What are the early signs of cervical cancer. How is cervical cancer diagnosed. Can cervical cancer be prevented. What treatment options are available for cervical cancer.

Understanding Cervical Cancer: An Overview

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide. It develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This type of cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Understanding the nature of cervical cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

In its early stages, cervical cancer often presents no symptoms, making regular screenings crucial. However, as the disease progresses, several signs may emerge:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual cycles
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also indicate other conditions. If you experience any of these signs, consult your healthcare provider promptly for a thorough evaluation.

When should you be concerned about unusual vaginal bleeding?

Any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods, after menopause, or following sexual intercourse should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. While it may not necessarily indicate cervical cancer, it’s a symptom that warrants investigation to rule out serious conditions.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Its Role in Cervical Cancer

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, responsible for nearly all cases. This virus is incredibly common, with over 100 different types identified. While some HPV types cause no symptoms or only lead to benign warts, others are more aggressive and can trigger cancerous changes in cells.

How does HPV lead to cervical cancer?

HPV infects the cells of the cervix, potentially causing genetic changes that transform normal cells into cancerous ones. This process typically occurs over several years, which is why regular screenings are essential for detecting precancerous changes before they progress to cancer.

Diagnostic Procedures for Cervical Cancer

The diagnosis of cervical cancer often begins with routine screening tests and may involve several steps:

1. Pap smear: A primary screening tool that examines cervical cells for abnormalities
2. HPV test: Detects the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer
3. Colposcopy: A detailed examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument
4. Biopsy: Collection of tissue samples for microscopic analysis

What do abnormal Pap test results mean?

Abnormal Pap test results can indicate various conditions, ranging from inflammation to precancerous changes or cancer. These results are categorized based on the severity of cellular changes:

• Inflammation: Often caused by infections such as yeast or HPV
• Cervical dysplasia: Precancerous changes that may progress to cancer if left untreated
• Carcinoma in situ: Cancer cells confined to the surface layers of the cervix
• Invasive cancer: Cancer that has spread beyond the surface of the cervix

Preventive Measures Against Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through a combination of vaccination and regular screenings. Key preventive strategies include:

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. It’s recommended for both boys and girls, ideally administered before sexual activity begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises vaccination for individuals between 9 and 26 years of age, with the optimal age being 11 or 12 years old.

Regular Cervical Cancer Screenings

Routine Pap tests and HPV testing are crucial for early detection of cervical abnormalities. Current guidelines recommend:

• Pap tests every 3 years for women aged 21-65
• Combined Pap and HPV testing every 5 years for women aged 30-65
• Consultation with healthcare providers for women over 65 to determine screening needs

Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Risk

Several lifestyle factors can influence the risk of developing cervical cancer:

• Limiting sexual partners
• Using condoms during sexual activity
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

The treatment approach for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options include:

Management of Precancerous Lesions

For precancerous changes, less invasive treatments are often sufficient:

• Cryosurgery: Freezing abnormal cells
• Laser therapy: Using high-energy light to destroy abnormal tissue
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Removing abnormal tissue with an electrical current

Treatment for Invasive Cervical Cancer

More advanced cases of cervical cancer may require more aggressive treatments:

• Surgery: Ranging from removing the cancerous tissue to a complete hysterectomy
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: Employing drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body
• Targeted therapy: Using medications that specifically target cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body’s immune system to fight cancer

Advancements in Cervical Cancer Research and Treatment

The field of cervical cancer research is rapidly evolving, with promising developments in several areas:

Improved Screening Methods

Researchers are developing more sensitive and specific screening tests to detect cervical abnormalities earlier and more accurately. These include advanced HPV testing methods and biomarker analysis that can predict which HPV infections are more likely to progress to cancer.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Tailoring treatments to individual patients based on genetic profiles of their tumors is an emerging area of research. This personalized medicine approach aims to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Immunotherapy Breakthroughs

Immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer, shows promise in treating advanced cervical cancer. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring new immunotherapy drugs and combination therapies.

