Explanation of medical terms

An interview between physician and patient focusing on patient’s past and current diseases, family medical history and taking other relevant information about the patient.

An unavoidable diagnostic test that includes inspection (appearance analysis) and palpation (examination by touch) of the breasts and surrounding regions in various body positions. It is recommendable (not required!) to do it in the first phase of menstrual cycle when breasts feel less tense and less tender.

Irreplaceable, x-ray-based diagnostic breast imaging undertaken in the first phase of menstrual cycle in premenopausal women (who still have their periods). Mammography detects some breast changes that otherwise cannot be palpated or visualized on ultrasound. The frequency of mammography screening depends on age and breast cancer risk.

A special x-ray technique used to ensure the exact localization of a nonpalpable breast lesion and to allow a precise needle biopsy or placement of a metal anchor before surgical removal of the nonpalpable lesion detected by mammography. At the Eljuga Polyclinic, both mammography and stereotaxis are performed using modern technology with minimum ionizing radiation exposure that is practically harmless.

A diagnostic technique of choice for younger women with dense glandular tissue. Ultrasound has proved not to be harmful, and along with mammography it adds to the diagnostic accuracy for both malignant and benign breast diseases. The ultrasound examination can be done anytime, regardless of the cycle phase.

Cytology plays an important role in diagnosing for breast diseases. A puncture specimen of a cyst or any other breast lesion, or a specimen of breast nipple discharge, if any, is sent for cytologic evaluation, or the analysis of cells under a microscope (a microscopy technique), which may help elucidate the disorder. It is performed with a puncture needle under ultrasound guidance, or as a stereotactic, i.e. mammography-guided puncture. It would be recommendable to be done in the first phase of menstrual cycle.

Presurgical marking of a suspicious lesion using a marking needle or an anchor under ultrasound or mammography / stereotactic guidance, which helps reduce the extent of surgery. The marking needle guides the surgeon using a conservative method to reach the suspicious site visualized on a mammogram. Marking is performed in nonpalpable lesions and lesions that are hardly visible on ultrasound. Such lesions usually contain the so-called microcalcifications (deposits of calcium in tissues) that may be an early sign of malignant transformation in the breast. Microcalcifications, which are less than 0.5 mm in diameter, occur in clusters of at least five, and can be visualized only on mammography.

A diagnostic, and sometimes also both a diagnostic and therapeutic surgery used either to take a tissue specimen from a suspicious site or to remove the entire portion.

Surgical removal of a tumor in the breast.

Surgical removal of a breast quadrant along with the tumor, a skin portion and a portion of the chest muscle envelope.

Surgical removal of a breast portion (segment).

A cytologic analysis (analysis of cells) of a cervical smear is a part of the gynecological examination. The test can reveal an early cervical cancer, and its prestages, too.

A surgical procedure that involves removal of the entire breast and lymph nodes under the corresponding armpit.

A method of visualization of the vulva, vagina and cervix with a colposcope - a mobile instrument used to magnify and lighten the visual field.

A surgical procedure in which a cone-shaped portion of the involved uterine cervix is removed. It has both a therapeutic and a diagnostic value.

A surgical procedure in which material from the cervical canal (the uterine ‘way in’ and ‘way out’, endocervix) is removed using a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument or a curette. The method plays a role in diagnosing any changes in the endocervix. It is usually done as part of the so-called fractionated curettage.

A diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that involves separate scraping of material from the endocervix (cervical canal) and the uterine body walls.

A sexually transmitted disease caused by human papilloma virus - HPV. More than 70 types of HPV have been identified to date. It has been irrefutably proved that HPV infection is among the major risk factors for developing cervical cancer.

A bacteria transmitted sexually. It has also been known as a “silent enemy” as it usually produces no symptoms in both women and men to allow early diagnosis and timely treatment. Chlamydiasis is not at all harmless and cannot be overestimated – it can result in infertility, spontaneous abortions, and preterm labors and delivery.

A technique for simultaneous recording of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. It is done periodically in late pregnancy with continuous CTG monitoring during labor and delivery. Based on recorded curves, the physician can assess and survey the fetus, and the frequency, duration and intensity of uterine contractions.

The examination is performed using either a curved abdominal probe placed upon the abdomen of the patient who is in a lying position and having a full urinary bladder, or a cylindrical transvaginal probe (TVP) introduced into the vagina of the patient having an empty bladder. The transvaginal approach has recently gained advantage in visualizing the size, appearance and potential ovarian and uterine changes allowing continuous image and video recording.

A modern ultrasound test to measure the blood pressure rate and vascular resistance of a particular blood vessel of an organ or tumor (for example, an ovarian blood vessel or umbilical blood vessel during pregnancy). The technique adds significantly to diagnosis, particularly to distinguishing benign changes from malignant ones at their earliest stage. The technique is reliable, painless and harmless.

Replacement for female sex hormones when the hormone levels start to decrease. It is recommended to women in their transition to menopause, and after this transitional period to protect their health (osteoporosis!) and improve the quality of life. Prior to receiving any hormone replacement therapy, each woman should undergo a gynecological examination and diagnostic tests (ultrasound and mammography) for breast diseases. Women on continuous hormone replacement therapy must take regular gynecological exams, including breast tests, once a year.

The last physiological bleeding from the uterus. When we talk about menopause, we usually think of a year after the last menstrual period, and the average age of women at menopause is 51.

The period of approximately 10 years before the complete loss of menstrual bleeding. About three-fourths of women experience problems during this period, and among them three-fourths suffer from distinct symptoms related to this transition.

The period from the final menstrual cycle through the rest of woman’s life, which is approximately one-third of women’s average life expectancy.

A bone loss called osteoporosis causes thinning of bone tissue and increases vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis is associated with reduced estrogen levels characteristic of menopausal and postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) slows down and prevents the bone loss process.

A heterologous group of peptides produced by various human cells in the body attacked by a virus. Interferons have antiviral, antiproliferative and immuneregulatory effects.