Glossary

Cancer develops when the portion of the DNA that controls growth in cells develops an abnormality which causes cells to begin to grow rapidly and out of control.  

There are many different kinds of medications that can treat cancers, and they are all lumped together under the term ‘chemotherapy.’ Each medication is very different, with different side effects, different doses, and different methods they are performed for each kind of cancer. In endometrial cancer, the two most common chemotherapy medications are PACLITAXEL and CARBOPLATIN. Whether or not you need chemotherapy is based on your stage, grade, and histology. 

A procedure that usually happens in an operating room. The doctor uses small instruments to open the entry to the cervix and takes a larger sample of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. This tissue can be examined to see if cancer cells are present.

A procedure that usually happens in a clinic or doctor’s office. A speculum is used to see the cervix from a small tube entered into the uterus to collect a tissue sample. This tissue can be examined to determine if there are cancer cells in the uterus. This is different from a pap smear, which only tests the outside of the cervix.

The medical term for the inner wall or lining of the uterus. Having endometrial cancer means having cancer cells growing in this place.

Sometimes called “leiomyomas” in medical reports – they are benign growths of uterine muscle tissue. They are not cancerous and they do not cause cancer. They can cause bleeding, pain, and pressure in some women. 

A scoring system for how aggressive the cancer cells are. Grade is determined by looking at the cells under a microscope.

Grade 1 – Low grade
Grade 2 – Intermediate grade
Grade 3 – High grade

A gynecologic oncologist (“gyn onc”) is a surgeon who has completed advanced training specifically to operate on endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Many of these specialists also treat their patients with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

The kinds of cancer cells that are growing. Within endometrial cancer, there are different types, including: endometrioid, serous / papillary serous, carcinosarcoma, mucinous, and mixed.

Some kinds of endometrial cancer are caused by extra estrogen hormone in the body. Because of this, they can be treated with a different kind of hormone therapy that blocks the effects of estrogen. The two kinds of hormonal treatment include progesterone therapies and aromatase inhibitors. Whether or not hormonal therapy will be effective for a patient is based on the stage, grade, and histology type of the cancer.

Changes to the endometrium (inner wall of the uterus) that are pre-cancer changes. If not treated, hyperplasia can progress to endometrial cancer.

A surgical procedure to remove the uterus. There are many different kinds.  It’s important to know what parts have and have not been removed. Hysterectomy is the first step of treatment for most women with endometrial cancer and gives important information about whether or not any treatment is needed after surgery.

A procedure usually done with a D&C, the doctor uses a small camera to look inside the uterus and see the inner lining. Fibroids and polyps can be seen this way. A tissue sample must be taken to determine if endometrial cancer is present or not.

Sometimes called “nodes”, they are bean-shaped small organs that are part of the body’s lymphatic system. We have groups of nodes all over our bodies that are connected through direct channels and the blood stream. 

A physician who completed advanced training to treat different types of cancers. They give chemotherapy and other medical treatments for cancer, and may or may not specialize in gynecologic cancers, like endometrial cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is conducted in a machine that uses magnets and electricity to help doctors look closely at bodily tissues. An injection of a non-toxic dye may be used to help identify abnormal tissues.

The purpose of a pelvic exam is to examine the internal and external parts of the pelvic area – including the genitalia and the organs in your abdomen. Your provider will use a speculum to look at the vagina and cervix, and also use their hands to gently feel your uterus and ovaries.

A general term for approaches you and your care team might take as you diagnose and treat the cancer. Procedures include endometrial biopsy, D&C, hysteroscopy, vaginal ultrasound, MRI, x-ray, and pelvic exam.

A treatment performed by directing beams at specific areas of the body to either shrink tumors or prevent cancer from growing. There are two primary kinds of radiation treatment for endometrial cancer – pelvic radiation and vaginal radiation. Whether or not a patient needs radiation is determined by the stage, grade, and histology of the cancer.

A physician who specializes in giving radiation therapy to people with different kinds of cancer. They usually work closely with either a gynecologic oncologist or a medical oncologist as part of your cancer team.

A physician who analyzes and interprets imaging tests including x-rays, “CAT” scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds. They do not directly treat patients.

Stage 1: When cancer is only in the uterus.

Stage 2: When cancer has spread to the cervix.

Stage 3: When cancer has spread to lymph nodes or areas in the abdomen.

Stage 4: When cancer has spread to lungs or other organs.

A protein that appears in your blood in response to some types of cancer cell growth. A test for CA 125 is sometimes used to look for signs of cancer spread or to monitor your response to treatment. Most women with endometrial cancer will not be monitored with CA 125, as it is only elevated in some cases. 

A general term for approaches you and your care team might take to eliminate the cancer, including hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, vaginal brachytherapy, and hormonal therapy.

A rare and aggressive form of endometrial cancer that’s more common in African American women and causes a disproportionate number of deaths from endometrial cancer.

A type of radiation treatment that involves placing radioactive materials (that look like seeds, ribbons, or wires) directly into the vagina to kill cancer cells in that area. This may occur during a single treatment or over a few days. 

An imaging test that primarily shows details of bones and other internal structures, like lung tissue and air bubbles. X-rays cannot see soft tissues – like muscles, lymph nodes, and reproductive organs.