Glossary
A
Abdomen
Part of the body between the waist and the top of the legs, often know as 'belly' or 'tummy'.
Abnormal cervical cells
Cells on the cervix that differ in some way to normal cells.
Acquired Hearing Loss
A hearing loss of non genetic origin that develops after birth.
Adenocarcinoma
Cancer of the glandular cells of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)
High-grade changes to glandular cells of the cervix.
Adequate smear
A smear that contains both squamous and endocervical or squamous metaplastic cells.
Adjuvant treatment
Treatment of breast cancer that is additional to treatment by surgery after complete clinical removal of disease (for example, use of radiotherapy). The aim of adjuvant treatment is to destroy any cancer that may have spread.
Amplification
The use of hearing aids and other electronic devices to increase the loudness and clarity of sounds, so that they may be more easily received and understood.
Antenatal HIV screening
HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus prevents the body's immune system from working properly and makes it hard to fight off infections.
Asphyxia
Too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide in the blood, causing suffocation.
Assessment
Follow-up tests if something of concern is seen on a mammogram.
Asymptomatic
Without symptoms.
Atypical hyperplasia
An abnormal increase in the number of epithelial cells. Women with this diagnosis are at a slightly increased risk of developing breast carcinoma.
Audiogram
A graph on which a person's ability to hear different pitches (frequencies) at different volumes (intensities) of sound is recorded
Audiologist
A university-trained professional who is specially qualified to measure hearing, diagnose and advise on the management of hearing disorders, and supply and fit hearing aids and other hearing devices to suit individual needs. The New Zealand Audiological Society is the professional body in New Zealand responsible for the clinical certification of audiologists.
Audit
A formal check of a service to see how well it is achieving all the standards set for it.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
A non-invasive test that measures the brain responses to auditory stimuli. This test can indicate whether or not sound is being detected, even in an infant.
Auditory Nerve
The nerve that conveys information from the hearing organ in the inner ear to the central nervous system. It is part of the VIII cranial nerve (Vestibulocochlea nerve). The other part is in the vestibular nerve which comes from the vestibular or balance organs
Auditory System
The anatomical system that transfers energy from sound waves to neural activity for processing by the auditory centres in the brain. The auditory system consists of the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the central auditory pathways
Autosomal recessive disorder
Each cell in our body carries two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. In all of us, there are "mutations" in a few of the genes. For a recessive gene mutation to result in a particular disorder, both copies of the gene must carry the mutation.
B
Basilar Membrane
Membrane inside the cochlea that vibrates in response to sound
Benign tumour
A tumour that is not malignant, which usually remains a uniform shape enclosed in a fibrous sac. It does not spread to other parts of the body, and usually does not recur after being removed. A benign tumour does not indicate cancer.
Bethesda System
A systematic method or reporting cervical smear results.
Bilateral Hearing Loss
A hearing loss in both ears
Biopsy
The removal of a small piece of body tissue for testing in the laboratory to assist in diagnosis of cell changes or disease.
Biotinidase Deficiency (BIO)
Biotinidase Deficiency is an enzyme deficiency that occurs in about 1in 50,000 newborns and can result in seizures, hearing loss and death in severe cases. Treatment involves doses of biotin.
Blood spot card
When newborn babies are 48 hours old, a blood sample is taken from their heel. This is sometimes referred to as the heel prick test. Blood from the baby’s heel is dropped onto a special type of filter paper (previously called a Guthrie card) and stored as a series of blood spots. A number of screening tests are then carried out on these blood spots for the purposes of newborn screening. These tests are often called newborn metabolic screening to distinguish them from other types of newborn screening.
Bone Conduction
Sound conducted through the skull
Breast awareness
Breast awareness involves a woman knowing what her breasts are like normally, so she can notice any changes that seem different from normal.
Breast cancer
An abnormal growth of cells that is classified as ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer.
Breast conserving surgery
Surgery when the cancer is removed together with a margin of normal breast tissue. The whole breast is not removed.
Breast reconstruction
The formation or recreation of a breast shape after a total mastectomy.
BreastScreen Aotearoa
Name of the programme overseen by the National Screening Unit that screens women for breast cancer.
C
Cancer
A general term for a large number of diseases in which there is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Carcinogen
Any substance or organism that can cause cancer, eg, tobacco.
Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the lining or covering of a tissue.
Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
High-grade cell changes confined to the surface (epithelial) layer of the cervix. Without treatment they may develop into invasive cancer.
Carcinoma squamous
Malignant lesion of the squamous portion of the cervix (the outer portion of the cervix).
Cells
The smallest living unit in the human body. The body is made up of many millions of cells built into tissues and organs.
Central Auditory Pathways
The neural pathways that start at the VIIIth cranial nerve (auditory nerve) and travel via a number of centres in the brainstem and mid brain to the auditory cortex
Cerumen
The waxy secretion found within the ear canal
Cervical cancer
There are two main types of cervical cancer; squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma (or glandular cell cancer). Squamous cell cancer is the most common form of cervical cancer. It usually arises in the transformation zone of the cervix which is where the vagina meets the cervix. Adenocarcinoma is found in the glandular cells which line the inside of the cervix.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Abnormal changes or growth in the skin layers of the cervix. These changes are not cancer, but could develop into cancer if not treated. CIN is graded as CIN 1, 2, or 3. CIN 3 means the most severe changes.
Cervical smear test
A screening test in which cells are taken from the cervix, preserved on a slide and sent to the laboratory for examination. It is also know as a pap smear.
Cervix
The neck of the uterus. It opens into the vagina.
Chemotherapy
The treatment of disease, especially cancer, with drugs that kill tumour cells.
CIN-1
Low grade or mildly abnormal cervical squamous cell changes.
CIN-2
Moderate grade abnormal cervical squamous cell changes.
CIN-3
Severe grade abnormal cervical squamous cell changes.
CIS
A high grade abnormality which has not yet become invasive. It is confined to the layer of cells (epithelium) of the cervix. It is a form of preinvasive cancer which may develop into invasive cancer if not treated. Also known as CIN-3.
Cleft Lip
A congenital craniofacial abnormality resulting in a split (cleft) in the lip; frequently associated with a cleft palate
Cleft Palate
A congenital craniofacial abnormality resulting in a split (cleft) in the palate; frequently associated with a cleft lip
Cochlea
The spiral-shaped bony structure of the inner ear that contains the sensory cells that are responsible for detecting sound and stimulating the auditory nerve
Cochlear implant
An electronic device surgically implanted to stimulate nerve endings in the inner ear (cochlea) in order for the person to receive and process sound and speech.
Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights
The Code confers a number of rights on all consumers of health and disability services in New Zealand and places obligations on providers of those services. It covers all registered health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists etc.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal or bowel cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that starts on the inside wall of the bowel. Colorectal cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.
Colposcope
An instrument that looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand. It has a light and magnifies the cervix so it can be examined more closely. A colposcope may have a camera attached, which allows a woman to see her cervix on a television screen.
Colposcopist
All colposcopists and obstetricians and gynaecologists specialising in and performing colposcopy.
Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix and vagina to check for abnormal cells, using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by interference with sound transmission through the external canal, middle ear, or ossicles to the inner ear
Cone biopsy
Surgical removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix to remove abnormal cells. The procedure may be used to diagnose or treat cell changes.
Congenital
Occurring before, at, or shortly after birth
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
CAH is caused by decreased or absent production of certain adrenal hormones. The most prevalent type is detected by newborn screening in about 1 in 20,000 newborns. Early detection can prevent death in boys and girls and sex mis-assignments in girls. Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Congenital Atresia
A type of birth defect causing a complete closure of the ear canal
Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)
CH is a disorder where a baby is born with a thyroid gland that does not work properly. A normal working thyroid gland is critical for normal growth and brain development. The thyroid can be completely absent or small and underdeveloped or not in the normal position in the neck. More rarely, CH is caused by the absence of an enzyme in the thyroid gland, preventing it from making thyroid hormone (thyroxine). The treatment is daily thyroxine.
Core biopsy
A needle removes a core of tissue for testing.
Coverage
The number, percentage or proportion of eligible people screened by a programme.
Craniofacial Abnormality
An abnormality of the head or face, i.e. Cleft palate
Cyst
A closed sac filled with fluid.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
CF is a disorder in which the body's secretions, especially in the lungs and gut are much more sticky than usual. These thick secretions encourage infection in the lungs and abnormal secretions from the pancreas frequently make food digestion and absorption incomplete. CF is an autosomal recessive disorder.
