Glossary
Biopsy: A test where a doctor removes a small piece of tissue that is then examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells that may be cancerous.BRCA1 and BRCA2: Both are human genes. People with certain changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at increased risk of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancers.
CA-125: A protein that may be found in high amounts in the blood of patients with certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. It also can be found in high amounts when other non-cancerous conditions are present, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. CA-125 levels may also help track how well cancer treatments are working or if cancer has come back.
Rectovaginal exam: An exam that is sometimes given along with a pelvic exam to check for problems, especially in the uterus or ovaries. A doctor will feel the internal organs through the vagina and rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus) with one hand while touching the pelvis with the other hand.
Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Cancer screening tests are effective when they can find disease early.
Transvaginal ultrasound: A test used to check the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder for problems. A wand is inserted into the vagina that causes sound waves to bounce off organs inside the pelvis, creating a picture called a sonogram.
