CERVICAL CANCER

 Basic information

description

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is about an inch long and is the narrow end of the uterus where it meets the vagina. This cancer develops slowly over time. The cervical cells first go through precancerous changes (called dysplasia). In these early stages, there are usually no symptoms. That is why cervical cancer screening is important. Abnormal cells can be found before cancer develops. Average age at diagnosis is 50 to 55, but it can affect women of all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• As the cancer progresses, the following may occur:
  • Heavy or longer menstrual periods. Bleeding occurs between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
  • Vaginal discharge that has an odor.
  • Pelvic discomfort or pain during intercourse.
• Later stages or advanced disease:
  • May have appetite and weight loss or fatigue.
  • Swelling in one leg. Pain in the back, pelvis, or legs.
  • Bloody urine, constipation, and other symptoms.

causes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role. There are many different types of HPV. It is a sexually transmitted disease and a woman can have it for many years and not know it. Most HPV infections heal on their own and most women with HPV do not develop cancer. Other factors are involved in addition to an HPV infection that trigger cancer cells to grow.

risk increases with

• Early age of first intercourse.
• Multiple sex partners or sex with men who have had multiple sexual partners.
• Multiple pregnancies.
• Human papillomavirus infection.
• Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
• Family history of cervical cancer.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Having sexually transmitted diseases.
• Low income women. Poor nutrition. Smoking.
• Daughters of mothers who took DES (diethylstilbestrol) to prevent miscarriage between 1938 and 1971.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid the risks listed above as much as possible.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Use condoms when you have sexual intercourse.
• Get regular pelvic exams, Pap smears, and HPV tests.
• Quit smoking or never start smoking.
• HPV vaccine (for ages 11–26). It protects against most, but not all, HPV types that cause cancer. It is most effective when given before first sexual contact.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with early diagnosis and treatment.

possible complications

• Complications often occur from treatments.
• Cancer may recur. Advanced cancer can spread to other parts of the body, which can be fatal.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and a pelvic exam. Medical tests will be done to diagnose the cancer and to see if it has spread (called staging).
• Treatment will depend on the stage.
• Surgery may be done to remove the cancerous area. During early cancer stages, this may involve only a small area of the cervix. This will still allow childbearing. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient.
• The cancer cells may be frozen (cryotherapy), cut out with an electrical loop, burned away by laser, or removed in a cone biopsy. Your health care provider will explain these options and any risk factors involved.
• Advanced stages may require removing the reproductive organs and other tissue (hysterectomy).
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (internal, external, or both) are other treatments for advanced cancer.
• To learn more: The American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) may be prescribed.

activity

Limits on activities will depend on treatment. You will be advised when you can resume sexual activity.

diet

Eat a well-balanced diet. Nutritional supplements may be needed if regular food cannot be tolerated.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of cervical cancer.
• New symptoms develop after treatment.
• You need to schedule a pelvic exam or Pap smear.

Special Notes: