Glossary

Glossary for ovarian cancer therapy
Technical terms and concepts explained

Abdomen Abdomen, abdominal cavity
Abrasion Also known as uterine ablation; scraping of the uterine lining; mucosal tissue is surgically removed.
Adenocarcinoma Malignant tumor originating from glandular tissue.
Adjuvant therapy Refers to supplementary or supportive therapy measures (from the Latin adjuvare, “to support”). In the case of cancer, adjuvant therapy can combat any remaining tumor metastases after surgical removal of the visible affected tissue. Adjuvant therapies can be chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiotherapy, for example.
Adnectomy Unilateral or bilateral removal of fallopian tubes and ovary, also known as adnexa in medical terminology (from the Latin adnexe, “the appendage”); (also known as salpingoophorectomy)
AHB Follow-up treatment, inpatient stay in an (oncological) rehabilitation clinic.
acute Latin acutus “acute”, “sharp”; means “rapid” or “sudden onset”. Acute illnesses develop suddenly and are usually of comparatively short duration. They are distinguished from chronic diseases. Means urgent, pressing, at this moment.
Alopecia Hair loss
ambulatory Latin ambulare, “to walk around”, “to go for a walk”; in outpatient treatment, the patient can leave the treatment or care facility immediately or shortly after completion. She is not admitted as an inpatient (overnight).
Analgesia Pain relief
Anemia Anemia (from gr.an as negation and haima, “the blood”)
Medical history Refers to the gathering of medically relevant information (about your medical history) by specialist personnel (doctors/other specialist personnel).
Antibiotics (from theGreek anti, “against”, bios, “life”) Refers to a group of drugs that prevent the reproduction or survival of microorganisms such as bacteria.
Antiemetics (from the Greek “anti” against and “emesi” vomiting) are drugs that are intended to prevent and suppress nausea and vomiting.
Antibodies Antibodies are naturally occurring protein molecules that recognize foreign and possibly also the body’s own structures as so-called antigens and attach themselves to them. They are important for the human immune defense against pathogens. So-called “monoclonal antibodies” can be produced artificially and are directed against a specific feature of tumor cells. Bevacizumab, for example, is used in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Antibody therapy Targeted therapy with antibodies that bind to specific targets on the cancer cell or on the body’s own immune cells and thus promote the killing of the cancer cell or inhibit its growth.
Anus praeter Artificial bowel outlet or enterostomy; this is an artificially created outlet in which the bowel is expelled through the abdominal wall. A small part of the bowel is visible and is sealed by a self-adhesive bag. This is odor-proof and collects the excretions.
Ascites Accumulation of fluid 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 both for the clinical picture and for the fluid itself.
Peritoneum Also known as the peritoneum. Fine skin that lines the wall of the abdominal and pelvic cavity and covers a large part of the abdominal and pelvic organs.
Abdominal cavity chemotherapy (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) Local rather than systemic chemotherapy; the active substances are administered directly into the abdominal cavity rather than 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 with up to two liters of fluid via a thin tube. 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.
Abdominal mesh The abdominal net is technically called the omentum majus; it is also known as the large net. It mainly covers the small intestine and parts of the large intestine. The abdominal net is rich in fatty tissue, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Its functions include fluid regulation and immune defense in the abdominal cavity.
Concomitant diseases Concomitant diseases (also known as comorbidity) are other diseases that are present 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 benign
Benign tumor Benign tumor that does not form metastases
Bevacizumab The antibody bevacizumab is an angiogenesis inhibitor, i.e. it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels. It does not attack the cancer cells themselves, but inhibits the growth factor VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is released by tumor cells to stimulate the formation of blood vessels 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 requirements. This new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) is reduced by Bevacizumab. Bevacizumab is administered as an infusion. It can often cause serious side effects.
Biopsy Greek bios, “life” and opsis, “to see”; removal and subsequent histological or laboratory chemical examination of a tissue sample (biopsy). This examination is carried out in a pathology institute and serves to confirm a diagnosis in the case of suspicious tissue changes as well as to plan further treatment. During a biopsy, tissue is removed to clarify a suspected tumor so that it can be examined histologically under a microscope.