Targeted Therapies

Researchers are developing new targeted therapies that specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. These include drugs that target specific genetic mutations or proteins involved in cancer growth.

Living with Cervical Cancer: Support and Quality of Life

A cervical cancer diagnosis can have profound physical and emotional impacts. Addressing quality of life issues is an integral part of comprehensive care:

Emotional and Psychological Support

Coping with cervical cancer can be emotionally challenging. Many patients benefit from:

• Counseling services
• Support groups
• Psychosocial interventions

Managing Treatment Side Effects

Cervical cancer treatments can cause various side effects. Strategies to manage these may include:

• Pain management techniques
• Nutritional support
• Physical therapy
• Complementary therapies like acupuncture or meditation

Fertility Preservation

For younger patients, fertility preservation may be a concern. Options may include:

• Egg or embryo freezing before treatment
• Fertility-sparing surgical procedures when appropriate
• Surrogacy or adoption post-treatment

Long-term Follow-up Care

After completing treatment, ongoing follow-up care is crucial. This typically involves:

• Regular check-ups and imaging studies
• Monitoring for recurrence or long-term treatment effects
• Addressing survivorship issues such as sexual health and psychosocial well-being

Global Efforts in Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control

Cervical cancer is a global health issue, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. Worldwide efforts are underway to address this disparity:

WHO Global Strategy

The World Health Organization has set ambitious targets for cervical cancer elimination, including:

• 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15
• 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by 35, and again by 45 years of age
• 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment

Improving Access to Screening and Treatment

Efforts are ongoing to increase access to cervical cancer screening and treatment in resource-limited settings. These include:

• Implementing low-cost, high-performance screening methods
• Training healthcare workers in visual inspection techniques
• Developing point-of-care HPV testing

Raising Awareness and Education

Public health campaigns aim to increase awareness about cervical cancer prevention and early detection. These efforts focus on:

• Education about HPV vaccination
• Promoting regular screenings
• Addressing cultural barriers to healthcare access

As research progresses and global efforts intensify, the future holds promise for reducing the burden of cervical cancer worldwide. Through continued advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment, we move closer to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Signs of Cervical Cancer – Causes and Treatment

Related Topics

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is abnormal growth of cells in a woman’s cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus (womb). It connects the uterus and the vagina. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms of cervical cancer

In its early stages, cervical cancer may not have any symptoms. This is the case with many cancers. In later stages, symptoms could include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (not during your menstrual cycle)
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex

These could also be signs of a condition other than cervical cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your family doctor.

What causes cervical cancer?

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. This is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause infections. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types cause no symptoms. Others cause body warts or genital warts. More aggressive kinds can cause cancer in both women and men. Cervical cancer is the most common kind of cancer caused by HPV.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Abnormal results from a routine Pap test (or smear) could lead to a cervical cancer diagnosis. During a Pap test, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample is sent to a lab and checked under a microscope.

Abnormal Pap test results could mean there are changes in the cells on your cervix, including:

• Inflammation (irritation). This can be caused by an infection of the cervix. These include yeast infections, HPV, the herpes virus, or many other infections.
• Abnormal cells. These changes are called cervical dysplasia. The cells are not cancerous but may be precancerous. This means they could eventually turn into cancer.
• More serious signs of cancer. These changes affect the top layers of the cervix, but don’t go beyond the cervix.
• More advanced cancer. These cell changes extend into tissues beyond the cervix.

If the results of your Pap test are abnormal, your doctor may repeat the test. He or she may also do a cervical HPV test. This test can show if you have one of the types of HPV that can cause cancer. Your doctor may want you to have a colposcopy. During this procedure, he or she will use a magnifying lens to look more closely at your cervix. They can also take a sample of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer.

Cells of the cervix go through many changes before they turn into cancer. A Pap test can show if your cells are going through these changes. If caught and treated early, cervical cancer is not life threatening. This is why it is so important that you get regular Pap tests.

Can cervical cancer be prevented or avoided?

In many cases, cervical cancer can be prevented. The best ways to do this are to avoid getting HPV and to get regular Pap tests.

