Cervical Cancer + screening Flashcards
What is the main cause of cervical cancer?
HPV (Human papilloma virus)
What is HPV?
Human papilloma virus is a sexually transmitted disease. There is over 100 strains. Most people will get some sort of HPV in their lifetime.
Which cancers can HPV cause?
Cervical Head and neck Anal Penile Vulval Vaginal
Which types of HPV can give rise to cancer?
Type 16 and 18
^These account for 70% of the cancers.
What is the treatment for HPV?
NO treatment
Most will resolve within 2 years
How does HPV cause cancer?
It inhibits tumour suppressor genes.
What are the signs of cervical cancer seen on examination?
Ulceration, inflammation, bleeding or visible tumour.
What is the first line investigation for cervical cancer?
Urgent Colposcopy - visualisation and biopsy
What is the most common type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma 80%
(followed by cervical adenocarcinoma)
You can get a combination of squamous-adenocarcinomas.
How long does HPV take to transform into cancer?
10-20 years from the initial infection.
What are the signs and symptoms to suggest cervical cancer?
Post-coital bleeding abnormal vaginal bleeding discharge (often with an unpleasant smell) Painful Urinating Vaginal discomfort Mass felt on examination Suprapubic pain White and red patches seen on the cervix Pelvic bulkiness on examination Changes in urinary/bowel habit
What is tested during a Pap smear test?
cells from the transitional zone of the cervix are tested for dysplasia.
What is done if the cervical cells are dysplastic on smear test?
Followed up by an urgent colposcopy
What are the zones of the cervix?
Endocervix - on top (glandular epithelium - secretes mucus)
Middle - transitional zone
Ectocervix - below (has squamous epithelium)
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
Multiple sexual partners
HPV (16 or 18) infection
Smoking
Immunocompromised
Early age of first intercourse
Older age of partner (more likely to have an infection)
Exposure to diethylbestrol as a foetus (used to be used to prevent miscarriages)
Combined contraceptive pill (for >5yrs)
Increased number of full term deliveries
Pain is uncommon (only in advanced disease)
How often is a Pap smear test done?
EVERYONE NOW 25-64 = 5 yearly
HIV = every 1 year
Which strains does the HPV vaccine protect against?
Cervical cancer - strains 16 and 18
Genital warts - strains 6 and 11
(it maybe also protects against strains 31, 33 and 35).
How much cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV?
> 99%
What type of cervical cancer is not related to HPV?
Neuroendocrine cancer - VERY rare.
What is the peak age for cervical cancer?
45-55yrs.