Cytology
The study of cells. The cells are examined under a microscope for signs of abnormality.
D
Decibel (dB)
One-tenth of a bel; unit for expressing the relative loudness or intensity of sound on a logarithmic scale
Decibel Hearing Level (dBHL)
The sensitivity of hearing in decibels, relative to normative data from adults
Dense breast tissue
Made up of less fat and more tightly packed fibrous tissue, making mammograms harder to read.
Diagnosis
Identification of a disease of illness.
Diagnostic test
A test used to identify a disease, condition or illness.
Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is relatively common, with a population incidence of about 1 in 1000 live births. Babies born with Down syndrome often have intellectual and growth impairment and a range of other possible medical complications.
Duct
A tube for transporting liquid. In the breast, ducts carry milk to the nipple when a woman feeds her baby.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
An area of abnormal cells in the breast duct that has not spread to the surrounding tissue.
Dysplasia
An abnormal growth of cells which look like cancer cells, but do not have all the features of cancer.
E
Eardrum
A fine membrane (tympanic membrane) at the end of the ear canal that separates the outer ear from the middle ear
Ectocervix
External aspect of the cervix.
Endocervix
Internal aspect of the cervix.
Enrolment
For NCSP: the process of entering a woman's information and results on the NCSP Register. For BSA: When a woman gives her name or allows her name to be given to BreastScreen Aotearoa to begin the registration process. The registration process is when a woman has completed a registration form which includes informed consent for screening prior to having a mammogram.
Enzyme
A product of a gene that converts one chemical into another chemical. If an enzyme is defective, because of an inherited genetic anomaly, then there can be a build up to toxic levels or insufficient production in the chain of events.
Epidemiologist
A person who studies all elements contributing to the occurence or absence of a disease in a population.
Epithelium
Cells which make up the lining of the external surface and some internal linings of the body, eg, the skin, the lining of the lungs, the genital tract, the bladder.
Excision
Surgical removal of tissue, a tumour or an organ from the body.
F
False negative result
A negative screening test result in a person who does have cancer at the time the screening is conducted.
False positive result
Indicates something is not right when, in fact, all is well.
Fine needle aspiration
Where a fine needle is placed in a lump removing a sample of cells from breast tissue for examination by a pathologist.
Frequency
The number of vibrations or sound waves per second of a sound. Frequency, expressed in Hertz (Hz), determines the pitch of the sound
G
Galactosaemia
Galactosaemia is an enzyme deficiency. It causes an accumulation in the blood of galactose, a sugar which is in milk. The enzyme deficiency prevents the galactose from being changed to another sugar, glucose. Galactose and other compounds accumulate and cause lethargy, vomiting, jaundice and sepsis. The treatment is a diet which completely excludes galactose.
Gene
A gene is the amount of hereditary material (sometimes called DNA) that is required to produce one protein. Some proteins control the metabolic processes in the cell, others control the function of other genes or form part of the cell structure. There are 30,000-50,000 genes in humans.
Genetic Counselling
The provision of genetic information to individuals and familes with birth abnormalities/genetic disorders, including recurrent risk information
Genetic testing
The term genetic testing is used to describe tests that reveal information about a person's genetic makeup. Sometimes the genes themselves are tested to determine the presence or absence of a change in gene structure. Newborn metabolic screening tests for the enzymes that result from a gene mutation. About 1% of samples have a test for a change in DNA (mutation) associated with cystic fibrosis, as part of routine screening. Absolutely no other DNA testing is done on samples unless authorised by the parents/guardians/individual or through legal avenues eg court order.
Genital area
The area at the lower part of the body, between the legs.
Glandular cells of the cervix
Cells lining the inner canal of the cervix. Also called columnar or endocervical cells.
Glue Ear
A colloquial term for Otitis media with effusion (OME), in which the middle ear is inflamed and filled with thick mucoid effusion
Guthrie card
Card on which a small amount of blood is collected from a newborn baby. The blood is tested for seven metabolic conditions. Also known as a 'blood spot card'.
