Cervical Cancer Flashcards
Who does cervical cancer usually affect?
Those who are 25-29
What is cervical cancer strongly associated with?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
What are the 2 types of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
What is the main type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
What are the main causative strains of HPV?
HPV 16 and 18
What are other risk factors of cervical cancer?
Smoking
Multiple sexual partners
Immunosuppression
How is cervical cancer usually detected?
Routine cervical screening test
What are the main symptoms of cervical cancer?
Vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding: postcoital, intermenstrual or postmenopausal bleeding
What are other possible symptoms of cervical cancer?
- Vaginal discomfort
- Urinary or bowel habit change
- Suprapubic pain
What might you see on the cervix in someone with cervical cancer?
Abnormal red/white patches
What might be felt on examination of someone with cervical cancer?
Pelvic bulkiness on PV examination
Mass felt on PR examination
What is the first line investigation for cervical cancer?
Colposcopy
What does a colposcopy allow?
Visualisation and biopsy of the cervix
What is used for staging in cervical cancer?
CT of chest/ abdomen/ pelvis
What lymph nodes can cervical cancer metastasise to?
Pelvic lymph nodes
Where does cervical cancer blood spread to?
Liver
Lungs
Bone
What is 1A confined to?
The cervix
What size is 1A?
Less than 7mm
What is 1B confined to?
Confined to the cervix
What size is 1B?
More than 7mm
What is 2 staging?
Tumour extends beyond the cervix to upper 2/3 of vagina
What is the 3rd staging of cervical cancer?
Extension of tumour beyond the cervix and pelvic wall
Lower vagina and pelvis
What is 4 staging?
Extension of tumour beyond the pelvis- Bladder or rectum
What is the management of small cervical cancers in stage 1A?
Conisation with free margins to maintain fertility
What is the management of early stage cancer when trying to maintain fertility?
Radical trachelectomy
What does a radical trachelectomy involve?
Removal of cervix, upper vagina and pelvic lymph nodes
What is the management of early stage cancer when not trying to maintain fertility?
Laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy
What is the management of invasive or infiltrating cervical cancer?
Hysterectomy
What is a hysterectomy?
Removal of the uterus, primary tumour, lymph nodes and upper part of vagina
What is the management for cancer that has spread outside the uterus?
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
What is the screening for cervical cancer?
Smear test
What age of women are called for a smear test?
25-64 years of age
How often are women called for screening?
Every 3 years from 24-49, after this, they’re called every 5 years
What is the purpose of screening for cervical cancer?
To identify dyskaryostic cells which are pre-cancerous
What does screening allow for?
It allows for management before the cancer can develop
Who is offered a cytological test?
Anyone with a positive HPV test
What can abnormal results from a cytological test be divided into?
- Borderline
- Mild dyskaryosis
- Moderate dyskaryosis
- Severe dyskaryosis
What should someone with an abnormal cytological test be referred for?
Colposcopy
What is a colposcopy?
A procedure used to look at the cervix, the lower part of the womb at the top of the vagina