Avoiding HPV

An HPV vaccine can protect young people against the virus. The vaccine is FDA-approved for all boys and girls between 9 years and 26 years of age. It is most effective when you get it before you have been exposed to HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that girls and boys who are 11 or 12 get the vaccine. But anyone age 26 or younger should get the vaccine, even if you’ve already had HPV.

Other ways to lower your risk of getting HPV include:

• Limit your number of sex partners.
• Don’t have sex with someone who has had a lot of partners.
• Use condoms anytime you have sex. (Remember, condoms aren’t 100% effective. HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. This makes condoms less reliable for prevention.)

Get regular Pap tests

All women should get regular Pap tests. These can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Certain things put you at higher or lower risk for cervical cancer. Your doctor will consider these when recommending how often you should have a Pap test. Most women can follow these guidelines:

• Every 3 years beginning at 21 years of age and continuing until 65 years of age.
• If you are between 30 and 65 years of age, you might be able to combine a Pap test with HPV testing every 5 years.
• If you are older than 65, ask your doctor if you still need regular Pap tests.

Cervical cancer treatment

In many cases, precancerous cells are found before cancer develops. Treatment for these is different than for invasive cancer cells.

Precancerous lesions

Treatment will depend on several factors. These include severity, age, general health, desire to get pregnant in the future, and preference. Options include cryosurgery (freezing), cauterization (burning), or laser surgery. These procedures destroy the abnormal cells without causing much damage to nearby healthy tissue.

Invasive cervical cancer

This means that the cancer has spread from the surface of the cervix. It may spread to tissue deeper within the cervix or to other parts of the body. Treatment options depend on the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread. They also may depend on your plans for having children in the future. The most common treatments include:

• Surgery — The cancerous tissue is removed in an operation.
• Radiation —High-energy rays like X-rays shrink or kill the cancerous cells.
• Chemotherapy — Powerful medicines, in pill form or injected into the veins, shrink or kill the cancer.

Treatment of invasive cancer often involves a team of specialists. This could include your family doctor, a gynecologist, and an oncologist (cancer specialist). You will all work together to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Living with cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. Precancerous cells can be removed before they develop into cancer. Early treatment often does not affect your ability to have children. Treatment of more advanced cancers could require removal of the uterus or other reproductive organs. Some women have their eggs frozen for future use before undergoing this kind of surgery.

Cancer treatments can be stressful. Treatments can have different side effects on your body. Take good care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and try to keep your energy up by staying mildly active.

Even after your cancer goes into remission, you are at higher risk of cancer returning to your body. You will need to get regular follow-up care and check-ups for years after your treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor

If you are sexually active:

• How often do I need a Pap test?
• Should I be tested for any sexually transmitted infections? How often?

If the results of your last Pap test were normal:

• When do I need another Pap test?

If the results of your last Pap test were abnormal:

• What do the results mean?
• Do I need a follow-up Pap test or an HPV test?
• Will I need a colonoscopy or a biopsy?
• Do I need any treatment?
• Am I at risk for cervical cancer?
• Is it safe for me to have sex?

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer:

• What is the stage of my cancer?
• What treatments are available to me?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• Will treatment affect my daily activities, including sex?
• Will I be able to get pregnant and have children after the treatment?
• What is my outlook for recovery?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Basic information about Cervical Cancer

National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Cervical Cancer

Yeast Infection (Vaginal): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are Vaginal Yeast Infections?
• Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections
• Causes of Vaginal Yeast infections
• Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections
• Can Probiotics Help?

They’re itchy and uncomfortable, and no one really likes to talk about them. But vaginal yeast infections are very common in women. It’s estimated that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

Though yeast infections can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that make getting them more likely. Most infections can be cleared up quickly and easily.

The vagina normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.

Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others. You may also experience any or all of the following:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
• Pain or burning when you pee
• Pain during sex
• A thick, white, odorless discharge, similar to cottage cheese

If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other, more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina). An accurate diagnosis is important so you can get the best treatment.