Borderline tumor Borderline tumors are tumors that cannot be clearly classified as benign or malignant. Cell and tissue changes are present here, 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 CAncerand is the name given to a gene because of its association with breast cancer. If there is a mutation in one of the BRCA genes (BRCA 1 or BRCA 2), this favors the development of breast or ovarian cancer, for example. A germline BRCA gene mutation is hereditary and carriers have an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer in the course of their lives.
cancer English word for cancer
Chemotherapy Treatment of cancer patients with special drugs, so-called cytostatics. Depending on the therapeutic objective, a distinction can be made between curative, (neo-) adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy.
Chronic Chronic means “long-lasting” or “slow”. Chronic diseases develop slowly and insidiously and persist over a long period of time. Often only the symptoms can be treated, but not the cause.
Computed tomography (CT) Greek tomos, “cut” and “graphein” to draw, write; computer-aided diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays to generate images, e.g. transverse and longitudinal sections of the human body,
Depression lat. deprimere, “to depress”; Depression is when certain signs of illness such as depressed mood, lack of drive, fatigue and lack of interest persist for at least two weeks. It is a pathological mental disorder and a condition in which the sensation of feelings is reduced, contrary to the widespread synonymous use of the term with sadness.
Diagnosis Greek diagnosí “investigation”; by carefully examining, weighing up and assessing all signs of illness, the doctor comes to a conclusion about the presence and particular manifestation of a disease.
Diagnostic operation Only an operation can definitively determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant and what form of ovarian cancer it is. This process is also known as “surgical staging”. The first stage of treatment, e.g. removal of the ovaries, is often carried out during the same operation. For certain types of tissue, e.g. borderline or low-grade cancer, a frozen section examination can be performed during the operation. A final examination and final diagnosis is 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 the DNA and at the same time suppresses an enzyme that is important for DNA synthesis, causing cell death. However, it is not only effective in the cell division phase. As a result, 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 the pegylated doxorubicin is also surrounded by a capsule of fat molecules (liposomes). This means that the active substance is better tolerated, causes fewer adverse effects and remains in the body for longer.
Drainage Refers to the natural or therapeutic drainage of body fluids. The fluid can be drained through an existing body structure or through a “drain” inserted by a 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 increasingly under the influence of hormones. Ovarian cancer, for example, can grow under the influence of the female sex hormone oestrogen. This hormone dependency of cancer cells is the starting point for anti-hormone therapy. This involves switching off the body’s own hormones that promote tumor growth. In this way, the spread of a tumor can be inhibited. As a rule, anti-hormone therapy is better tolerated and associated with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Enteral nutrition gr. enteron “intestine”; form of artificial nutrition in which nutrients are administered 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 consisting of a closed cell structure that covers internal or external body surfaces and separates them from their surroundings. In addition, some epithelia fulfill special functions, such as mucosal epithelia in the nasal or intestinal mucosa.
Maintenance therapy If active substances are administered preventively over several years or for life to prevent a recurrence, this is referred to as maintenance therapy.
Initial treatment The initial treatment of ovarian cancer involves the surgical removal of the tumor with or without subsequent chemotherapy.
Erythrocytes Red blood cells that are important for the oxygen supply to the tissue
Etoposide Is a cytostatic drug that primarily disrupts the structure of genetic information and thus renders the cells incapable of division.
Extirpation Surgical removal/ ablation
Fatigue French. Fatigue, exhaustion; refers to a side effect of many cancers: Triggered by the disease itself, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, it can lead to states of permanent exhaustion, fatigue and excessive demands.
Fine needle aspiration In a fine needle aspiration, tissue is removed through a fine needle and then examined in the laboratory. This is also known as a fine needle biopsy.
Distant metastases Metastases that arise from a cancer cell far away 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 ) to classify 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” descent and “génesis” origin) Hereditary, caused by genes.
Genetic predisposition Genetic predisposition refers to an inherited genetic mutation from birth which, in the case of the BRCA genes, is associated with an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. If this genetic predisposition is present, the probability of passing it on to offspring is 50%.
Tumor New formation 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 less favorable the prognosis.
Granulocytes White blood cells that are important for fighting bacterial inflammation
Large net Protective fold of peritoneum that extends from the large intestine over the small intestine (Latin omentum majus)
Gynecology Gynaecology is the study of the treatment of diseases of the female sexual and reproductive organs.
