Glossary

Glossary for Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Technical terms and concepts explained

Abdomen Belly, abdominal cavity
Abrasio Also called Abrasio uteri; curettage of the uterine lining, surgical removal of mucosal tissue.
Adenocarcinoma Malignant tumor originating from glandular tissue.
Adjuvant Therapy Refers to supplementary or supportive therapeutic measures (from Latin adjuvare, “to support”). In cancer cases, adjuvant therapy after surgical removal of visible affected tissue can combat any remaining tumor cells. Adjuvant therapies may include, for example, chemo-, hormone, or radiation therapy.
Adnexectomy Unilateral or bilateral removal of the fallopian tube and ovary, which are also called adnexa in medical terminology (from Latin adnexe, “the appendage”); (also called salpingo-oophorectomy)
AHB Follow-up rehabilitation, inpatient stay in an (oncological) rehabilitation clinic.
Acute Latin acutus “sharp”, “pointed”; means “rapid” or “suddenly occurring”. Acute diseases develop suddenly and are usually of a comparatively short duration. They are distinguished from chronic diseases. Means urgent, pressing, at this moment.
Alopecia Hair loss
Outpatient Latin ambulare, “to walk around”, “to stroll”; In outpatient treatment, the patient can leave the treatment or care facility immediately or a short time after completion. They are not admitted as an inpatient (overnight).
Analgesia Pain relief
Anemia Anemia (from Greek an as negation and haima, “blood”)
Anamnesis Refers to the collection of medically relevant information (about your medical history) by specialists (physicians/other specialists).
Antibiotics (from Greek anti, “against”, bios, “life”) Refers to a group of medications that prevent the multiplication or survival of microorganisms, such as bacteria.
Antiemetics (from Greek “anti” against and “emesi” vomiting) are medications intended to prevent and suppress nausea and vomiting.
Antibodies Antibodies are naturally occurring protein molecules that recognize foreign and, if applicable, endogenous structures as antigens and attach to them. They are important for the human immune defense against pathogens. So-called “monoclonal antibodies” can be produced artificially and target a specific characteristic of tumor cells. For example, bevacizumab is used in ovarian cancer treatment.
Antibody therapy Targeted therapy with antibodies that bind to specific targets on the cancer cell or on the body’s own immune cells, thereby promoting the killing of the cancer cell or inhibiting its growth.
Anus praeter Artificial anus or enterostomy; this is an artificially created opening where the intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall. A small part of the intestine is visible and sealed by a self-adhesive bag. This is odor-proof and collects excretions.
Ascites Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, for example, as a result of metastases in the peritoneum (peritoneal metastases) or the spread of ovarian cancer (see also peritoneal carcinomatosis). The term is used for both the condition and the fluid itself.
Peritoneum Also called peritoneum. A thin membrane that lines the wall of the abdominal and pelvic cavity and covers a large part of the abdominal and pelvic organs.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Local instead of systemic chemotherapy; the active substances are introduced directly into the abdominal cavity instead of into the bloodstream. In this way, the substances can act locally in high concentrations, with fewer side effects on the entire body compared to systemic chemotherapy. The substances are flushed into the abdominal cavity through a thin tube with up to two liters of fluid. They remain there for several hours. However, intraperitoneal chemotherapy is only tolerated to a very limited extent. It can lead to painful peritonitis and scarring in the abdominal cavity.
Omentum The omentum is medically known as the omentum majus; it is also called the greater omentum. It primarily covers the small intestine and parts of the large intestine. The omentum is rich in fatty tissue, blood, and lymphatic vessels. Its functions include fluid regulation and immune defense in the abdominal cavity.
