Glossary
| Adenocarcinoma |
A cancer that has arisen in glandular cells of the cervix. |
| Benign |
Not cancerous. Benign cells are not able to spread like cancer cells. |
| Biopsy |
The removal of a small sample of tissue from the body, for examination under a microscope, to help diagnose a disease. |
| Cells |
The ‘building blocks’ of the body. A human is made of billions of cells, which are adapted for different functions. Cells are able to reproduce themselves exactly, unless they are subnormal or damaged, as are cancer cells. |
| Cervix |
The lower part of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina. |
| Colposcopy |
The examination of the vagina and cervix with a magnifying instrument called a colposcope, to check the tissues for abnormality. |
| Cone biopsy |
The removal of a cone-shaped piece of the cervix. It may be used to both diagnose and treat a problem. |
| Endocervical cells |
The cells lining the inside of the cervix. |
| Gynaecological oncologist |
A doctor who specialises in treating women diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs. |
| Human papilloma virus | A group of viruses that can cause infection in the skin surface of different areas of the body, including the genital area. The virus can cause visible 'warts' on the skin or may only cause microscopic cell changes. |
| Hysterectomy |
The surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. |
| Malignant |
Cancerous. Malignant cells can spread (metastasise) and can eventually cause death if they cannot be treated. |
| Menopause |
The natural cessation of a woman’s periods or menstruation. This is the main event marking a woman’s transition from when reproduction is possible to the post-reproductive years. Usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. |
| Pap test |
A test that can detect changes in cervical cells. Some cells are scraped off the cervix and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | A cancer that arises in the squamous or skin-like cells of the cervix. |
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Lucy's story
I've always been very aware of the importance of regular Pap tests, as my Mum had early-stage cervical cancer in her 30s.
She encouraged me to start having regular Pap tests when I turned 18 and I followed her advice, albeit begrudgingly!
