Cervical Cancer begins on the surface of the cervix and can penetrate deep beneath the surface, develops in the uterus which is the lower part of the uterus called the neck of the womb.
- occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grows out of control. Usually results from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and transmitted during sexual intercourse.
- may cause irregular vaginal bleeding, but symptoms may not occur until the cancer has become enlarged or spread.
Signs and Symptoms
- In the late stages of cancer there is the presence of vaginal discharge and bleeding, especially after intercourse.
- Increase frequency of menstrual bleed and unexplained change in the menstrual cycle.
- Early bleeding may also occur as spotting or contact bleeding from cervical trauma secondary to sexual intercourse or douching. This early bleeding increases in amount and duration as the cancer progresses.
- Vaginal discharge becomes dark and foul-smelling as the disease advances.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Other assessment findings includes: bladder irritation, abdominal pain and rectal discharge.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown. Other risk factors include:
- Having multiple sexual partners or a partner who has had multiple sexual partners
- Early age of first intercourse
- Smoking tobacco
- STD's such as chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea and syphillis.
- Low socio-economic status
- Having a sexual partner with a history of penile or prostate cancer
Diagnosis
Pap Smear- This is the primary diagnostic tool for cervical cancer. Colposcopic examination can often times locate lesions for biopsy and biopsy specimens are collected with the aid of a colposcope. The cervix is viewed looking for any abnormalities of color or cell formation.
Cold colonization- This is a procedure that may be performed when colposcopic examination is not considered adequate and a larger specimen is necessary. A cone shaped section of the cervix is obtained with a scalpel. Cautery which is burning of abdominal cervical tissue or cryosurgery which is freezing of cervical tissue may be performed instead of cold colonization.
Loop Electrocautery excision procedure (LEEP)- is the newest and most common procedure without the use of general anesthesia. A loop is used that causes burning.
Further test to determine cervical cancer:
- CT computerized topography
- MRI magnetic resonance imaging
Further test to determine cervical cancer:
- CT computerized topography
- MRI magnetic resonance imaging
Treatment
Surgery -Hysterectomy- simple hysterectomy involves the removal of cervix and uterus.
Chemotherapy-uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs, which can be used alone or in combination with each other, are usually injected into a vein and they travel throughout your body killing rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells.
Radiation- Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to kill cancer cells.
Radiation- Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to kill cancer cells.
Stages of cervical cancer
Pictures of cervical cancer
References:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cervicalcancer.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/cervical-cancer
http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/health/Gyn-cancers.html
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/cervical_cancer.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cervicalcancer.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/cervical-cancer
http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/health/Gyn-cancers.html
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/cervical_cancer.html