Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown
.
Search This Site
Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix occurs in the cells lining the lower part of the uterus. A
condition known as Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN occurs when normal
cervical cells transform into precancerous cells. Cervical intraepithelial
neoplasia may then progress to squamous intraepithelial lesion (or SIL) the
condition that precedes cervical cancer.
Smoking, age and race are all factors that contribute to cervical cancer. For
instance smokers have twice the likelihood of developing cervical cancer than
nonsmokers.
Symptoms - The common symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding
- Painful intercourse and urination and lower back pain
Diagnosis - A doctor may use what is know as a PAP smear (Papanicolaou Test)
where cells are removed using a cotton swab or other instrument. The cells are
then "smeared" onto a glass slide and then sent to a laboratory for testing. The
test should only be performed two weeks following the end of the menstrual
cycle. The patient should also wait at least 48 hours after having sexual
intercourse before having the test done.
Treatment - Cervical cancer is treated differently depending on what stage it is
currently at. For instance at the early CIN stage the doctor may use a cone
biopsy or loop electrode incision (wire loops heated with an electric current).
More advance forms of cervical cancer are treated using the conventional methods
of radiation, chemotherapy and and surgery. Later stages of the disease may
require the total removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Site Map »
Note: For accurate information related to Windows products please see Microsoft's official website.