Gynecologist A gynecologist specializing in cancer diseases
Hb Abbreviation for hemoglobin, measure of the red blood cell concentration in the blood
High-grade carcinoma means that the cancer is classified microscopically as “poorly differentiated”. This tumor grows quickly and aggressively
Histological analysis The tumor tissue is usually examined histologically during the operation. For this purpose, conspicuous tissue is removed and examined under the microscope by the pathologist while the patient is still under anesthesia in a so-called frozen section. On the one hand, this serves to confirm the suspected diagnosis; on the other hand, there are some histological characteristics that can have an influence on the further course of the operation.
Histology refers to the histological 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 Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Consortium has defined certain inclusion criteria for belonging to high-risk families.
Hormone therapy Treatment with hormones, see endocrine therapy
Hospice Hospices provide care for seriously ill people with an incurable, progressive illness and limited life expectancy, as well as dying people who do not require inpatient treatment in hospital but cannot be cared for at home. The hospice focuses on monitoring the symptoms of the illness and alleviating discomfort.
Hysterectomy hysterectomy
Ileostomy Artificial bowel outlet, more details at urostoma
Ileus Intestinal obstruction
Infusion Fluids that are administered via a vein
interdisciplinary In medicine, interdisciplinary means that doctors from different specialties (= disciplines) and other specialists are involved in the treatment together.
Intravenous Into the vein
Cardiotoxic Cardiotoxic (from the Greek Kardía, “the heart” and the Latin toxicum, “the poison”) refers to substances or drugs that can affect or even damage the heart in various ways. Cardiotoxicity is an important side effect of some chemotherapeutic agents.
Carcinoma (Greek/Latin “carcinoma” cancerous tumor) Carcinoma is a malignant type of cancer. This means that cancer cells grow destructively into other tissues, individual cancer cells can spread to other tissues via the bloodstream or lymphatic system and form metastases there. Carcinoma is a tumor originating from the covering tissue (epithelium).
Clinical trial A clinical trial is a scientific study that investigates whether a new drug can be approved or proven drug therapy concepts can be optimized in routine clinical practice.
Completion surgery Removal of the organs that were not removed during the first operation to preserve fertility (usually the uterus and one ovary with fallopian tubes).
Complementary and alternative treatment methods “Complementum” is Latin and means “supplement”. In addition to the treatment options that have been tested in studies, various complementary procedures and medications are often also referred to as alternative treatments. Complementary treatment methods originate from naturopathy or traditional Chinese medicine, for example, and can be used in addition to standard medical treatment under certain conditions. Alternative procedures, on the other hand, are methods that are used instead of methods and drugs that have been developed by scientific medicine. However, the effectiveness of these methods in the treatment of cancer is often not sufficiently proven according to scientific and clinical standards.
Creatinine Excretion form of a muscle metabolite, provides information on the functionality of the kidneys, important for the dosage of certain medications
Art therapy Art therapy is a specialty of artistic therapies. Within a protected therapeutic relationship, it primarily enables non-verbal expression as well as conscious access through the diverse media and techniques of the visual arts.
curative lat. curare, “to heal”. Curative medicine refers to therapeutic measures for curative treatment.
Curative treatment Treatment with the aim of healing
Laparoscopy In contrast to the opening of the abdominal cavity (see laparotomy), the abdomen is not opened through a long incision, but thin special instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity. This is also known colloquially as buttonhole or keyhole surgery.
Laparotomy Surgical Opening of the abdominal cavity through an abdominal incision.
Quality of life The value of treatment is not only measured by whether life can be prolonged. You should also be able to assess what impact the treatment can have on your quality of life. Quality of life is a flexible term: everyone understands it differently. And that is why people in similar situations make different decisions. In consultation with the doctor or therapy team, the individual needs for treatment with the best possible quality of life are discussed.
Leukopenia Reduction of white blood cells
leukocytes white blood cells
Lymphadenectomy lat. lympha, “spring/flowing water”, gr. aden, “gland” and gr. ektomein;! to cut out! ;the surgical removal of the lymph nodes. The removed lymph nodes are examined for tumor infestation. In this way, it can be determined or ruled out that 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 lymphoedema (swelling). This treatment can be prescribed by a doctor.
Lymphoedema and lymphatic cysts Lymphoedema is a non-reddened and painless swelling due to an accumulation of fluid in the tissue crevices, e.g. in the groin, genital area and legs. This can occur when the lymphatic system is disturbed and the lymph (interstitial fluid) cannot drain away. If lymph fluid accumulates in the cysts, this is known as lymphatic cysts.
Lymphadenectomy Lymph node removal, see also lymphadenectomy
Lymph nodes Lymph nodes are responsible for the absorption and filtration of tissue water in a body region.
Magnetic resonance imaging Greek tomos, “cut” and graphein, “to draw”, to write; magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging procedure used for diagnostics. The structure and function of internal tissues and organs can be visualized from the outside. However, unlike X-rays or computer tomography, this procedure is not based on X-rays, but on strong electromagnetic fields.
Macroscopic complete resection Latin resecare, “to cut off”; surgical complete or total removal of the visible tumor tissue.
malignant Malignant
Mammography X-ray examination of the breast
Metastases Metastases, also known as metastases, are metastases of cells from the original primary tumor. The cells reach other organs via blood vessels or the lymphatic system, where they form distant metastases of the tumor. On their way through the vascular system, many tumor cells remain in the lymph nodes, so that lymph node involvement provides an important indication of the spread of the disease.
Monochemotherapy In chemotherapy, refers to treatment with one drug as opposed to polychemotherapy, a treatment with more than one active ingredient
Mutation A mutation is a change in the genetic material. This can occur spontaneously in the course of life but can also be inherited. A mutation is neither good nor bad per se, but there are mutations that can have an impact on health.
Mucositis Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Music therapy A therapeutic effect is achieved through the targeted use of music. Music therapy is used to restore, maintain and promote mental and physical health. It has already established itself in inpatient clinical settings, but has so far only played a minor role in outpatient care.
Myelosuppression Damage to the bone marrow impairs or stops blood formation.
Nausea Nausea
Side effects Not every side effect occurs in every patient, some only very rarely. There is a precise regulation on how the frequency of a side effect is to be described on the package leaflets of medicines. The information on frequency 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 that is carried out before surgery, for example chemotherapy before surgery.
Nephrotoxic Damaging to the kidney
Neuropathy A disease of the peripheral nerves that can also occur as a side effect of treatment with certain chemotherapeutic agents. This can lead to discomfort, such as tingling and stinging sensations, or numbness and even 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.
Constipation Constipation
Edema Greek oidema, “tumor”; pathological accumulation of tissue fluid in the intercellular spaces.
Occult metastases lat. occultus, “hidden” Some metastases are still so small at the time of diagnosis that they cannot be detected. A tumor is then classified as curable and may be operated on even though it has already spread.
Omentectomy Surgical (in)complete removal of the abdominal mesh
Omentum majus Abdominal net or large net; it mainly covers the small intestine and parts of the large intestine. The abdominal net is rich in fatty tissue, blood and lymph vessels. Its functions include fluid regulation and immune defense in the abdominal cavity.
Oncology Greek onkos, “swelling”, logos, “teaching”; is the specialist term for the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of cancer.
Osteoporosis Bone atrophy; is a metabolic disease of the bones. Bone density decreases and the bones become fragile and unstable.
Ovary Ovary
Ovarian cancer 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”. The aim of palliative treatment is not to cure, but to alleviate symptoms. In the context of care, “palliative” describes care in the last phase of life. This does not necessarily mean the “final stage” of an illness, although the term is often used in this way. The right time to start palliative care treatment depends on the patient’s needs.
Palliative care unit Palliative care units are independent departments attached to a hospital. Patients with an incurable, advanced illness and complaints that require hospital treatment are admitted. A doctor is available around the clock; one nurse is available for a maximum of four patients. The rooms (usually single rooms) and the entire ward 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”, in which a high-dose nutrient solution is administered directly into the blood via an infusion (in contrast to enteral nutrition, in which nutrients are administered into the intestine via a tube)
PARP inhibitors PARP inhibitors inhibit an enzyme called PARP (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, “teaching”; pathology is a branch of medicine that deals with pathological processes and structures in the body. For example, a pathologist examines the tissue removed during a cancer operation in order to draw conclusions about the type and extent of the tumor.
Peritoneal carcinoma Peritoneal cancer, i.e. the peritoneum itself is the site of origin of the malignant tumor cells. It is a cancer that behaves biologically like ovarian cancer and is treated accordingly. However, it is more common for other malignant tumors to 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 known as peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sometimes only parts of the peritoneum are affected, sometimes the entire peritoneum, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
Peritoneal metastases Tumor metastases in the peritoneum
Peritoneal cytology Examination of the peritoneum for cancer cells in the laboratory. The peritoneum consists of a thin epithelium that is biologically similar to ovarian tissue. It surrounds the internal organs below the diaphragm and lines the abdominal cavity. It serves as a sliding layer and thus ensures that the organs can be moved easily. 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 defenses. The peritoneum has a surface area of around 2 square meters.