Comorbidities Comorbidities (also known as co-morbidity) refer to other diseases that exist independently of the cancer diagnosis and require their own treatment (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular diseases). Psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, can also be included.
benign non-malignant
Benign Tumor Non-malignant growth that does not form metastases
Bevacizumab The antibody bevacizumab is an angiogenesis inhibitor, meaning it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels. It does not attack the cancer cells themselves, but rather inhibits the growth factor VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), which is released by tumor cells to stimulate vessel formation in the surrounding tissue. When tumors reach a certain size, they need their own newly formed blood vessels to meet their increased oxygen and nutrient demands. This new vessel formation (angiogenesis) is reduced by bevacizumab. Bevacizumab is administered as an infusion. It can often cause severe side effects.
Biopsy Greek bios, “life” and opsis, “to see”; Removal and subsequent histological or laboratory chemical examination of a tissue sample (the biopsy). This examination is carried out in an institute for pathology and serves not only to confirm a diagnosis in cases of suspicious tissue changes but also for further therapy planning. In a biopsy, tissue is taken to clarify a suspected tumor so that it can be examined histologically under the microscope.
Borderline Tumor Borderline tumors are tumors that cannot be clearly classified as benign or malignant. Cell and tissue changes are present, but no destructive growth is detectable. They are also referred to as tumors with low malignant potential.
BRCA gene Rare hereditary factor that can lead to breast and/or ovarian cancer.
BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 BRCA stands for BReast CAncer and is the name given to a gene due to its association with breast cancer. If a mutation is present in one of the BRCA genes (BRCA 1 or BRCA 2), this promotes, for example, the development of breast or ovarian cancer. A germline BRCA gene mutation is hereditary, and carriers have an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer during their lifetime.
Cancer English word for cancer
Chemotherapy Treatment of cancer patients with special medications, so-called cytostatics. Depending on the therapeutic goal, curative, (neo-)adjuvant, and palliative chemotherapy can be distinguished.
Chronic Chronic means “long-lasting” or “slow”. Chronic diseases develop slowly and insidiously and persist over a long period. Often, only the symptoms can be treated, but not the cause.
Computed Tomography (CT) Greek tomos, “slice” and “graphein” to paint, to write; computer-assisted diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays to create images, e.g., cross-sectional and longitudinal images of the human body,
Depression Latin deprimere, “to press down”; Depression is diagnosed when certain symptoms such as depressed mood, lack of drive, fatigue, and loss of interest persist for at least two weeks. It is a pathological psychological disorder and a state in which the perception of feelings is reduced, contrary to the widespread synonymous use of the term with sadness.
Diagnosis Greek Diagnosí “thorough investigation”; Through careful examination, consideration, and assessment of all disease symptoms, the doctor concludes the presence and specific manifestation of a disease.
Diagnostic Surgery Only through surgery can it be definitively determined whether a tumor is benign or malignant and what type of ovarian cancer it is. This process is also called “surgical staging”. Often, the first treatment step, e.g., the removal of the ovaries, is also performed in the same operation. For certain tissue types, e.g., borderline or so-called low-grade carcinoma, a rapid section examination can be performed during the operation. A final examination and definitive diagnosis are made a few days later, so a second operation may be necessary.
Diarrhea Diarrhea
Doxorubicin Doxorubicin is a cytostatic drug. It inhibits tumor growth. It causes breaks in DNA and simultaneously suppresses an enzyme important for DNA synthesis, thereby inducing cell death. However, it is not only effective in the cell division phase. This means that the potential for side effects with this cytostatic drug is comparatively high. Ovarian cancer can be treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. “Pegylated liposomal” means that the active substance doxorubicin is specially prepared. It is bound to polyethylene glycol (pegylated) and additionally, the pegylated doxorubicin is surrounded by a capsule of fat molecules (liposomes). This makes the active substance better tolerated, causes fewer undesirable effects, and remains in the body longer.
Drainage Refers to the natural or therapeutic drainage of body fluids. This can occur via an existing body structure or through a “drain” inserted by the doctor.
Fallopian tube cancer Tubal carcinoma; this is a cancer that behaves biologically like ovarian cancer and is treated accordingly.
