What type of cancer primarily affects younger women and peaks during reproductive years?
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Cervical cancer.
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What type of cancer primarily affects younger women and peaks during reproductive years?
Cervical cancer.
What is the most common type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma (80% of cases).
What screening method is used to detect precancerous changes in the cervix?
Cervical screening with smear tests.
What characterizes Stage 1 cervical cancer?
Confined to the cervix.
What are the main risks associated with a cone biopsy?
Pain, bleeding, infection, scar formation with stenosis of the cervix, increased risk of miscarriage and premature labor.
What virus is strongly associated with cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV).
What is a cone biopsy?
A procedure that involves removing a cone-shaped piece of the cervix for histological assessment.
What is pelvic exenteration?
An operation that involves removing most or all pelvic organs in advanced cervical cancer.
What is Bevacizumab (Avastin) used for?
It is a monoclonal antibody used in combination with other chemotherapies for metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer.
At what age are children vaccinated against certain strains of HPV?
12 to 13 years old.
Which HPV types are responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers?
HPV type 16 and 18.
What are common presenting symptoms of cervical cancer?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia.
What is the difference between CIN I, CIN II, and CIN III?
CIN I is mild dysplasia (1/3 thickness), CIN II is moderate dysplasia (2/3 thickness), and CIN III is severe dysplasia (very likely to progress to cancer).
What happens if a cervical smear test is HPV negative?
The smear is considered negative, and the woman is returned to the routine screening program.
What does CIN stand for in the context of cervical health?
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.
What is the grading system for CIN based on?
The level of dysplasia (premalignant change) in the cells of the cervix.
What is the FIGO staging system used for?
To stage cervical cancer.
What is the treatment for Stage 1B – 2A cervical cancer?
Radical hysterectomy and removal of local lymph nodes with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
What strains does the Gardasil HPV vaccine protect against?
Strains 6, 11, 16, and 18.
What is the significance of early detection in cervical cancer?
It significantly improves the 5-year survival rate, which drops from around 98% in stage 1A to around 15% in stage 4.
What are the two tumor suppressor genes inhibited by HPV proteins E6 and E7?
p53 and pRb.
What are some risk factors for increased HPV infection?
Early sexual activity, increased number of sexual partners, and not using condoms.
How is CIN diagnosed?
At colposcopy, not with cervical screening.
What is colposcopy?
A procedure that involves magnifying the cervix to examine its epithelial lining in detail.
What is a Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)?
A procedure to remove abnormal epithelial tissue from the cervix using a loop of wire with electrical current.
Why is the HPV vaccine recommended before sexual activity?
To prevent contracting and spreading HPV, which is a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
What should be done if there is an abnormal appearance of the cervix suggestive of cancer?
An urgent cancer referral for colposcopy should be made.
What is a cone biopsy used for?
It is a treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and very early-stage cervical cancer.
What is the purpose of cervical screening?
To pick up precancerous changes in the epithelial cells of the cervix.
What is liquid-based cytology?
A method of transporting cervical cells in preservation fluid for examination.
What is the screening frequency for women aged 25-49?
Every three years.
What does acetic acid do during colposcopy?
It causes abnormal cells to appear white, known as acetowhite.
