline malignant tumor.
ovary (OH-vuh-ree)
* One of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.
pelvis (PEL-vus)
* The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.
prognosis (prog-NO-sis)
* The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.
reproductive system (REE-proh-DUK-tiv SIS-tem)
* The organs involved in producing offspring. In women, this system includes the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix, and the vagina. In men, it includes the prostate, the testes, and the penis.
side effect (side eh-FEKT)
* A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.
stage
* The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
symptom (SIMP-tum)
* An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
tumor (TOO-mer)
* An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
uterus (YOO-teh-rus)
* The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called womb.
Stages of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
Key Points for This Section
* After ovarian low malignant potential tumor has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if abnormal cells have spread within the ovary or to other parts of the body.
* The following stages are used for ovarian low malignant potential tumor:
* Stage I
* Stage II
* Stage III
* Stage IV
After ovarian low malignant potential tumor has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if abnormal cells have spread within the ovary or to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out whether abnormal cells have spread within the ovary or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. Certain tests or procedures are used to determine stage. Staging laparotomy (a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen to remove ovarian tissue) may be used. Most patients are diagnosed with stage I disease.
The following stages are used for ovarian low malignant potential tumor:
Stage I
In stage I, the tumor is found in one or both of the ovaries. Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB, and stage IC.
* Stage IA: The tumor is found in a single ovary.
* Stage IB: The tumor is found in both ovaries.
* Stage IC: The tumor is found in one or both ovaries and one of the following is true:
* abnormal cells are found on the outside surface of one or both ovaries; or
* the capsule (outer covering) of the tumor has ruptured (broken open); or
* tumor cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen) or in washings of the peritoneum (tissue lining the peritoneal cavity).
Stage II
In stage II, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Stage II is divided into stage IIA, stage IIB, and stage IIC.
* Stage IIA: The tumor has spread to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes (the long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus).
* Stage IIB: The tumor has spread to other tissue within the pelvis.
* Stage IIC: The tumor has spread to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes and/or other tissue within the pelvis and tumor cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen) or in washings of the peritoneum (tissue lining the peritoneal cavity).
Stage III
In stage III, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen. Stage III is divided into stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IIIC.
* Stage IIIA: The tumor is found only in the pelvis, but tumor cells have spread to the surface of the peritoneum (tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).
* Stage IIIB: The tumor has spread to the peritoneum but is 2 centimeters or smaller in diameter.
* Stage IIIC: The tumor has spread to the peritoneum and is larger than 2 centimeters in diameter and/or has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen.
The spread of tumor cells to the surface of the liver is also considered stage III disease.
Stage IV
In stage IV, tumor cells are found in one or both ovaries and have metastasized (spread) beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body.
The spread of tumor cells to tissues in the liver is also considered stage IV disease.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumors almost never reach stage IV.
Glossary Terms
abdomen (AB-doh-men)
* The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul)
* Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
abnormal (ab-NOR-mul)
* Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
capsule (KAP-sul)
* In medicine, a sac of tissue and blood vessels that surrounds an organ, joint, or tumor. A capsule is also a form for medicine that is taken by mouth. It usually has a shell made of gelatin with the medicine inside.
cavity (KA-vih-tee)
* A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.
cell (sel)
* The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
centimeter (SEN-tih-MEE-ter)
* A measure of length in the metric system. There are 100 centimeters in a meter and 2½ centimeters in an inch.
diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)
* The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.
fallopian tube (fuh-LOH-pee-in...)
* A slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus. In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.
fluid (FLOO-id)
* A substance that flows smoothly and takes the shape of its container. Liquids and gases are fluids.
incision (in-SIH-zhun)
* A cut made in the body to perform surgery.
laparotomy (LA-puh-RAH-toh-mee)
* A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.
liver (LIH-ver)
* A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.
lymph node (limf node)
* A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.
metastasize (meh-TAS-tuh-size)
* To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
organ (OR-gun)
* A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
ovarian (oh-VAYR-ee-un)
* Having to do with the ovaries, the female reproductive glands in which the ova (eggs) are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.
ovarian low malignant potential tumor (oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* A condition in which cells that may become cancer form in the thin layer of tissue that covers an ovary (female reproductive gland in which eggs are made). In this condition, tumor cells rarely spread outside of the ovary. Also called ovarian borderline malignant tumor.
ovary (OH-vuh-ree)
* One of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.
pelvis (PEL-vus)
* The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.
peritoneal cavity (PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul KA-vuh-tee)
* The space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver. It is bound by thin membranes.
peritoneum (PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-um)
* The tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.
stage
* The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
stage I ovarian low malignant potential tumor (… oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* The tumor is found in one or both ovaries. Stage I is divided into stages IA, IB, and IC. In stage IA, the tumor is found in a single ovary. In stage IB, the tumor is found in both ovaries. In stage IC, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries and one of the following is true: (1) abnormal cells are found on the outside surface of one or both ovaries; or (2) the capsule (outer covering) of the tumor has ruptured (broken open); or (3) tumor cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen).