Endocrine Therapy So-called anti-hormone therapy; hormones are responsible for important processes in the body such as lowering blood sugar levels, reproduction, or growth. Some tumors also grow more strongly under the influence of hormones. Ovarian cancer, for example, can grow under the influence of the female sex hormone estrogen. This hormone dependence of cancer cells is the starting point of anti-hormone therapy. Here, endogenous hormones that promote tumor growth are switched off. This can inhibit the spread of a tumor. As a rule, anti-hormone therapy is better tolerated and associated with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Enteral Nutrition Greek enteron “intestine”; A form of artificial nutrition where nutrients are given directly into the stomach or intestine via a tube. This tube can be inserted through the nose or introduced into the stomach or intestine via an incision in the abdominal wall.
Epithelium Boundary or covering tissue made of a closed cell association that covers internal or external body surfaces and delimits them from their surroundings. In addition, some epithelia perform special functions, such as mucosal epithelia in the nasal or intestinal mucosa.
Maintenance therapy When preventive active substances are given over several years or for life to prevent a recurrence, this is referred to as maintenance therapy.
Initial treatment The initial treatment for ovarian cancer involves the surgical removal of the tumor with or without subsequent chemotherapy.
Erythrocytes Red blood cells, which are important for the oxygen supply to the tissues
Etoposide Is a cytostatic drug that primarily interferes with the formation of genetic information and thus renders cells unable to divide.
Exstirpation Surgical removal/ablation
Fatigue French for tiredness, exhaustion; Refers to a side effect of many cancer diseases: Triggered by the disease itself, by radiation or chemotherapy, states of persistent exhaustion, malaise, and overwhelm can occur.
Fine Needle Aspiration In a fine needle aspiration, tissue is removed with a fine needle and then examined in the laboratory. This is also referred to as a fine needle biopsy.
Distant metastases Secondary tumors that arise from a cancer cell far from the original tumor
Fertility Fertility
FIGO Classification The FIGO classification is a system developed by the Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétrique (FIGO) for classifying gynecological tumors (FIGO Stage 0 to IV).
Gastroscopy Examination method of the stomach (endoscopy)
Gemcitabine Gemcitabine is a cytostatic drug. It is incorporated into the genetic material (DNA) of a cell instead of a natural building block. This destroys the genetic information. The cell’s repair mechanism cannot recognize the error, and the cell becomes unable to divide.
Genetic (Greek “geneá” lineage and “génesis” origin) Hereditary, caused by genes.
Genetic Predisposition A genetic predisposition refers to an inherited gene mutation present from birth, which, in the case of BRCA genes, is associated with an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, among others. If this genetic predisposition exists, the probability of inheritance to offspring is 50%.
Tumor New growth of tissue in the form of excessive growth (see also tumor)
Grading Description and classification of the cell image after examination of the removed tissue by the pathologist. It describes the extent to which the tumor tissue deviates from normal tissue (degree of differentiation). The greater this deviation, the more aggressive the tumor and the worse the prognosis.
Granulocytes White blood cells that are important for fighting bacterial infections
Greater omentum a protective, apron-shaped fold of the peritoneum that extends from the large intestine over the small intestine (Latin: Omentum majus)
Gynecology The medical specialty dealing with the treatment of diseases of the female sexual and reproductive organs.
Gynecologic Oncologist A gynecologist specializing in cancer.
Hb Abbreviation for hemoglobin, a measure of red blood cell concentration in the blood.
High-grade carcinoma means that the cancer is classified as “poorly differentiated” under the microscope. This tumor grows quickly and aggressively.
Histological analysis Usually, tumor tissue is examined histologically during the operation. For this purpose, suspicious tissue is removed and examined by the pathologist under the microscope during anesthesia in a so-called frozen section. This serves, on the one hand, to confirm the suspected diagnosis, and on the other hand, there are some fine tissue peculiarities that can influence the further course of the operation.
Histology refers to the microscopic examination of tumor tissue.
