CERVICAL

CANCER
VALERIO, JANINE A.
BSN 3C
GROUP 5
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the
uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually
develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through
changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Over time,
if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread
more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.
Types of cervical cancer
Cervical cancers are named after the type of cell where the cancer started. The two main types are:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Most cervical cancers (up to 90%) are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers
develop from cells in the ectocervix.
Adenocarcinoma: Cervical adenocarcinomas develop in the glandular cells of the endocervix. Clear cell
adenocarcinoma, also called clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma, is a rare type of cervical
adenocarcinoma.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Early on, cervical cancer usually doesn’t have symptoms, making it hard to detect. Symptoms usually begin after
the cancer has spread.
When symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer do occur, they may include
vaginal bleeding after sex
vaginal bleeding after menopause
vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
pelvic pain or pain during sex
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer (cancer has spread beyond the cervix to other parts of the body) may
include the symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer
difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine
dull backache
swelling of the legs
pain in the abdomen
feeling tired
Common tests & procedures for Cervical Cancer
Pap smear: Cells from cervix are taken and examined in a lab for abnormalities.
X-ray: Taken to see if the cancer has spread beyond cervix.
CT scan: CT scan of cervix provides detailed images to identify the severity of cancer.
HPV DNA test: Cells taken from the cervix are checked for HPV infections.
Cone biopsy: Examination of cervix by a magnifying instrument called colposcope.
Punch biopsy: Cervical tissue is scraped by a sharp tool and is examined in a lab.
Endocervical curettage: Utilizes a small, spoon-shaped instrument called curette to scrape a tissue sample
from the cervix. The sample is tested for the presence of cancerous cells.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scan of cervix is performed to identify the extent of cancer spread.
Cervical Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Majority of cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus
HPV spreads through sexual contact with a person who already posses it
The risk factors include:
Multiple sexual partners
Having sex at early age
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS
A weakened immune system
Smoking
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce
your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your health care team if an HPV vaccine is
right for you.
Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix. These conditions can
be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning
routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.
Practice safe sex. Reduce risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted
infections. This may include using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual
partners you have.
Don't smoke.
RESOURCES: