Glossary

A medical specialty that treats cancer. Gynecologic oncology deals with cancers of the uterus (endometrial cancer), the cervix, the ovaries, and the vulva.

(D) Removal of the ovary. This may be unilateral or bilateral. If both ovaries are removed, menopause occurs immediately. The procedure may be performed in conjunction with a hysterectomy or, in cases where the condition affects only the ovaries, it may be performed as a standalone procedure.

The organ responsible for the secretion of female hormones and ovulation. The natural cessation of ovarian function or the removal of the ovaries leads to menopause. The removal of an ovary is called an oophorectomy.