High-risk families In so-called high-risk families, there is an increased lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer, as gene mutations associated with certain diseases can be inherited within the family. The German Consortium for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer has defined specific inclusion criteria for belonging to high-risk families.
Hormone therapy Treatment with hormones; see endocrine therapy.
Hospice Hospices care for critically ill patients with incurable, progressive diseases and limited life expectancy, as well as dying individuals for whom inpatient hospital treatment is not necessary, but home care is not possible. The primary focus in hospices is on monitoring disease symptoms and alleviating discomfort.
Hysterectomy Uterus removal.
Ileostomy Artificial bowel opening; more details under urostomy.
Ileus Bowel obstruction.
Infusion Fluids administered intravenously.
Interdisciplinary In medicine, interdisciplinary means that doctors from various specialties (= disciplines) and other specialists are jointly involved in the treatment.
Intravenous Into the vein.
Cardiotoxic Cardiotoxic (from Greek Kardia, “the heart” and Latin toxicum, “the poison”) refers to substances or medications that can impair or even damage the heart in various ways. Cardiotoxicity is an important side effect of some chemotherapeutic agents.
Carcinoma (Greek/Latin “carcinoma” cancer tumor) Carcinoma is a type of malignant cancer. This means that cancer cells grow destructively into other tissues, and individual cancer cells can spread via blood or lymphatic vessels to other tissues and form metastases there. Carcinoma is a tumor originating from epithelial tissue.
Clinical Study A clinical study is a scientific investigation that explores whether a new drug can be approved or whether established drug therapy concepts can be optimized in routine clinical practice.
Completion surgery Removal of organs not removed during the initial fertility-preserving surgery (usually the uterus and one ovary with fallopian tube).
Complementary and alternative treatments “Complementum” is Latin and means “addition”. In addition to the treatment options tested in studies, various complementary, often also called alternative, methods and medications are offered. Complementary treatment methods, for example, originate from naturopathy or traditional Chinese medicine and can, under certain conditions, be used as a supplement to conventional medical treatment. Alternative methods, on the other hand, are methods that are used instead of methods and medicines developed by scientific medicine. However, the effectiveness of these methods in cancer is often not sufficiently proven according to scientific-clinical standards.
Creatinine Excretory form of a muscle metabolic product, provides information about kidney function, important for dosing certain medications.
Art therapy Art therapy is a branch of artistic therapies. Within a protected therapeutic relationship, it primarily enables non-verbal expression and conscious access through the diverse media and techniques of fine art.
Curative Latin: curare, “to heal”. Curative medicine refers to therapeutic measures aimed at healing.
Curative treatment Treatment with the goal of healing.
Laparoscopy In contrast to opening the abdominal cavity (see laparotomy), the abdomen is not opened here with a long incision; instead, thin special instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity. Colloquially, it is also referred to as keyhole surgery.
Laparotomy Surgical opening of the abdominal cavity through an abdominal incision.
Quality of life The value of a treatment is not only measured by whether life can be extended. You should also be able to assess what impact the treatment can have on your quality of life. Quality of life is a broad term: everyone understands something different by it. And that is why people in a comparable situation make different decisions. In consultation with the doctor or therapy team, individual needs for treatment with the best possible quality of life are discussed.
Leukopenia Reduction in white blood cells.
Leukocytes White blood cells.
Lymphadenectomy Latin lympha, “spring/river water”, Greek aden, “gland” and Greek ektomein;! to cut out! ;The surgical removal of lymph nodes. The removed lymph nodes are examined for tumor involvement. This can determine or rule out whether the tumor has already spread. This is important for the TNM classification of a tumor and for further treatment.
Lymphatic drainage Special massage for the treatment of lymphedema (swelling). This treatment can be prescribed by the doctor.
Lymphedema and Lymphocele Lymphedema is a non-reddened and painless swelling due to fluid accumulation in the tissue spaces, e.g., in the groin, genital area, and legs. These can occur when the lymphatic system is disturbed and the lymph (interstitial fluid) cannot drain. When lymph fluid accumulates in cysts, it is called lymphoceles.
