CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women. While not in itself a sexually transmitted disease, cervical cancer is linked to the presence of the human papilloma virus, which is sexually transmitted. This type of cancer begins in the cells on the cervixs surface. Two types of cells are present on the surface of the cervix: columnar and squamous. Majority of the cervical cancer are from squamous cells (flattened) epithelial cells that line the cervix. HPV (human papilloma virus) is responsible for majority of the cervical cancer. HPV is one of the common viruses that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. HPV are of many different types of which some strain lead to this type of cancer.

CAUSES:
Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue. The risk of developing these abnormal changes has been associated with certain factors, which include: previous infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, cigarette smoking, and Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic. Vaginal bleeding, contact bleeding, or (rarely) a vaginal mass may indicate the presence of malignancy. moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs or elsewhere. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite weight loss fatigue pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain swollen legs heavy bleeding from the vagina bone fractures, and/or (rarely) leakage of urine or faeces from the vagina (rarely)

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
CERVIX of an Immunocompromised Woman ETIOLOGY:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Unknown

RISK FACTORS:
- Previous infection with

HPV - Early sexual contact - Multiple sexual partner - Cigarrete smoking - Long-term use of Oral Contraceptives

Invasion of oncogenic HPV in the DNA of the cervix of the woman

Mutation of the genes of the cervical cells

Cervical dysplasia

Multiplication of cancerous cells in the cervix

CERVICAL CANCER

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

-Vaginal Bleeding - Contact Bleeding -Moderate Dyspareunia

LATE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

- Loss of Appetite - Weight Loss - Fatigue - Pelvic Pain, Back Pain, Leg Pain - Swollen Legs

-Heavy Bleeding from the Vagina

- Bone Fractures

COMPLICATIONS: Metastases of cancer cells to other organs (Liver, Lungs, etc.)

D E A T H

Carcinogenesis or the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells starts when the etiologic factors damages the DNA of the normal cells (Initiation) which will then promote cellular alterations (Promotion), and be associated with malignant behaviour and/or metastasis to distant body parts (Progression).

PREVENTION
SCREENING:
Papanicolaou Test (Pap Smear)- done every 3-5 years Vaccination - vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) which reduce the risk of cancerous or precancerous changes of the cervix and perineum by about 93% Condom use- to reduce the risk of contracting HPV Nutrition- vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Pap smear: A procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: A laboratory test used to check DNA (genetic material) for certain types of HPV infection Colposcopy: A procedure in which a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Biopsy: If abnormal cells are found in a Pap smear, the doctor may do a biopsy. Pelvic exam: An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum

TREATMENT:
1.

Surgery

Conization: A procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal Total hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, including the cervix

Radical hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and a wide area of ligaments and tissues around these organs. Modified radical hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and ligaments and tissues that closely surround these organs. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes. Pelvic exenteration: Surgery to remove the lower colon, rectum, and bladder. In women, the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Cryosurgery: A treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such ascarcinoma in situ. Laser surgery: A surgical procedure that uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) as a knife to make bloodless cuts in tissue or to remove a surface lesion such as a tumor. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A treatment that uses electrical current passed through a thin wire loop as a knife to remove abnormal tissue or cancer.

2.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.

3.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

SOURCES:
http://medicalpicturesinfo.com/cervical-cancer/ http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/Patient/page1
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/Patient/page4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervical_cancer