Cancer of cervix is caused by caused mainly by human papilloma virus (HPV). Most common female cancer in developing countries and can be prevented by screening and vaccination against HPV.
Cause/Risk factors
- Infection with human papillomavirus
- Early age of first sexual intercourse
- Multiple sexual partners (unprotected)
- Multiparity
- Smoking
- Age ≥35 to <45
Signs and Symptoms
- Very often asymptomatic in early stages
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Post coital bleeding
- Exclude cervix cancer in any post menopausal bleeding
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Symptoms of metastasis
- Hydronephrosis and renal failure
- By speculum examination, lesions infiltrating the cervix
Complications
- Anemia
- Cachexia
- Pain
- Hematuria and dysuria
- Ureteral obstruction and renal failure
- Oedema of legs
- Bowel invasion: Diarrhea, Tenesmus,rectal bleeding
- Sepsis
- Metastasis
Stages for Cervical cancer
• Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ
• Stage Ia1: Stromal invasion <3 mm (microinvasive)
• Stage Ia2: stromal invasion 3-5 mm
• Stage Ib1: Stromal invasion >5 mm, or gross cervical
lesion <4cm
• Stage Ib2: gross cervical lesion > 4 cm
• Stage IIa: extending to upper 2/3 vagina
• Stage IIIa: Extending to lower 1/3 vagina
• Stage IIIb: Extending into parametrium to pelvic
sidewall or hydronephrosis
• Stage IVa: extending to bladder/ bowel mucosa
• Stage IVb: distant metastasis
stages I-IV.