The uterus, cervix, and ovaries are parts of the female reproductive system.
- The uterus is the muscular organ in which the fetus develops; the lining of the uterus is called the endometrium.
- The cervix is the opening to the uterus.
- The ovaries produce eggs, or reproductive cells, and hormones.
Types of Gynecologic Diseases
A variety of diseases can affect a woman's reproductive system:
- Cervical cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissue of the cervix. Cancer can spread beyond the cervix to other tissues and organs.
- Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus that can cause warts, including genital warts.
- Ovarian cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissue that covers the ovaries. Ovarian cancer is the most serious of the female reproductive cancers because it is often detected after it has spread outside the ovary.
If your doctor suspects that you may have a disease of the reproductive organs, he or she may refer you for further testing, which may include performing a biopsy.
The Role of the Pathologist
The pathologist will examine your tissue biopsy sample and provide a diagnosis that will help your doctor formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
For more information on gynecologic pathology, see:
Learn More About Biopsies and other Diagnostic Tests for Gynecologic Diseases
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