Positron emission tomography (PET) Like MRI and CT, PET is one of the so-called cross-sectional imaging procedures. A low-level radioactive substance (usually glucose, which is radioactively “marked”) is injected, which can be used to visualize the metabolism of the body’s cells in three dimensions. This examination is now often carried out together with computer tomography (PET-CT).
Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer A tumor is said to be platinum-resistant if the ovarian cancer has not responded sufficiently to platinum-containing chemotherapy during initial treatment. By definition, this is the case if progression of the disease occurs after less than 6 months. The tumor is therefore insensitive (resistant) to the drug used.
Platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer A tumor is said to be platinum-sensitive if the ovarian cancer has responded to platinum-containing chemotherapy during the initial treatment, i.e. a recurrence occurs after more than 6 months.
Platinum compounds Platinum compounds are very effective cytostatic agents. Chemical compounds of this precious metal bind to the genetic material of tumor cells and also inhibit the enzymes that could repair the damage caused. However, these drugs have comparatively strong side effects, especially nausea, which can be largely suppressed with concomitant medication. They are usually used in combination with other active substances. Examples: Cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin.
Pleural effusion This is a pathological accumulation of fluid in the gap between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural cavity). This narrow gap is lined with the pleura, i.e. the pleura of the lungs and the pleura of the ribs or chest. A malignant pleural effusion is therefore fluid with cancer cells in it that surrounds the lung.
Polychemotherapy In chemotherapy, refers to treatment with several drugs at the same time.
Port The port (venous catheter) is usually inserted under local anesthesia, e.g. above the chest, and opens into the vein leading to the heart. A port avoids the need to keep inserting new veins, 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 these are weakened. Once therapy is complete, the port can be removed.
Postoperative After the operation
Preoperative Before the operation
Primary tumor The tumor of origin or initial tumor; the primary tumor is the tumor from which metastases can originate.
prognosis Greek pro, “before” and gnosis, “knowledge”; in medicine, refers to a prediction about the presumed course of a disease.
Proteinuria Is the excretion of protein in the urine, which is normal to a small extent. Increased excretion of protein in the urine is a consequence of renal insufficiency.
Prophylaxis Prevention
Psycho-oncologists These are specially trained doctors, psychologists or social education workers who will help you and your relatives to cope better with the emotional stress.
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 side effects of cancer.
Psycho-oncological support Support with all psychological effects of cancer (e.g. help with coping with the disease, depression, etc.).
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 illnesses.
Psychosocial This 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. The return to a good quality of life is supported by means of a variation of different forms of psychological therapy that are tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
Rehabilitation measures In medicine, rehabilitation refers to the restoration of a patient’s physical and/or mental abilities after an illness. Rehabilitation measures refer to all medical, psychosocial and occupational services that support the patient in reintegrating into family, society and working life.
Resection Latin esecare, “to cut off”; refers to the partial removal of an organ or section of tissue, 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 of varying extent.
Recurrence Recurrence refers to the radiologically or clinically detectable recurrence or progression of ovarian cancer – in other words, evidence of the recurrence of the disease based on clinical examination results or, for example, computer tomography.
Recurrence-free interval or progression-free survival time Period of time between the last cycle of the previous chemotherapy and the recurrence or progression of the cancer.
Risk factors Certain circumstances and factors can favor the development of a disease. These include, for example, lifestyle and dietary habits, hereditary factors, pre-existing illnesses, contact with harmful substances, etc.. If the connection between such a factor and an increased risk of disease is proven, it is referred to as a risk factor. Smoking, for example, is a risk factor for many diseases.
SAPV care SAPV stands for specialized outpatientpalliative careand goes beyond general outpatient 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 the costs are covered by statutory health insurance.
Writing therapy Writing is so important in therapies because the view narrows in psychological crises: writing is often the first way to break out of inner despair, to broaden the view again and still not be at the mercy of fears and psychological injuries. Writing is open to everyone, it does not require any special literary or linguistic skills, rather everyone has the ability to express themselves linguistically.
