Cervical Cancer
Annual screening for cervical carcinoma is done using the papanicolaou or Pap smear which has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer.
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Signs and symptoms: |
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*Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge |
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*Urinary frequency or pain |
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*Bleeding after intercourse |
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Risk Factors: |
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*Early age of first intercourse |
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*Multiparity |
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*Infections with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) |
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*Multiple sexual partners |
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*Smoking |
Stages:
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Stage I |
Lesion is confined to the cervix |
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Stage II |
The cancer has spread beyond the cervix and surrounding tissues |
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Stage III |
The cancer has extended to the pelvic sidewall or to the lower vagina |
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Stage IV |
The cancer has spread beyond the cervix and involves the bladder or rectum |
Treatment:
Early stage cancers of the cervix can be treated with radical hysterectomy and removal of the lymph nodes. More advanced carcinomas are usually treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Follow Up:
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Physical Exam and Pap smear |
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- Every 3-4 months for 2 years |
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- Every 6 months for years 3-5 |
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- Yearly thereafter |