stage II ovarian low malignant potential tumor (… oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* The tumor is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Stage II is divided into stage IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, the tumor has spread to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes (the long, slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus). In stage IIB, the tumor has spread to other tissue within the pelvis. In stage IIC, (1) the tumor has spread to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes and/or other tissue within the pelvis; and (2) tumor cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen).
stage III ovarian low malignant potential tumor (… oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* The tumor is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen. Stage III is divided into stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IIIC. In stage IIIA, the tumor is found only in the pelvis, but tumor cells have spread to the surface of the peritoneum (tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). In stage IIIB, the tumor has spread to the peritoneum but is 2 centimeters or smaller in diameter. In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the peritoneum and is larger than 2 centimeters in diameter and/or has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen. The spread of tumor cells to the surface of the liver is considered stage III disease.
stage IV ovarian low malignant potential tumor (… oh-VAYR-ee-un...muh-LIG-nunt poh-TEN-shul TOO-mer)
* The tumor is found in one or both ovaries and has metastasized (spread) beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body. The spread of tumor cells to tissues in the liver is considered stage IV disease.
staging (STAY-jing)
* Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
* A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
tissue (TIH-shoo)
* A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
tumor (TOO-mer)
* An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
uterus (YOO-teh-rus)
* The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called womb.
Recurrent Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
Ovarian low malignant potential tumors may recur (come back) after they have been treated. The tumors may come back in the other ovary or in other parts of the body.
Treatment Option Overview
Key Points for This Section
* There are different types of treatment for patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumor.
* Two types of standard treatment are used:
* Surgery
* Chemotherapy
* New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
* Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
* Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their treatment.
* Follow-up tests may be needed.
There are different types of treatment for patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumor.
Different types of treatment are available for patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumor. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer, tumors, and related conditions. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
Two types of standard treatment are used:
Surgery
The type of surgery (removing the tumor in an operation) depends on the size and spread of the tumor and the woman’s plans for having children. Surgery may include the following:
* Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove one ovary and one fallopian tube.
* Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
* Total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries and fallopian tubes. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through the vagina, the operation is called a vaginal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a large incision (cut) in the abdomen, the operation is called a total abdominal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen using a laparoscope, the operation is called a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
* Hysterectomy. The uterus is surgically removed with or without other organs or tissues. In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, (a) the uterus plus one (unilateral) ovary and fallopian tube are removed; or (b) the uterus plus both (bilateral) ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, and nearby tissue are removed. These procedures are done using a low transverse incision or a vertical incision.
* Partial oophorectomy: Surgery to remove part of one ovary or part of both ovaries.
* Omentectomy: Surgery to remove the omentum (a piece of the tissue lining the abdominal wall).
Even if the doctor removes all disease that can be seen at the time of the operation, the patient may be given chemotherapy after surgery to kill any tumor cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to lower the risk that the tumor will come back, is called adjuvant therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
Information about clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site 1.
Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
For some patients, taking part in a clinical trial may be the best treatment choice. Clinical trials are part of the medical research process. Clinical trials are done to find out if new treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.
Many of today's standard treatments for disease are based on earlier clinical trials. Patients who take part in a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment or be among the first to receive a new treatment.
Patients who take part in clinical trials also help improve the way diseases will be treated in the future. Even when clinical trials do not lead to effective new treatments, they often answer important questions and help move research forward.
Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their treatment.
Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose disease has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop a disease from recurring (coming back) or reduce the side effects of treatment.
Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. See the Treatment Options section that follows for links to current treatment clinical trials. These have been retrieved from NCI's clinical trials database.
Follow-up tests may be needed.
Some of the tests that were done to diagnose the disease may be repeated. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests. This is sometimes called re-staging.
Some of the tests will continue to be done from time to time after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can show if your condition has changed or if the disease has recurred (come back). These tests are sometimes called follow-up tests or check-ups.
Glossary Terms
abdomen (AB-doh-men)
* The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul)
* Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
adjuvant therapy (A-joo-vunt THAYR-uh-pee)
* Additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk that the cancer will come back. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or biological therapy.
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (by-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee)
* Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
cancer (KAN-ser)
* A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
cavity (KA-vih-tee)
* A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.
cell (sel)
* The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
cerebrospinal fluid (seh-REE-broh-SPY-nul FLOO-id)
* The fluid that flows in and around the hollow spaces of the brain and spinal cord, and between two of the meninges (the thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Cerebrospinal fluid is made by tissue called the choroid plexus in the ventricles (hollow spaces) in the brain. Also called CSF.
cervix (SER-vix)
* The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
* Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)
* A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)
* The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.
drug (drug)
* Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
fallopian tube (fuh-LOH-pee-in...)
* A slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus. In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.
follow-up (FAH-loh-up)
* Monitoring a person's health over time after treatment. This includes keeping track of the health of people who participate in a clinical study or clinical trial for a period of time, both during the study and after the study ends.
incision (in-SIH-zhun)