Lymphonodectomy Lymph node removal, see also lymphadenectomy.
Lymph nodes Lymph nodes are responsible for the absorption and filtration of tissue fluid in a body region.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Greek tomos, “slice” and graphein, “to draw”, to write; Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique used for diagnosis. It can visualize the structure and function of internal tissues and organs from the outside. However, unlike X-rays or computed tomography, this method is not based on X-ray radiation, but on strong electromagnetic fields.
Macroscopic complete resection Latin resecare, “to cut off”; Surgical complete or total removal of visible tumor tissue.
Malignant Malignant.
Mammography X-ray examination of the breast.
Metastases Metastases, also known as secondary tumors, are settlements of cells from the original so-called primary tumor. Via blood vessels or the lymphatic system, the cells reach other organs, where they form distant metastases of the tumor. On their way through the vascular systems, many tumor cells get stuck in the lymph nodes, so that lymph node involvement provides an important indication of the spread of the disease.
Monochemotherapy In chemotherapy, this refers to treatment with a single drug, in contrast to polychemotherapy, which involves treatment with more than one active substance.
Mutation A mutation refers to a change in genetic material. This can occur spontaneously during life but can also be inherited. A mutation is per se neither good nor bad, but there are mutations that can have an impact on health.
Mucositis Inflammation of the mucous membrane.
Music therapy Through the targeted use of music, a therapeutic effect is achieved. Music therapy serves to restore, maintain, and promote mental and physical health. It has already become established in inpatient clinical settings, but it still plays an insignificant role in outpatient care.
Myelosuppression Blood formation is impaired or suspended due to bone marrow damage.
Nausea Nausea.
Side effects Not every side effect occurs in every patient; some are even very rare. There is a precise regulation on how the frequency of a side effect must be described on medication package inserts. The frequency information in the text sections of the patient guideline also refers to this regulation.
Neoadjuvant Greek neo, “new” and Latin adjuvare, “to support”; a supportive treatment performed before surgery, for example, chemotherapy before an operation.
Nephrotoxic Damaging to the kidney.
Neuropathy A disease of the peripheral nerves that can also occur as a side effect of therapy with certain chemotherapeutic agents. This can lead to abnormal sensations, such as tingling and stinging, or numbness, up to complete loss of sensation, for example, in the hands and feet.
Neutropenia Refers to a severe reduction in white blood cells. It can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Obstipation Constipation.
Edema Greek oidema, “swelling”; Pathological accumulation of tissue fluid in the intercellular spaces.
Occult metastases Latin occultus, “hidden”. Some metastases are so small at the time of diagnosis that they cannot be detected. In such cases, a tumor is classified as curable and perhaps operated on, even though it has already spread.
Omentectomy Surgical (incomplete) removal of the omentum.
Omentum majus Also called the greater omentum; it primarily covers the small intestine and parts of the large intestine. The omentum is rich in fatty tissue, blood, and lymphatic vessels. Its functions include fluid regulation and immune defense in the abdominal cavity.
Oncology Greek onkos, “swelling”, logos, “study”; is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of cancer.
Osteoporosis Bone loss; is a metabolic disease of the bones. Bone density decreases, and bones become brittle and unstable.
Ovary Ovary.
Ovarian carcinoma Ovarian cancer is also called ovarian carcinoma because it affects the ovaries.
Paclitaxel Chemotherapeutic agent from the taxane group.
Palliative In medicine, palliative means “alleviating”. A palliative treatment does not aim for a cure, but for the alleviation of symptoms. In the context of care, “palliative” describes care in the final phase of life. This does not necessarily mean the “terminal stage” of a disease, although the term is often used that way. The right time to begin palliative medical treatment depends on the patient’s needs.
Palliative care unit Palliative care units are independent departments affiliated with a hospital. They admit patients with an incurable, advanced illness and symptoms that require hospital treatment. A doctor is available around the clock; one nurse cares for a maximum of four patients. The rooms (mostly single rooms) and the entire unit are designed to be homely and should resemble a hospital as little as possible. Free overnight accommodation is usually available for relatives.