There are many reasons you could get a yeast infection, including:

• Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, breast-feeding or menopause (or if you’re taking birth control pills) can change the balance in your vagina.
• Diabetes: If your diabetes is not well-controlled, the increase in sugar in the mucus membranes (moist linings) of your vagina can create a place for yeast to grow.
• Antibiotics: These drugs can kill off many of the good bacteria that live in your vagina.
• Douches and vaginal sprays: The use of these products can change the balance in your vagina.
• A weakened immune system: If you are HIV-positive or have another immune system disorder, the yeast may also grow uncontrolled.
• Sex: Though a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed from person to person through sexual contact.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories (with clotrimazole or miconazole) are the most common ways to treat yeast infections. These can take from 1 to 7 days. Your doctor may also choose to prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme). 

If you’re pregnant, it’s safe to use creams or suppositories but avoid oral medications. 

It’s important for you to know that some yeast infection medications weaken condoms or diaphragms. That makes it easier for you to get pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. Be sure to read instructions and warnings before using.

If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you may get yeast infections over and over again. It’s a condition called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). If you get yeast infections at least four times a year, your doctor may recommend that you take a weekly fluconazole pill for 6 months to fight them. Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) has been approved for those with recurring problems with infections who will not be reproducing.

Some studies have shown that eating probiotic yogurt or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements may slow the growth of yeast in the vagina, lowering the risk for infections. But more research is needed before a clear connection can be made.

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Gynecological diseases in women – list, symptoms, diagnosis, tests

It often happens that many women perceive visits to the gynecologist as a necessity. They go to the doctor only when there is discomfort, pain or problems with conception.

Let’s fix the situation! Let the habit of regularly undergoing examinations with a female doctor become one of the most important. This will help to maintain the quality of life for many years to come and achieve the goals.

Consider the 5 most common female diseases.

1. Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infectious disease of the vaginal mucosa, which can “capture” both the cervix and often the vulva. The causative agents of the disease are yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. The most common cause of candidiasis is Candida albicans. The active growth of fungi can also be due to the predominance of overly sweet foods in the diet. Typical symptoms of candidiasis or “thrush” are white, cheesy discharge, redness, and severe itching.

To assess the quantitative content of candida, it is recommended to carry out:

• Inoculation of material for fungi of the genus Candida with determination of sensitivity to antimycotic drugs
• Candida albicans DNA (col. )
• Candida Qualitative Test – Candida albicans DNA

It is not worth ignoring the unpleasant symptoms of candidiasis, as well as self-medicating – under the “mask” of candidiasis, sexually transmitted infections – ureaplasmosis and / or mycoplasmosis are often hidden. These diseases are often the cause of infertility and miscarriage.

2. Gardnerellosis

Stress, weakened immunity after an illness, against the background of a chronic disease, can lead to the death of some lactobacilli and vaginal dysbiosis. At the same time, the number of gardnerella in the total bacterial mass increases significantly, which leads to bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis).

Typical symptoms of gardnerellosis: creamy discharge with a specific unpleasant odor. As with candidiasis, a number of studies are used to diagnose gardnerellosis:

• General clinical examination of the material of the genitourinary organs (cellular composition, microflora)
• Gardnerella vaginalis DNA, vaginal scraping

Specific and very indicative is a new study in CITILAB – analysis of Femoflor-16. The test helps the gynecologist to identify the infection in the complete absence of infection symptoms, and also in a short time to get an objective picture of the state of the biocenosis of the urogenital tract in a woman with gardnerellosis.

3. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common benign tumors in women. Often occurs precisely in the most active flowering age – after 30-35 years. The proliferation of cells that form the myomatous node occurs for various reasons. This may be a hereditary predisposition, hormonal imbalance. Myoma can occur in response to a negative impact, for example, after a serious inflammatory process.

The tumor forms “quietly”, without any special symptoms. Only a doctor can detect it during a gynecological examination. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct ultrasound, sometimes CT and MRI are used. After the examination, the doctor determines the further treatment strategy. Most often it is non-operative and combined.

The indication for surgery may be the “term” of fibroids: a tumor over 12 weeks must be removed. Tumors that grow too fast, cause heavy bleeding, and therefore can provoke anemia, are also surgically removed.