S3 guideline Is an orientation and decision-making aid for doctors. The recommendations for action are based on the best medical knowledge currently available. Nevertheless, a guideline is not a mandatory requirement. Every patient has her own medical history and her own wishes. In justified cases, the doctor may even have to deviate from the recommendations in the guideline. The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) assesses guidelines according to their quality. The S3 level has the highest methodological quality and is based on very thorough evidence research, a quality assessment of the literature with regard to its scientific validity and clinical significance and the achievement of a consensus between the experts involved.
Second-look surgery Once treatment has been completed, a “second look” at the surgical site can be used to identify and possibly remove any residual tumor. Experts call this second operation to check the success of the treatment a second-look operation.
Sonography See ultrasound examination
Staging In oncology, “staging” is the term used to describe the part of the diagnostic process that serves to determine the degree of spread of a malignant tumor.
Stoma The term stoma (Greek = mouth) refers to a surgically created opening in the abdomen. It is therefore an artificially created opening of a hollow organ to the body surface, for example the intestine (enterostomy or anus preter) or the urinary bladder (urostomy). The stoma is reddish in color and protrudes slightly from the abdominal wall.
Radiotherapy Radiotherapy is the medical application of radiation with the aim of curing diseases or delaying their progression. The radiation damages the genetic material in the irradiated cells and can lead to cell death, particularly in cells that are incapable of repair, such as tumor cells. The radiation can be applied to the patient’s body from the outside using appropriate equipment or from a radiation source inserted into the body (in the case of brachytherapy). Specialists in radiotherapy are called radiologists.
Subtypes Subgrouping of ovarian carcinomas; different histological subtypes are distinguished in epithelial ovarian cancer: – serous (about 50 percent); – mucinous (about 10 percent); – endometrioid (about 20 percent); – clear cell (about 7 percent); – transitional cell (about 1 percent); – mixed (about 2 percent); – undifferentiated or unclassified carcinomas (about 10 percent). The different histologic subtypes have an influence on the chances of survival.
Supportive therapy Supportive treatment of side effects such as pain, fatigue, etc. Supportive treatment is an indispensable part of therapy.
Symptom In medicine, refers to a sign of an illness or injury. All symptoms occurring during a disease process are referred to as symptoms. Symptoms can be subjective, i.e. perceptible by the person affected, or objective, i.e. perceptible from the outside.
Taxanes Taxanes are a group of chemotherapeutic agents that were originally extracted from the bark of the yew tree (Latin “taxus eibifolia“). Today, the active ingredients are produced semi-synthetically. These drugs have the ability to “stop” cell division (= cytostatics). Examples of this class of drugs are paclitaxel or docetaxel.
Therapy (Greek “therapeia” serving, caring) treatment, curative treatment.
Thromboembolism Vascular occlusion; when a blood clot is carried within the bloodstream and a vessel is obstructed or blocked as a result, this is referred to as a thromboembolism.
Tumor lat.tumor, “swelling”; refers to a swelling or mass that is caused by a dysregulation of cell growth. Tumors can be benign or malignant (see “benign” or “malignant”) and affect almost all body tissues.
Tumor conference Many specialists are involved in the treatment of cancer: for example, surgeons, radiotherapists, oncologists and palliative physicians. In large hospitals that specialize in the treatment of certain cancers, treatment decisions are discussed in a tumour conference. Doctors from all specialties sit together to agree on the best course of action. The final decision on treatment – after extensive consultation – lies with the patient.
Tumor stage The tumor stage indicates how advanced the tumor disease is. The classification of the 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 spread to other organs (metastases) (abbreviation: M). The FIGO classification is also used to classify malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs.
Topotecan Is a cytostatic drug that is produced semi-artificially as a derivative of the plant ingredient camptothecin. It primarily disrupts the structure of genetic information and thus renders the cells unable to divide.
Tumor markers These are endogenous substances that are formed particularly frequently by cancer cells or whose formation is triggered by cancer cells. When determining tumor markers, it is not a single measured value that is important, but a progression: If marker values develop conspicuously over a certain period of time, 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 known as sonography, imaging procedure using ultrasound waves to examine organic tissue.
Urostomy Artificial urinary bladder outlet to drain urine through the abdominal wall (see also stoma). The operation to create a temporary or permanent urostomy is called a urostomy.
Targeted therapies Targeted therapies are 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.
Cytostatic drugs Cytostatics are drugs that disrupt or prevent the division of cells, which can also cause the cells to die. Cytostatic drugs such as carboplatin and paclitaxel are administered during chemotherapy.