T3 L5:The Cervix in Health and Disease Flashcards
what is the function of the cervix
Its function is as a consequence of where it is (junction between the uterus and Vagina)
what is cervical agenesis
-Cervical agenesis is a congenital disorder of the female genital system that manifests itself in the absence of a cervix, the connecting structure between the uterus and vagina
slide 9 (a-b)
what is dysgenesis f the cervix
-Dysgenesis is an abnormal organ development during embryonic growth and development- of the cervix
slide 9 c-d
look at slide 10-16 for summary of anatomy
how was it
what happens to the transformation zone in menopause
the TZ recedes
VAN OF CERVIX
-Blood Supply
Uterine artery, descending branch
Venous drainage follows the arteries
-Lymphatic Drainage
parametrium, obturator, int. iliacs, ext. iliacs, common iliacs
-Nerve Supply
pain fibres with the parasympathetics to S2, S3, S4
(uterine to T11 and T12 in addition)
Look at slide 18 for supply summary
how was it
what are the functions of the cervix
Produces mucus to facilitate sperm migration
Acts as a barrier to ascending infection
Holds a developing pregnancy in place
Effaces and dilates to enable vaginal birth
examining the cervix-tests
- speculum
- Pap smear test -swab
- Colposcopy: A follow-up test for an abnormal Pap test. A gynecologist views the cervix with a magnifying glass, known as a colposcope, and may take a biopsy of any areas that do not look healthy.
what are the physiological changes in pregnancy
Hypertrophies, but not as much as the uterus
Becomes softer
Increased vascularity/venous congestion, “purple tinge”
Glands distended with mucus, “mucus plug”
Prominent ectropion
Remains elongated until the onset of labour
what are the 3 states of the cervix during pregnancy
- prelabour
- Effacement
- Dilation
look at slide 24
what are the physiological changes to the cervix during pregnancy
-Cervical Ectopy “Erosion”
effect of oestrogen
-Atrophic “Cervicitis”
lack of oestrogen
what are cervical stis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas Vaginalis
HPV
importance of screening
screening leads to earlier treatment- so less incidences of cervical cancer
-look at slide 39
what are the causes of cervical cancer
- HPV
- Predisposing factors
- Smoking
- Multiple sexual partners
- Immune compromise
- Low socio-economic status
look at slide 47 for grades of cervical neoplasia and pictures
how was it
what age are women invited for a cervical cytology sampling
25 - 49yrs 3 yearly
50 – 65yrs 5 yearly
treatment of cervical cancer
1a cone biopsy / excision
1b radical hysterectomy / trachelectomy
2a chemo-radiotherapy
