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A guide to the meaning of some of the words used in this site
Antibody
Antibodies are proteins that fight against and neutralise bacteria and viruses.
Benign
Means not cancerous.
Biopsy
The removal of a small amount of tissue or cells from the body for examination and to help decide if there is a problem or not.
Cancer
A disease in which cells become abnormal and multiply out of control. Cancer cells can stay in one place‚ invade nearby tissues or spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Cell
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. Individual cells may be more or less specialised for particular functions.
Cervical
Referring to the cervix.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus‚ that opens into the vagina.
Colposcope
The device used to examine the vagina and cervix up close.
Colposcopy
Detailed examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope.
HPV (Human papillomavirus)
A family of nearly 100 viruses. Some types cause warts on the hands or feet. Other types infect the genital area of both men and women and are called genital HPVs. Some non-cancer causing HPV types can only cause genital warts. Other cancer-causing HPV types such as types 16,18, 31 and 45 can lead to cervical cancer. The non-cancer-causing HPV types that cause genital warts (such as types 6 and 11) are not known to cause cervical cancer.
Immune system
The immune system is the body’s defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Infection
Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria‚ viruses‚ yeast‚ or fungi.
Malignant
A term that describes a cancer or tumour that has the potential to spread away from its point of origin.
Screening
Cervical screening is the process of collecting cells from a woman’s cervix. Cells are collected and then analysed for cervical abnormalities. (See also smear test)
Smear test
A procedure in which cells are taken from the cervix in one of two ways: either by using a spatula and smearing the cells onto a slide or by using a brush that is then stored in a small pot of liquid for later analysis under the microscope. Cervical smear tests are used for early detection of cell changes in the cervix.
Tissue
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Tumour
An abnormal mass of tissue that is the result of cells growing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner. Tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Uterus (also called the womb)
The small‚ hollow‚ pear–shaped organ in which a fetus develops during pregnancy. The lower end of the uterus (which opens into the vagina) is called the cervix.
Vaccination
Vaccination or immunisation is usually given by an injection that makes the body's immune system produce antibodies that will protect against infectious diseases.
Virus
A micro organism that can infect cells and may cause disease. Viruses are made only of genetic material surrounded by a coat of proteins.
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CCD/WEB/07/32017/1 October 2007
© 2007 GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. All rights reserved.
GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited : Registered in England & Wales No 4310159
Registered office 980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9GS
This site is for UK residents only
Legal Statement Privacy Statement
CCD/WEB/07/32017/1 October 2007