It is important to remember that the presence of fibroids can affect the ability to bear children: it is more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall.

4. Erosion (ectopia) of the cervix

One of the main symptoms of cervical erosion, or, as it is also called, cervical ectopia, is profuse spotting after intercourse. Now there are a lot of articles on the topic that it is not necessary to treat erosion. Although for another 5-10 years, surgical methods of treatment (DEC, cryodestruction, laser treatment, coagulation of the cervix) were used for this.

Many women are afraid that erosion can turn into cancer. Mostly, this is not the case, because a malignant process can occur even in the absence of ectopia.

To eliminate the oncological risk in case of ectopia in SITILAB, a Cytological examination of smears (scrapings) from the surface of the cervix (external uterine os) and the cervical canal is carried out by the method of liquid cytology – Papanicolaou staining (Pap test). It is recommended for nulliparous women to perform it once every two years.

In addition, you must also pass the following smears:

• High risk papillomavirus (DNA) HPV type 16 (HPV 16)
• High risk papillomavirus (DNA) HPV type 18 (HPV 18)

The standard method for detecting cervical erosion is colposcopy. It is recommended to perform it at least once a year.

5. Cancer of the cervix

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women, causing more than 250,000 deaths worldwide each year. Cervical cancer screening is recommended every two years, starting at age 21. Therefore, in order not to worry, make an appointment with a gynecologist at CITILAB and conduct a series of studies.

First of all, this is an analysis by liquid cytology from the surface of the cervix (external uterine os) and the cervical canal, as well as a study. Determination of the p16ink4a oncoprotein in cytological preparations.

It is important to know! Early stage cervical cancer is 100% curable. The risk of developing invasive cancer is 5 to 10 times higher in women who have never been screened. It takes 10-15 years from the beginning of the first cell changes to an invasive tumor. So, there is time for the prevention and prevention of serious illness.

To maintain reproductive health, prepare for pregnancy and lead an active life, it is important for a woman to have regular check-ups with a gynecologist. Do not delay a visit to CITILAB, make an appointment with a doctor and perform the necessary laboratory tests.

Be healthy!

Thrush in women: causes, signs, symptoms, treatment

Thrush, or vaginal candidiasis, is a common fungal disease of the genital organs caused by fungi of the genus Candida. According to statistics, three out of four women under the age of 25 faced the problem of thrush, and one in two experienced relapses. If left untreated, thrush can become chronic.

Thrush occurs predominantly in women, but can sometimes appear in men. To a man, opportunistic fungi that cause candidiasis can be transmitted from a woman through sexual intercourse or household items.

Causes of thrush

In the normal state, Candida fungi are present in the microflora of the vagina, but under the influence of negative factors, their number may increase, as a result, a fungal infection develops. These factors and causes of thrush include:

• immunosuppression
• concomitant infectious diseases
• endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.)
• sexual infections, STDs
• taking antibiotics
• malnutrition
• frequent stress
• taking hormonal contraceptives
• continuous use of tampons
• prolonged exposure to high temperature and humidity
• pregnancy
• wearing synthetic underwear
• non-observance of personal hygiene rules

Separately, it is worth highlighting the occurrence of candidiasis in newborns – a fungal infection is transmitted to the child directly from the mother. Thrush in pregnant women occurs due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors mentioned above.

Signs and symptoms of thrush

Recognizing thrush is quite simple. Most often, women complain of the following symptoms:

• heavy or moderate cheesy vaginal discharge
• itching of the perineum, especially before menstruation
• irritation and redness of the vulva and vagina
• pain and discomfort during intercourse
• painful urination
• bad smell

Treatment of thrush in women

If these symptoms appear, a woman should immediately contact a gynecologist. The diagnosis of “thrush” is made on the basis of laboratory tests. After a detailed consultation, the doctor sends the patient an analysis of the vaginal microflora. With a confirmed diagnosis, an individual treatment plan is drawn up, antifungal therapy and additional measures are prescribed to eliminate concomitant diseases and factors.