Cervical and Ovarian Cancer Flashcards
What are the two biggest risk factors for cervical cancer?
- Human papilloma virus
* Number of sexual partners
What are three methods of prevention for cervical cancer?
- Use of condoms
- HPV vaccination
- Regular smear tests
True or False
For most women, cervical pre-cancerous cells will go away without any treatment.
• True
There are 2 main types of cervical cancers:
• squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are _____ carcinomas.
• squamous cell
True or False
Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms.
• True
What are some symptoms of cervical cancer?
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Pain during intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
What type of abnormal vaginal bleeding may be caused by cervical cancer?
- Bleeding after vaginal intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding and spotting between periods
- Having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual
What diagnostic studies are used for cervical cancer?
- PAP
- Colposcopy
- Cervical biopsy
What happens as a result of an abnormal PAP test?
• Further testing will need to be done to determine cancer or pre-cancer cells are present
Describe a colposcopy.
- A speculum is placed in the vagina to help the doctor see the cervix.
- The doctor will use a colposcope to examine the cervix. An instrument (that stays outside the body) that has magnifying lenses which lets the doctor see the surface of the cervix closely and clearly.
- A weak solution of acetic acid (similar to vinegar) is applied to the cervix to make any abnormal areas easier to see.
Describe Endocervical curettage.
- Taking a scraping of the endocervix by inserting a narrow instrument (called a curette) into the endocervical canal.
- The curette is used to scrape the inside of the canal to remove some of the tissue, which is then sent to the laboratory for examination.
- After this procedure, patients may feel a cramping pain, and they may also have some light bleeding.
Describe a colposcopic biopsy
- First the cervix is examined with a colposcope to find the abnormal areas.
- Using a biopsy forceps, a small (about 1/8-inch) section of the abnormal area on the surface of the cervix is removed.
- The biopsy procedure may cause mild cramping, brief pain, and some slight bleeding afterward.
- A local anesthetic is sometimes used to numb the cervix before the biopsy
Describe a cone biopsy.
- The doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.
- The base of the cone is formed by the exocervix (outer part of the cervix), and the point or apex of the cone is from the endocervical canal.
- The transformation zone (the border between the exocervix and endocervix) is the area of the cervix where pre-cancers and cancers are most likely to start, and is contained within the cone specimen.
True or False
The cone biopsy can also be used as a treatment to completely remove many pre-cancers and some very early cancers.
• True
What affect can occur if a large amount of tissue has been removed for a cone biopsy?
• Some women may have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely
What are the general guidelines of when to get PAP Tests done?
- 21-29: every 3 yrs
* 30-65: PAP + HPV every 5yrs
True or False
Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer.
• True
What are the surgical treatments available for cervical cancer?
- Cryosurgery
- Laser Surgery
- Conization
- Hysterectomy
- Pelvic Exenteration
- Pelvic node dissection
What are the general risk factors for Ovarian cancer?
- Age
- Obesity
- Fertility drugs
- Estrogen therapy and hormone therapy
- Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Talcum powder
Why is the risk of dying from ovarian cancer so high (1:100)?
- It is often asymptomatic until it has already metastasized.
- The s/s that do present are common to other less serious issues and the diagnosis is missed
What are some s/s that may indicate ovarian cancer?
- Abdominal swelling or bloating (due to a mass or ascites).
- Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (having to go urgently or often)
What diagnostic tests are used for ovarian cancer?
- Blood tests – CBC, C125
- Imaging studies (CT, MRI, Ultrasound can indicate presence of a mass)
- Biopsy
- Cytology on ascites
- Check for levels of HCG, AFP and LDH (tumor markers for germ cell tumors)
What is CA125?
- Cancer antigen 125
* A protein found on most ovarian cancer cells that is secreted into the blood stream and can be measured.
What treatment modalities are available for Ovarian cancer?
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy – bevacizumab (Avastin)
- Radiation therapy
What is “targeted therapy”?
- Drugs that identify and attack cancer cells while doing little damage to normal cells
- They may have different modes of action, but all alter the way a cancer cell grows, divides, repairs itself, or interacts with other cells.
