Cervical Cancer Screening

Anus: The opening of the digestive tract through which bowel movements leave the body.

Cells: The smallest unit of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.

Cervical Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of cervical tissue that is then examined under a microscope in a laboratory.

Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that is in the cervix, the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Cervical Cytology: The study of cells taken from the cervix using a microscope. Also called a Pap test.

Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Colposcopy: Viewing of the cervix, vulva, or vagina under magnification with an instrument called a colposcope.

Co-Testing: Use of both the Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test to screen for cervical cancer.

Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.

False-Negative: A test result that says you do not have a condition when you do.

False-Positive: A test result that says you have a condition when you do not.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks certain cells of the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The name for a group of related viruses, some of which cause genital warts and some of which are linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.

Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus.

Immune System: The body’s natural defense system against viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): A procedure that removes abnormal tissue from the cervix using a thin wire loop and electric energy.

Menopause: The time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods.

Menstrual Period: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus.

Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.

Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix (or vagina) to look for signs of cancer.

Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman’s pelvic organs.

Pelvic Floor Disorders: Disorders that affect the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs.

Penis: The male sex organ.

Sexual Intercourse: The act of the penis of the male entering the vagina of the female. Also called “having sex” or “making love.”

Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.

Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb.

Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.

Virus: An agent that causes certain types of infections.

Vulva: The external female genital area.