H
Hair Cells
Auditory sensory cells in the hearing sensory organ that sits on the basilar membrane. There are two types: the outer (OHC) and the inner hair cells (IHC).
Health Information Privacy Code 1994
This code of practice applies specific rules to agencies in the health sector to better ensure the protection of individual privacy. The rules in the code are enforceable by complaining to the Privacy Commissioner and, if necessary, later to the Complaints Review Tribunal. The Code is available at the Privacy Commission's website.
Hearing aid
An electronic device that amplifies sound and conducts it to the ear.
Hearing impaired
Applies to those whose hearing is not within the normal range. It may be used to refer to those for whom the primary receptive channel of communication is, even with deficits, hearing.
Hearing impairment
The following clasifications are use in New Zealand audiology clinical practice ti describe hearing loss. These hearing levels are measured over a four frequency average:
- Mild: 26-40dB
- Moderate: 41-65dB
- Severe: 66-95dB
- Profound: greater than 95dB
Hearing screening test
Two types of test may be used for a newborn hearing screening: the otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test and the auditor brainstem response (ABR) test.
Heel prick test
The baby's heel is pricked and a few drops of blood taken.
High-grade abnormality (HSIL or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)
The more serious cell changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer if not treated. The term 'high-grade abnormality' covers CIN 2 and CIN 3.
Histology
The examination of the structure and composition of tissues by a pathologist.
HIV
HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus prevents the body's immune system from working properly and makes it hard to fight off infections.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone treatment for women which eases the symptoms of menopause, or change of life.
Hormone treatment
Hormone medications which suppress the growth of hormone responsive breast cancer.
Hui
Generic term for a Maori gathering, meeting or conference and organised according to Maori protocol.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
A group of wart viruses, some of which are sexually transmitted.
Hysterectomy
An operation in which the uterus is removed. A hysterectomy can be total (the removal of the uterus and the cervix) or subtotal (the cervix is not removed).
I
Incidence
The number of new cases of a condition that occur in a set period of time in a particular group of people.
Incidence rate
The number of new cases of a condition that occur in a given period in a specified population.
Independent monitoring group
(For NSCP) The role of the independent monitoring group is to collate, analyse, evaluate and prepare reports and provide recommendations concerning the performance of NCSP providers against National Indicators and associated targets.
Inner Ear
The most interior portion of the ear, made up of two interconnected parts; the vestibular system, a balance organ and the cochlea, a hearing organ
Interval cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer that appear between two-yearly screening tests.
Intraepithelial neoplasia
Abnormal cells in the epithelium of the lower genital tract. See CIN, VAIN, VIN.
Invasive breast cancer
Cancer that has spread into neighbouring normal tissue.
Invasive cancer of the cervix
Condition where cancerous cells spread beyond the surface epithelium into the underlying tissues. It may be diagnosed by clinical examination with biopsy. Classified in four stages, from Stage I where the cance has not spread beyond the cervix, to Stage IV where it has extended beyond the pelvis.
Invasive cervical cancer
Cancer that grows from the surface layer into other tissue. If not treated the cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body.
J
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin (and whites of eyes) by bilirubin, a bile pigment
K
Kaimahi
A Maori term for worker or operator. In the NCSP, the term can include cervical screening co-ordinators, educators or smeartakers.
Kaitiaki
A Maori term for protector, caretaker or trustee. Tha National Kaitiaki Group refers to the group set up under the Health (Cervical Screening (Kaitiaki)) Regulations 1995. The group's job is to oversee the disclosure, use and publication of Maori women's summary data held on the NCSP-Register.
L
Late Onset Hearing Loss
Hearing loss not present at birth, which developes during early childhood: see risk factors
Lay smear taker
Smear takers who have successfully completed an accredited educational course in smear-taking and have no formal medical, nursing or midwifery qualification.
Lead Maternity Carer
Person responsible for providing and co-ordinating a woman's maternity care, developing her care plan and attending labour and birth. A Lead Maternity Carer can be a midwife (independent or hospital based), a general practitioner, an obstetrician or a hospital team.
Lesion
An area of tissue damaged by disease or injury.
LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone)
Treatment for abnormal cervical cells using an electrical wire loop to remove abnormal cervical cells under local anaesthetic.
Lobules
Sacs in the breast for making milk.
