cervical cancer

Question 1

A 70 year old woman is found to have vaginal carcinoma following a biopsy. The histology shows a squamous cell carcinoma and evidence of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Which type of HPV is responsible for the majority of vaginal carcinomas?

A) HPV 14
B) HPV 16
C) HPV 31
D) HPV 33
E) HPV 35

Answer 1

HPV 16

Question 2

What are risk factors for cervical cancer development?

Answer 2

Heterosexual women.
People with multiple sexual partners.
Smoking.
Lower income.

Question 3

What cervical cancer types are commonly seen?

Answer 3

Bulky, ectocervical tumour, which fills the upper vagina.

Invasive, bulky tumour that can enlarge to a size where it fills the lower pelvis.

Destructive, invasive tumour that erodes tissue, causing ulceration and excavation with infected, necrotic cavities.

Question 4

What is the histopathological divide in cervical cancers?

Answer 4

70% are squamous carcinomas, 15% mixed pattern, and 15% adenocarcinoma, all three of which cause both pre-invasive and invasive disease.

Question 5

How are cervical cancers often detected?

Answer 5

Screening

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer.

Question 6

How would you manage cervical cancer?

Answer 6

In pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until a viable fetus can be delivered

Radical trachelectomy (cervicectomy) is the treatment of choice in women with early-stage cervical cancer wishing to preserve fertility

Laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy are offered to women not wishing to retain their fertility