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Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is a common cancer that can be referred to as Carcinoma of Cervix.

Dysplasia of the cervix also referred to as changes to the skin of the cervix, can lead to cervical cancer. Dysplasia can be classified as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia CIN I – CIN III.

Cancer first appears in the superficial layers of the tissue of the Cervix, and this is referred to as “in situ”.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to dysplasia which can in turn lead to cancer. HPV is responsible for almost all cervical cancers.

Symptoms:

–  Metrorrhagia
–  Spotting
–  Cervical ulceration
–  Foul odor
–  Bloody or purulent discharge
–  Bladder dysfunction
–  Rectal dysfunction

***  –  many individuals don’t exhibit symptoms until cancer has progressed dramatically

Biopsy or Curettage is often necessary to produce a definite diagnosis.

Staging occurs with biopsy and is according to the depth of penetration of the malignant or cancer cells.

Staging

Stage 0:   Carcinoma in situ

Stage I:  Carcinoma only in the cervix
– Only visible by microscope – no visible lesions
.   Depth not greater than 3 mm and no wider than 7mm
.   Depth 3mm-5mm and no wider than 7 mm

Stage IB:  Clinical lesions only on cervix or greater in size than IA

–  All gross lesions, even if superficial, are IB
.  IB – Are not greater than 4 mm
.  IB2 – Are greater than 4 mm

Stage II:  – Cancer extends past cervix but not into the pelvic wall.
Upper two-thirds of vagina are involved

– IIA – No obvious parametrial involvement
– IIB – There is parametrial involvement

Stage III – Cancer extends to lower ends of the vagina

– IIIA – No extension into the pelvic sidewall
– IIIB – Extension into the pelvic wall and/or kidney

Stage IV – Cancer extends into the pelvic wall and/or bladder or rectum

– IVA – Spread of growth into adjacent organs
– IVB – Spread of growth into distant organs

**** – A large complication is metastases to other organs.

In other words, cancer from cervix can be found in other places through out the body.

Prevention

1.)  Prophylactic vaccination with Gardasil.

2.,)  It is recommended for women 9 to 26.

3.)  Another vaccine on that was approved in October of 2009 is Cervarix

4.)  Around the same time – Gardasil became approved for vaccination in boys, not just girls

Treatment

–  Hysterectomy may be appropriate
–  Lymph node removal when necessary
–  Cone biopsy
–  Radiation
–  More advance surgery
–  Chemotherapy
. Cisplatin based chemotherapy
. Hycamtin

Prognosis is Limited

Stage O: 99-100%
Stage IA:  >95%
Stage IB-II: 80-90%
Stage IIB: 65%
Stage III: 40%
Stage IV: 20%