7: Radio/chemotherapy in gynae cancers

Question 1

What is the second most common cancer in women under 35?

Answer 1

Cervical cancer

(Breast cancer first)

Question 2

Which viral infection greatly increases a woman’s chances of developing cervical cancer?

Answer 2

HPV 16 & 18

Question 3

Which lifestyle factor increases a woman’s likelihood of developing cervical cancer?

Answer 3

Smoking

Question 4

What are some sexual risk factors for developing cervical cancer?

Answer 4

Age of first intercourse

No. of sexual partners

Use of contraception (OCP contains oestrogen)

Multiparity

Question 5

What is the most common presenting symptom of cervical cancer?

Answer 5

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Important that cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic so screening is required

Question 6

How are women screened for cervical cancer?

Answer 6

Colposcopy

Question 7

What are some treatment options for cervical cancer?

Answer 7

Hysterectomy

Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Question 8

Which specific chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat cervical cancer?

Answer 8

Cisplatin

-platins, they’re heavy metal salts

Question 9

What is a lifestyle factor which increases a woman’s chances of developing endometrial cancer?

Answer 9

Obesity

Question 10

What is the normal surgical management of endometrial cancer?

Answer 10

TAH BSO

total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

i.e cut everything out