CERVICAL CANCER

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 OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this presentation is to discuss on;
Definition of cervical cancer
Discuss the causes
Discuss risk factors
Discuss signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
Discuss stages of cervical cancer
Diagnosis and management of cervical cancer
Prevention

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 INTRODUCTION:
• Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide.
Cervical cancer is a disease that develops quite slowly and begins with a
precancerous condition known as dysplasia. Dysplasia is easily detected in
a routine Pap smear and is a malignant tumors deriving from cells of the
cervix.

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 DEFINITION:
CERVICAL CANCER:
• It is a malignant cancer deriving from the cells of the ‘cervix uteri’, which
is a lower part, ‘neck’ of the womb, the female reproductive organ.

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 CAUSES
Human papillomavirus
Infection with the common human papillomavirus (HPV) is a cause of approximately
90% of all the cervical cancers. About half of the sexually transmitted HPVs are
associated with cervical cancer.
Sexual History
A woman has a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical is she:
 Has multiple sexual partners.
 Began having sexual relations before the age of 18.
 Has a partner who has had sexual contact with a woman with cervical cancer.
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 RISK FACTORS
Smoking
Weakened immune system
Several pregnancies
Giving birth at a very young age
Long-term use of the contraceptives pill
Family history

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 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
Menstrual periods that lasts longer and are heavier than before
Bleeding after going through menopause
Increased vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain

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 ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC
FINDINGS
PAP test
Routine screening for cervical abnormalities can detect early-stages cancer
and precancerous conditions that could progress to invasive disease. The
process begins with a Pap test, also known as Pap smear.

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HPV DNA test
Like the Pap test, the HPV DNA test involves collecting cells from the
cervix for lab testing

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Colposcopy

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Cone biopsy

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CT (computerized tomography) scan
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
Pelvic ultrasound

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 STAGESOF CERVICAL CANCER
• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix
• Stage II: Cancer at this stage includes the cervix and uterus wall or the lower
portion of the vagina.
• Stage III: Cancer at this stage has moved to the cervix and uterus to the
pelvic wall or the lower portion of the vagina.
• Stage IV: At this stage, cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as bladder
or rectum, or it has spread to the other areas of the body, such as the lungs,
liver or bones.
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 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals (medication) to destroy cancer cells.
Cytotoxic medication prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing.
Chemotherapy for cervical cancer, as well as most other cancers, is used to
target cancer cells that surgery cannot or did not remove, or to help the
symptoms of patients with advanced cancers.
Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, is frequently used in combination with
radiotherapy.
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Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is also known as radiation therapy. Radiotherapy works by
damaging the DNA inside the tumor cells, destroying their ability to
reproduce. For patients with advanced cervical cancer radiation combined
cisplatin based chemotherapy is the most effective treatment.

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 SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Laser surgery
A narrow beam of intense light destroys cancerous and precancerous cells

LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)

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Cryosurgery

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Hysterectomy

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 DIETARY MANAGEMENT
Flavonoids are chemical compounds in fruits and vegetables that are
thought to be a leading source protection against cancer. The black
flavonoid rich foods are apple, black beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts,
cabbage, garlic and onion.
Folate (a white soluble B vitamin) reduce the risk of cervical cancer in
people with HPV. Foods rich in folate include avocado, breads, lantils,
orange juice and strawberries.

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Carotenoids, a source of vitamin A, are also helpful in preventing cervical
cancer risk. Foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are rich in
vitamin A.

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 PREVENTION
HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine
If every female adheres to current HPV vaccination program, the total number of females
death from cervical cancer globally will drop by hundreds of thousands each year.
Safe sex
Cervical screening
Have one sexual partner
Delay first sexual intercourse
Don’t smoke
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 CONCLUSION:
Tremendous studies have been made in reducing the rate of cervical cancer.
However, women continue to be affected by a disease that is potentially
preventable and curable. The women who remain most susceptible to the
development of cervical cancer are those who are lost to screening or who
do not receive screening at all. Therefore, family physicians must remain
vigilant by screening all appropriate women with routine Pap smears.

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