Low-grade abnormality (LSIL or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)
Mild changes to the cells in the cervix. The term 'low-grade' abnormality includes abnormalities due to HPV changes and CIN 1. These changes need careful follow-up but may not need treatment.
Lymph nodes
A small collection of tissue along the lymphatic system which acts as a filter. Lymph nodes are found in the neck, the armpits, the groin and many other places. Lymph nodes are also know as glands.
Lymphatic system
A network of ducts throughout the body circulating fluid (lymph) that removes poisonous substances and resists disease. Some cancers can travel to other parts of the body along this system.
M
Malignant tumour
A cancer. A tumour that grows, invades surrounding tissue and infiltrates the blood and lymphatic vessels. It eventually destroys the surrounding tissue and may spread to other part of the body (metastasise).
Mammogram
Breast x-ray. A soft tissue x-ray of the breast which may be used to evaluate a lump or as a screening test in woman with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Mammography
The process of taking a mammogram.
Mammotone
Under local anaesthetic, a large needle is inserted in the area of abnormal-looking tissue. Some tissue is then gently vacuumed from the area for testing. This biopsy if often performed with the woman lying on her stomach on a table.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
MSUD is a defect in the way that the body metabolizes certain amino acids and is present in about 1 in 250,000 newborns. Early detection and treatment with dietary restrictions can prevent death and severe mental retardation.
Mastectomy
Surgical removal of the breast. May be total (all of the breast) or partial.
Medical radiation technologist (MRT) (Radiographer)
A technician who specialises in taking x-rays.
Medium Chain Acyl Co-A Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD)
Medium Chain Acyl Co-A Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD) is a rare hereditary disease that results from the lack of an enzyme required to convert fat to energy. Complications typically arise when the affected child has long periods between meals, requiring the body to use its own fat reserves to produce energy. When this action is blocked by the lack of the necessary enzyme, serious life threatening symptoms and even death can occur. MCADD causes no apparent symptoms at birth, but low blood sugar, seizures, brain damage, heart failure and serious illness can occur very quickly in infants who are not feeding well. Treatment for the disorder requires close monitoring of the child to determine "safe" time periods between meals and following a strict feeding schedule. With early detection and monitoring, and avoidance of fasts, children diagnosed with MCADD can lead normal lives particularly as "safe" time between meals expand as they grow older.
Menopause
'Change of life'. The time when a woman stops having menstrual periods.
Metabolic diseases
A collection of disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies. Metabolic disorders are often referred to as inborn errors of metabolism. These are permanent and inherited biochemical disorders. An inborn error of metabolism is caused by a lack of a functional enzyme, transmembrane transporter, or similar protein, which then results in a blockage of the corresponding metabolic pathway. Approximately half of all inborn errors of metabolism can be treated through diet or addition of supplements.
Metastases
Malignant cells which have spread via lymph or blood vessels from the original site to another site in the body.
Middle Ear
The part of the ear that conducts sound to the inner ear, consisting of the eardrum (tympanic membrane), middle ear bones (ossicles), and the cavity containing them
Mild hearing loss
Hearing loss of 26-40dB.
Moderate hearing loss
Hearing loss of 41-65dB.
Mortality
The number of deaths from a specified disease during a defined period of time in a given population.
N
National Cervical Screening Programme
National Cervical Screening Programme of New Zealand
National Health Committee
Advises the Minister of Health on the kinds and relative priorities of public health services, personal health services and disability services that it believes should be publicly funded.
National Health Index (NHI) Number
The National Health Index Number is a unique number assigned to each person using health and disability support services.
National indicators
The National Indicators are measures used to provide comparative assessments of the performance of different components of the National Cervical Screening Programme in relation to targets.
National Screening Unit
Leads, oversees and co-ordinates organised screening programmes in New Zealand.
NCSP Provider
Provider of National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) services.
NCSP-Register
A computer system which holds the details of women enrolled in the programme as well as details of smear takes, specialists and laboratories.
Negative mammogram
A mammogram which has been classified as normal as part of routine screening.
Neoplastic
Cancerous. (See cancer/malignant tumour).
New Zealand Health Information Service
A group within the New Zealand Ministry of Health responsible for the collection and dissemination of health-related data.
