| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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A common, but treatable, cancer of the cervix (the lower third of
the uterus, which opens into the vagina). While the average age of
women at diagnosis is about 45, this cancer can affect women of all
ages.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
In the early, easily treatable stages:
In later stages:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Persistent vaginal discharge.
- Pain and bleeding after intercourse. In final stages:
- Abdominal pain.
- Leaking of feces and urine through the vagina
- Appetite and weight loss.
- Anemia.
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| Causes |
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Unknown. Probably related to viral infections, including human papillomavirus
(genital warts).
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| Risk Increases With |
- Early age of first intercourse.
- Multiple sex partners.
- Multiple pregnancies.
- Human papillomavirus infection (genital warts).
- Recurrent vaginal infections (bacterial or viral) including genital
herpes).
- Smoking.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Avoid the risks listed above as much as possible.
- Obtain regular medical pelvic examinations.
- Obtain regular Pap smears (test done to detect cancer of the
cervix in an early and treatable stage).
- Regular pelvic examinations and the Pap smear are very effective
in detecting precancerous changes or cervical cancer in its symptom-free
stage.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable if diagnosed before the tumor has spread.
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| Possible Complications |
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If cervical cancer is not treated early, it spreads beyond the
uterus to other body parts leading to death.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include a pelvic examination and a Pap
test, followed by a biopsy if a suspicious lesion is seen.
- Surgery to remove the cancerous area. During early stages,
this may only involve a small area of the cervix, which preserves
childbearing abilities. More advanced stages may require removal
of the reproductive organs and other affected tissue (radical
hysterectomy).
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (internal, external or
both) are possible treatments for advanced cancer.
- Additional information available from: American Cancer Society,
1599 Clifton Rd., Atlanta GA 30329, telephone (800) ACS-2345;
web site www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute Cancer Information
Service at (800) 4-CANCER; web site
www.nci.nih.gov
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| Medication |
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Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder if it
is diagnosed and treated early. If radical surgery and additional
treatment are required, anticancer drugs may be prescribed.
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|
| Activity |
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No restrictions. Resume sexual activity once you have medical
clearance.
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| Diet |
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No special diet
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has persistent vaginal bleeding
or other symptoms of cervical cancer.
- You have not had a pelvic examination or Pap smear in
at least one year.
- You or a family member has persistent vaginal bleeding
or other symptoms of cervical cancer.
- You have not had a pelvic examination or Pap smear in
at least one year.
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