Cervical and Ovarian Cancer

Question 1

What are the two biggest risk factors for cervical cancer?

Answer 1

• Human papilloma virus

* Number of sexual partners

Question 2

What are three methods of prevention for cervical cancer?

Answer 2

• Use of condoms
• HPV vaccination
• Regular smear tests

Question 3

True or False

For most women, cervical pre-cancerous cells will go away without any treatment.

Answer 3

• True

Question 4

There are 2 main types of cervical cancers:

Answer 4

• squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Question 5

About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are _____ carcinomas.

Answer 5

• squamous cell

Question 6

True or False

Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms.

Answer 6

• True

Question 7

What are some symptoms of cervical cancer?

Answer 7

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Pain during intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Question 8

What type of abnormal vaginal bleeding may be caused by cervical cancer?

Answer 8

• Bleeding after vaginal intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding and spotting between periods
• Having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual

Question 9

What diagnostic studies are used for cervical cancer?

Answer 9

• PAP
• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy

Question 10

What happens as a result of an abnormal PAP test?

Answer 10

• Further testing will need to be done to determine cancer or pre-cancer cells are present

Question 11

Describe a colposcopy.

Answer 11

• 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.

Question 12

Describe Endocervical curettage.

Answer 12

• 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.

Question 13

Describe a colposcopic biopsy

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

Describe a cone biopsy.

Answer 14

• 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.

Question 15

True or False

The cone biopsy can also be used as a treatment to completely remove many pre-cancers and some very early cancers.

Answer 15

• True

Question 16

What affect can occur if a large amount of tissue has been removed for a cone biopsy?

Answer 16

• Some women may have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely

Question 17

What are the general guidelines of when to get PAP Tests done?

Answer 17

• 21-29: every 3 yrs

* 30-65: PAP + HPV every 5yrs

Question 18

True or False
Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer.

Answer 18

• True

Question 19

What are the surgical treatments available for cervical cancer?

Answer 19

• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery
• Conization
• Hysterectomy
• Pelvic Exenteration
• Pelvic node dissection

Question 20

What are the general risk factors for Ovarian cancer?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

Why is the risk of dying from ovarian cancer so high (1:100)?

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

What are some s/s that may indicate ovarian cancer?

Answer 22

• 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)

Question 23

What diagnostic tests are used for ovarian cancer?

Answer 23

• 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)

Question 24

What is CA125?

Answer 24

• Cancer antigen 125

* A protein found on most ovarian cancer cells that is secreted into the blood stream and can be measured.

Question 25

What treatment modalities are available for Ovarian cancer?

Answer 25

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy – bevacizumab (Avastin)
• Radiation therapy

Question 26

What is “targeted therapy”?

Answer 26

• 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.