Newborn hearing screening
Audiometric testing of the ability to hear in order to identify individuals who may benefit from intervention with the aim of minimising morbidity associated with hearing impairment.
Normal smear
A smear result which is reported to be within normal limits.
O
Oestrogen
A naturally occurring hormone, which in women develops in the breasts and is involved in a woman's menstrual cycle.
Oestrogen cream
A cream containing the hormone oestrogen. It is sometimes prescribed for menopause women before they have a cervical smear.
Open surgical biopsy
Surgery performed under local or general anaesthetic in which a sample of breast tissue is removed so it can be examined by a pathologist.
Opportunistic screening programmes
Opportunistic screening happens when someone asks their doctor or health professional for a check or test, or a check or test is offered by a doctor or health professional. Unlike an organised screening programme, opportunistic screening may not be checked or monitored.
Organised screening programmes
Organised screening programmes have to be of a high standard, and the screening services are checked and monitored by people from outside the programme. With organised screening programmes, everyone who takes part is offered the same services, information and support. Often, large numbers of people are invited to take part in organised screening programmes. The National Screening Unit oversees national organised screening programmes.
Ossicles
The three small bones within the middle ear. Malleus (Hammer), Incus (Anvil), Stapes (Stirrup)
Otitis Media
Acute or chronic inflammation of the tissues lining the middle ear cavity. Fluid (effusion) is present with or without infection in the middle ear and may cause temporary hearing impairment, which can evolve into permenant impairment if there is erosion of the middle ear structures. Children with recurring episodes of otitis media may experience fluctuating hearing impairment and may be at risk for speech and language delays
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
Sounds that are produced by the healthy inner ear spontaneously or after sound stimulation. Various types of OAE are referred to as TEOAE, DPOAE and EOAE. The measurement of these sounds cab be used as an objective, passive audiological test that verifies cochlear activity. This test is often used in testing infants suspected of hearing impairment. A probe is placed in the ear canal for this measurement.
Otologist
A physician who specialises in medical problems of the ear
Otorhinolaryngologist
A physician who specialises in medical problems of the ear, nose and throat
Ototoxic Drugs
Drugs, such as the mycin antibiotics, that can damage the inner ear, particularly the hair cells in the cochlea
Outer Ear
The part of the ear composed of the pinna and the ear canal
P
Pathologist
A doctor who studies changes caused by disease in body tissues, including cell and organs.
PCP
Primary care provider or health provider.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
PKU is a condition in which the body is unable to break down one of the protein building blocks from food. These building blocks are called amino acids and one of them is phenylalanine. In PKU, the phenylalanine cannot be processed (metabolised) normally and builds up in the blood and tissues. The high phenylalanine level can prevent the brain from developing as it should. Progressive mental retardation results if the condition is not treated in early infancy. Treatment is a special low phenylalanine diet.
Population-based Screening Programmes
A population-based screening programme is one in which screening is systematically offered by invitation to a defined, identifiable population: this requries a means of identifying and offering the target population, for example through a population register
Profound hearing loss
Hearing loss of greater than 95dB.
Progressive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that becomes increasingly worse over time
Punch biopsy
Very small specimen of tissue taken with special biopsy forceps for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
Q
Quality standards
Targets for measuring the quality of a service.
R
Radiation therapy
Also known as radiotherapy. The use of radiation, usually x-rays or gamma rays, to kill tumour cells.
Radiographer
Health professional who takes x-rays.
Radiologist
A doctor who specialises in reading x-rays.
Reconstruction
The surgical recreation of a breast shape after a total mastectomy.
Registration
The registration process for BreastScreen Aotearoa is when a woman has completed a registration form which includes informed consent for screening prior to having a mammogram. This is different from enrolment which is when a woman gives her name or allows her name to be given to BreastScreen Aotearoa to begin the registration process.
Residual Hearing
Any measurable hearing that an individual with hearing loss retains
S
Satisfactory but limited smear
A smear of which 50% - 70% can be read by the laboratory and / or a smear with no endocervical smears present.
Screener
A person who is specially trained in examining smears in the laboratory.
Screening mammogram
An x-ray of the soft tissue of the breast used as a screening test in women with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Screening pathway
The screening pathway starts with health promotion, then invitation to take part, screening, recall in some cases, diagnosis and finally treatment.
