Glossary of Terms
Biopsy
-small specimen of tissue taken for examination
Cervix
-opening of the uterus (womb) that leads into the vagina
Chemotherapy
-treatment of infections, cancer, and other diseases with chemical agents
CIN
-cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a system of classifying cervical lesions: CIN 1 (mild), CIN 2 (moderate), CIN 3 (severe)
Colposcope
-microscope used to examine the surfaces of the vagina and cervix
Colposcopy
-examination using a microscope that provides a magnified image of the vagina and cervix
Condylomata acuminatum
-genital warts
Cryotherapy
-freezing with liquid nitrogen
Electrosurgery
-killing cells by passing an electric current through them
Epithelial cells
-specialized skin cells; they cover our bodies and line the digestive and reproductive tracts
Genitals (a.k.a. genitalia)
-sex organs of females and males; external genitals include the clitoris and vulva in females, scrotum and penis in males
HIV
-Human immunodeficiency virus; causes AIDS
HPV
-human papillomavirus; causes genital warts,cervical and other cancers
Laser surgery
-killing cells by superheating and vaporizing them
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)
-removal of tissue using a hot wire loop
Lesion
-any physical abnormality or injury
Pap (Papanicolaou) test
-process in which a sample of cells is gently scraped from the surface of the cervix, is smeared on a slide, and is then examined for cellular abnormalities
Papilloma
-a variety of wart consisting of a small growth of skin and mucous membranes on a fibrous stalk
Radiation therapy
-treatment of cancer with x-rays and gamma rays
