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Cervical cancer is a terrifying disease, and the fifth most deadly cancer in women. Nearly all cases are caused by infection with HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted viral agent. HPV infection is very common among sexually active people, but some strains have been shown to trigger cervical cell alteration. These changes lead to intraepithelial neoplasia, a precancerous disorder also known as dysplasia.
The most common screening method for cervical cancer is to look for dysplastic cells by means of a Papanicolaou test (commonly referred to as a Pap smear). During a pelvic examination, cells are collected from the cervix and examined microscopically. Abnormalities detected via this examination lead to follow-up tests. Often the next step is a colposcopy, in which the cervix is examined closely with a camera and biopsies are taken of any visible abnormalities. A curettage of the endocervical canal leading into the uterus is often performed during this procedure as well.
Pathological examination of tissues obtained via colposcopy aids physicians in determining the appropriate course of treatment. A minor dysplasia usually leads only to a heightened degree of vigilance in future screenings, but severe dysplasia or any outright carcinoma will require surgical intervention. The most conservative surgery is a cone biopsy, usually LEEP (loop electrical excision procedure) but sometimes a cold knife cone instead. This procedure removes a conical section of cervix and, if the surgical margins of the tissue show no signs of involvement by dysplastic processes, is frequently considered to be a sufficient treatment for in situ (non-invasive) cancer and is preferred by patients who wish to remain fertile after treatment. An invasive carcinoma requires a hysterectomy, or removal of the entire cervix and uterus. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be necessary.
The vast majority of cervical cancers can be detected at early enough stages for treatment to be relatively simple, and the widespread use of Pap smears at regular intervals for sexually active women has had a dramatic effect on the incidence of severe cervical cancers. However, in recent years the approval of a vaccine against HPV has shown the possibility that cervical cancer may be able to be virtually eliminated within a generation.
What else can I help you with?
How does the new medication Gardisil help treat HPV and cancer?
Gardasil doesn't treat HPV or cancer - it is only a vaccine that will help prevent you from transmitting a few of the strains of HPV that are known to cause cervical cancer.
What disease does cervical cryotherapy treat?
Cervical cryotherapy is a treatment used for precancerous changes in the cervix caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is commonly used to treat cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells on the cervix) to prevent progression to cervical cancer.
Does keflex treat cervical cancer?
Keflex, which is a brand name for cephalexin, is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and is not effective against cancer. Cervical cancer treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and specifics of the disease. If you have concerns about cervical cancer or its treatment, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance.
What are some treatments for cervical cancer available today?
There are several ways that someone can treat cervical cancer but they may not be as effective as most might think since cervical cancer is very strong. Chemotherapy is one option, or having surgery is another option that most woman go for since the cancer would be fully removed.
In what way does a cone biopsy help treat cancer?
a cone biopsy is done to diagnose cervical cancer or to remove cancerous or precancerous tissue.
What is cervical conization?
Cervical conization is both a diagnostic and treatment tool used to detect and treat abnormalities of the cervix. It is also known as a cone biopsy or cold knife cone biopsy.
Can Thyroid cancer spread to the parathyroid gland?
Yes, thyroid cancer can spread to nearby structures including the parathyroid gland. This is known as direct extension of the cancer. It is important to carefully manage and monitor thyroid cancer to prevent such spread and to detect and treat it early if it does occur.
Is chemotherapy or radiation therapy used to treat cervical cancer?
Both are used and can prove to be very effective. A hysterectomy can also be performed.
Can you get pregnant while having cervical cancer?
Yes, you can still get pregnant. With most types it is possible that you can still get pregnant if you havent gone under certain treatments than may leave you sterile. Some treatments that you can use during early stages of cervical cancer are erfectly safe to do, if in the futrure you would like to have children and the cancer didnt spread to fast on the cervix. All doctors have different opinions on how to treat cervical cancer, so talk to your for more information if you think you might have cervical cancer and want to have children, now or in the future.
When is radiation therapy used to treat cervical cancer?
Radiation therapy, which involves the use of high-dosage x rays or other high-energy waves to kill cancer cells, often is used for treating stages IB, IIA, and IIB cervical cancers, or in combination with surgery.
How do you treat the swelling from cancer?
There are several ways to treat and prevent cancer swelling. Keep affected areas elevated, limit salt intake, and talk to doctors about medications that can reduce swelling.
What is the treatment of stage 0 cervical cancer?
A simple hysterectomy is used to treat some stages 0 and IA cervical cancers. Usually only the uterus is removed, although occasionally the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed as well.