Screening test
A test which is carried out on people who do not have any symptoms but are at risk of a particular disease. It predicts the likelihood of someone having or developing a particular disease.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is a way of measuring how sensitive a test is to the condition being tested for and how good it is at finding the condition. When a test is very sensitive, it will pick up all cases of the disease. When a test is not very sensitive it will miss some of the cases. This means that a screening test which is not very sensitive will show that some people do not have the condition, when actually they do, but the test wasn't sensitive enough to pick them up. When people are told that they do not have a condition, when they in fact do, this is call a false-negative result. Tests that are not very sensitive produce more false-negative results.
Sensorineural
Hearing loss caused by the damage to the chochlea and or the hearing nerve
Severe hearing loss
Hearing loss of 66-95dB.
Sexual activity
Any genital contact between two people, not just sexual intercourse.
Smear taker
A person who takes cervical smear tests for women. Nurses have to complete a recognised training course on cervical screening before they are able to take smears as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme.
SNOMED codes
Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine. A coding system for recording histological diagnosis.
Spatula
A plastic (or sometimes wooden) instrument used to scrape the cells from the cervix.
Specialist newborn hearing screener
An individual trained to use hearing screening equipment to identify potential hearing loss in babies.
Specificity
Specificity is a way of measuring how good a test is at picking up only the people who have the condition. A test with poor specificity is one that isn't very specific and identifies people with the disease, but also some other people who don't have the disease. A screening test that is not very specific will have some results that show a person has an illness, when actually they don't. This kind of result is called a false-positive result. Tests which are not very specific produce more false positive results.
Speculum
A metal or plastic instrument used to open the vagina so that the cervix can be seen.
Squamo-columnar junction
The area of the cervix where the squamous cells covering the outside of the cervix meet the glandular (columnar) cells which line the cervical canal. Most cervical abnormalities in the cells start at this junction.
Squamous
The type of multi-layered cells that line the vagina and outer layers of the cervix. They are similar to cells on the skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common form of cervical cancer arising from squamous cells in the epithelium (tissue that lines the vagina and the outer layer of the cervix).
Standard
A minimum requirement to measure a service against. Services that are funded by the National Cervical Screening Programme are monitored in accordance with standards set by the National Cervical Screening Programme.
Statins
A class of drugs that reduces the amount of cholesterol made in the body and so reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Subtotal hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus, leaving a part or all of the cervix.
Syndrome
A collection of symptoms that characterise a specific disease or condition
T
Tandem Mass Spectrometer
A device that separates and quantifies chemicals based on their mass/charge ratio. A tandem mass spectrometer consists of two mass spectrometers separated by a reaction chamber or collision cell. It is capable of analysing any body fluid including extracts of blood spotted onto filter paper (blood spot card). The process of separation takes seconds. A computer then analyses these data. The newborn metabolic screening programme has been gifted a tandem mass spectrometer which will allow for improvements in the quality of the current disorders screened for.
Technical repeat film
A repeat mammogram, done because the first one was not able to be read clearly.
Tissue
A specialised group of cells in the body.
Total hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus, including the cervix.
Transformation zone
The region of the cervix where the glandular (columnar) cells have changed or are changing to squamous cells. The process of changing from one cell type to another may become abnormal.
Tumour
An abnormal swelling or lump due to the uncontrolled growth of cells.
Tympanic Membrane
Eardrum, separates the outer ear from the middle ear
Tympanogram
A graph of the middle ear function carried out using tympanometry
U
Ultrasound
A test using sound waves to produce a picture of tissues inside the body.
Unilateral Hearing Loss
Hearing loss present in only one ear
Unsatisfactory smear
A smear that cannot be reported by the laboratory.
V
Vacuum-assisted biopsy
Vacuum suction is used to assist the removal of a sample of tissue through a needle.
Vaginal vault smear
A smear taken from the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy.
VAIN
Vaginal intraepithelial neoplosia (see intraepithelial neoplasia).
Vernix
The oily substance that protects and covers the skin of a newborn
VIN
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (see intraepithelial neoplasia).
W
WHO
World Health Organisation.
X
X-ray
Invisible waves of radiation passed through the body onto a photographic plate to enable diagnosis of abnormal tissue.