Parenteral nutrition Greek para, “beside” and enteron, “intestine”; artificial nutrition “bypassing the intestine,” where a highly concentrated nutrient solution is administered directly into the blood via an infusion (in contrast to enteral nutrition, where nutrients are given into the intestine via a tube).
PARP inhibitors PARP inhibitors inhibit an enzyme called PARP (the Poly-ADP-Ribose-Polymerase), which the cell needs to repair DNA damage that may have been caused by chemotherapy, for example. If this enzyme can no longer fulfill its function due to inhibition, DNA damage can no longer be repaired by the cell, and it dies.
Pathology Greek Pathos, “suffering”, and logos, “study”; Pathology refers to a medical specialty that deals with pathological processes and structures in the body. A pathologist, for example, examines tissue removed during cancer surgery to draw conclusions about the type and extent of the tumor.
Peritoneal carcinoma Peritoneal cancer; meaning the peritoneum itself is the origin of the malignant tumor cells. It is a cancer that behaves biologically like ovarian cancer and is treated accordingly. More often, however, other malignant tumors have spread to the peritoneum (see peritoneal carcinomatosis).
Peritoneal carcinomatosis Some malignant tumors, such as ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, can spread to the peritoneum. This is called peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sometimes only parts of the peritoneum are affected, sometimes the entire peritoneum, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
Peritoneal metastases Tumor deposits in the peritoneum.
Peritoneal cytology Examination of abdominal fluid for cancer cells in the laboratory. The peritoneum consists of a thin epithelium that biologically resembles ovarian tissue. It surrounds the internal organs below the diaphragm and lines the abdominal cavity. It serves as a gliding layer, thus ensuring good mobility of the organs. Another function of the peritoneum is to absorb fluid from the abdominal cavity and supply it to the lymphatic and blood vessels. This is important for the body’s defense. The peritoneum has a surface area of approximately 2 square meters.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Like MRI and CT, PET belongs to the so-called cross-sectional imaging techniques. A weakly radioactive substance (usually glucose, which is radioactively “labeled”) is injected, with the help of which the metabolism of body cells can be made visible in three dimensions. This examination is now often performed together with a computed tomography (PET-CT).
Platinum-resistant Ovarian Cancer A tumor is considered platinum-resistant if the ovarian carcinoma did not respond sufficiently to platinum-containing chemotherapy during initial treatment. By definition, this is the case if the disease progresses within less than 6 months. The tumor is therefore insensitive (resistant) to the medication used.
Platinum-sensitive Ovarian Cancer A tumor is considered platinum-sensitive if the ovarian carcinoma responded to platinum-containing chemotherapy during initial treatment, meaning a recurrence occurs after more than 6 months.
Platinum Compounds Platinum compounds are very effective cytostatics. Chemical compounds of this noble metal bind to the genetic material of tumor cells and additionally inhibit enzymes that could repair the damage caused. However, these drugs have comparatively strong side effects, especially nausea, which can largely be suppressed with concomitant medication. They are usually used in combination with other active substances. Examples: Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin, Carboplatin.
Pleural Effusion This is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural cavity). This narrow space is lined with the so-called pleura, i.e., the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura. A malignant pleural effusion therefore refers to fluid containing cancer cells that surrounds the lung.
Polychemotherapy In chemotherapy, this refers to treatment with several medications simultaneously.
Port The port (venous catheter) is usually inserted under local anesthesia, e.g., above the chest, and leads into the vein going to the heart. A port avoids the need for repeated venous access, e.g., in the arm, which can lead to pain and inflammation. A port also reduces the risk of infusions leaking from the veins into the surrounding tissue if they are weakened. After completion of therapy, the port can be removed.
Postoperative after the operation
Preoperative before the operation
Primary Tumor Original or initial tumor; the primary tumor is the first tumor to develop, from which metastases can originate.
Prognosis Greek: pro, “before” and gnosis, “knowledge”; In medicine, it refers to a prediction about the probable course of a disease.
Proteinuria It is the excretion of protein in the urine, which is normal to a small extent. Increased protein excretion in the urine is a consequence of renal insufficiency.
Prophylaxis Prevention
Psycho-oncologists These are specially trained doctors, psychologists, or social pedagogues who support you and your relatives in better coping with emotional burdens.
Psycho-oncology The term describes an interdisciplinary form of psychotherapy or clinical psychology that deals with the psychological, social, and socio-legal conditions, consequences, and accompanying phenomena of a cancer illness.
Psycho-oncological Support Support for all psychological effects of cancer (e.g., help with coping with illness, depression…).
Psychosomatics Connection between physical disorders, symptoms, or clinical pictures and the psyche. It is assumed that the psyche has a strong influence on the course of various clinical pictures.
Psychosocial Refers to social and psychological factors that influence each other.
Psychosocial Care It serves to support and mobilize the patient in various areas of life. Through a variety of psychological therapy forms tailored to the individual needs of a patient, the return to a good quality of life is supported.
Rehabilitation Measures In medicine, rehabilitation refers to the restoration of a patient’s physical and/or psychological abilities after an illness. Rehabilitation measures refer to all medical, psychosocial, and occupational services that support the patient in reintegrating into family, society, and professional life.
Resection Latin: esecare, “to cut off”; refers to the partial removal of an organ or tissue section, e.g., tumor tissue. After the operation, the result of the operation is assessed with the letter “R”: R0 = no residual tumor present; R1-2 = remaining residual tumor with varying extent.
Recurrence Recurrence refers to the radiologically or clinically detectable reappearance or progression of ovarian carcinoma – meaning that the recurrence of the disease has been proven by clinical examination results or, for example, by computed tomography.
Recurrence-free interval or progression-free survival Time span between the last cycle of previous chemotherapy and the recurrence or progression of the cancer.
Risk Factors Certain circumstances and factors can promote the development of a disease. These include, for example, lifestyle and eating habits, hereditary predispositions, pre-existing diseases, contact with harmful substances, etc. If the connection between such a factor and an increased risk of disease has been proven, it is called a risk factor. Smoking, for example, is a risk factor for many diseases.
SAPV Care SAPV stands for specialized ambulatory palliative care and goes beyond general ambulatory palliative care. SAPV should consist of specialized doctors and nurses as well as at least one other professional group and be available 24 hours a day. There is a legal entitlement to SAPV and coverage of costs by statutory health insurance.
Writing Therapy In therapies, writing is so important because in psychological crises, one’s perspective narrows: Writing is often the first way to break out of inner despair, to broaden one’s perspective again, and yet not be at the mercy of fears and psychological injuries. Personal writing is open to everyone; it does not require special literary or linguistic skills; rather, every person possesses a linguistic expressive ability.
S3 Guideline It is a guide and decision-making aid for doctors. The recommendations for action are based on the best currently available medical knowledge. Nevertheless, a guideline is not a mandatory requirement. Every patient has her own medical history and wishes. In justified cases, the doctor may even deviate from the recommendations of the guideline. The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) assesses guidelines according to their quality. The S3 level has the highest methodological quality and is based on a very thorough evidence search, a quality assessment of the literature regarding its scientific validity and clinical significance, and the achievement of a consensus among the participating experts.
Second-Look Surgery After completed treatment, a possible residual tumor can generally be detected and possibly removed by means of a “second look” at the surgical area. Experts call this second operation to check the success of the treatment a second-look surgery.
Sonography See Ultrasound Examination
Staging In oncology, “staging” refers to the part of diagnostics that serves to determine the extent of a malignant tumor.
Stoma The term stoma (Greek = mouth) refers to a surgically created opening on the abdomen. It is therefore an artificially created opening of a hollow organ to the body surface, for example, the intestine (enterostomy or anus praeter) or the urinary bladder (urostomy). The stoma is reddish and protrudes slightly from the abdominal wall.
Radiation Therapy Also called radiotherapy, it is the medical application of radiation with the aim of curing diseases or delaying their progression. Radiation damages the genetic material in irradiated cells and can lead to cell death, especially in cells with impaired repair capabilities, such as tumor cells. Radiation can act on the patient’s body from outside with the help of appropriate devices or originate from a radiation source inserted into the body (in so-called brachytherapy). Specialists in radiation therapy are called radiologists.
Subtypes Subgrouping of ovarian carcinomas; in epithelial ovarian cancer, various histological subtypes are distinguished: • serous (approx. 50%); • mucinous (approx. 10%); • endometrioid (approx. 20%); • clear cell (approx. 7%); • transitional cell (approx. 1%); • mixed (approx. 2%); • undifferentiated or unclassified carcinomas (approx. 10%). The different histological subtypes influence the survival prospects.
Supportive Therapy Supportive treatments for side effects such as pain, fatigue, etc. Supportive treatment is an indispensable part of therapy.
Symptom In medicine, it refers to a sign of an illness or injury. All symptoms occurring during a disease process are referred to as symptomatology. Symptoms can be subjective, i.e., perceptible by the affected person themselves, or objective, i.e., perceptible from the outside.
Taxanes Taxanes are a group of chemotherapeutic agents originally derived from yew bark (Latin “taxus eibifolia”). Today, the active ingredients are produced semi-synthetically. These drugs have the ability to “halt” cell division (= cytostatics). Examples of this class of active ingredients are Paclitaxel or Docetaxel.
Therapy (Greek “therapeia” service, care) Treatment, medical treatment.
Thromboembolism Vascular occlusion; a thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot is dislodged within the bloodstream, thereby obstructing or blocking a vessel.
Tumor Latin: tumor, “swelling”; Refers to a swelling or mass caused by a dysregulation of cell growth. Tumors can be benign or malignant (see “benign” or “malignant”) and affect almost all body tissues.
Tumor Board Many specialists are involved in cancer treatment: for example, surgeons, radiation therapists, oncologists, palliative care physicians. In large clinics specializing in the treatment of certain cancers, treatment decisions are discussed in a tumor board. Doctors from all specialties sit together there to jointly coordinate the best approach. The final decision on treatment rests with the patient – after extensive consultation.
Tumor Stage The tumor stage indicates how far the tumor disease has progressed. The classification of disease stages (TNM classification) is based on the size of the tumor (abbreviation: T), whether lymph nodes are affected (abbreviation: N), and whether the tumor has settled in other organs (formed metastases) (abbreviation: M). The FIGO classification is also used for the classification of malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs.
Topotecan It is a cytostatic agent that is semi-synthetically produced as a derivative of the plant ingredient camptothecin. It primarily interferes with the structure of genetic information, thereby rendering cells unable to divide.
Tumor Markers These are endogenous substances that are particularly often produced by cancer cells or whose formation is triggered by cancer cells. When determining tumor markers, a single measured value is not important, but rather a trend: If marker values show a noticeable development over a certain period, this can be an indication of further progression of the cancer. However, the tumor marker can also be elevated in benign diseases.
Ultrasound Examination also called sonography, an imaging procedure using ultrasound waves for the examination of organic tissue.
Urostomy Artificial bladder outlet for the diversion of urine on the abdominal wall (see also stoma). The operation for creating a temporary or permanent urostomy is called a urostomy.
Targeted Therapies Targeted therapies are understood as forms of treatment that attack specific targets, i.e., structures on or in cancer cells. The antibody Cetuximab, for example, blocks a receptor on certain cancer cells.
Cytostatics Cytostatics are drugs that disrupt or prevent cell division, which can also cause cell death. During chemotherapy, cytostatics such as Carboplatin and Paclitaxel are administered.