clinical: disorders of the cervix Flashcards
what is cervicitis?
chronic inflammation and infection of the cervix
most common cause of cervicitis?
Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae
symptoms of cervicitis?
usually asymptomatic although pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, postcoital bleeding and dyspareunia may be present
what is dyspareunia?
painful sex
complications of cervicitis?
PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
potential blockage of mucus ducts
cyst formation
what do potential blockage of mucus ducts and cyst formation secondary to cervicitis lead to?
increases the risk of infertility by increasing the hostility of the environment for sperm
which is the most common cancer affecting female repro tract?
Cancer of the cervix
main classifications of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
adenocarcinoma
what is cervical Squamous cell carcinoma?
cancer of the epithelial lining of the ectocervix
what is cervical adenocarcinoma?
cancer of the glands found within the lining of the cervix
what is a major cause of cervical cancers?
Infection of the female genitalia with human papilloma virus (HPV)
what is in place to try and prevent HPV causing cervical cancer?
Latest vaccinations against cervical cancer are, in essence, a vaccination against HPV
