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==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
* In 400 BC, Hippocrates referred to cervical cancer as cancer of the [[uterus]], it was little known about cervical cancer until the Rennaissance era.  
In 400 BC, Hippocrates referred to cervical cancer as cancer of the [[uterus]], it was little known about cervical cancer until the Rennaissance era. In 1842, an Italian physician named Rigoni-stern noticed that cancer of the [[cervix]] prevalence was high among married and widowed women and low or rare among the unmarried women and absent in Italian nuns.
 
* In 1842, an Italian physician named Rigoni-stern noticed that cancer of the [[cervix]] prevalence was high among married and widowed women and low or rare among the unmarried women and absent in Italian nuns.


==Classification==
==Classification==
* Cervical cancer may be classified into many subtypes based on [[FIGO]] classification. In stage I, [[carcinoma]] is strictly confined to the [[cervix]], in stage II, the carcinoma invades beyond the [[uterus]], but has not extended onto the lower third of the vagina or to the [[pelvic]] wall.
Cervical cancer may be classified into many subtypes based on [[FIGO]] classification. In stage I, [[carcinoma]] is strictly confined to the [[cervix]], in stage II, the carcinoma invades beyond the [[uterus]], but has not extended onto the lower third of the vagina or to the [[pelvic]] wall.


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
[[HPV]] plays main role in [[pathogenesis]] of cervical cancer and it is widely related to disrupting [[cell cycle]] growth and regulations, summary of these include:
[[HPV]] plays main role in [[pathogenesis]] of cervical cancer and it is widely related to disrupting [[cell cycle]] growth and regulations, summary of these include: The high risk [[HPV]] E6 and E7 gene products which are involved in [[viral]] [[replication]] and [[oncogenesis]] bind to [[p53]] and prevents its normal activities which is [[G1]] arrest, apoptosis, and [[DNA]] repair. [[HPV]] enters the host cell which are [[squamous]] cells of [[epithelium]] in [[cervix]], mainly in junctional zone, between the [[columnar epithelium]] of the [[endocervix]] and the squamous [[epithelium]] of the [[ectocervix]] and that is how viral [[transcription]] and replication begins. [[HPV]] infection of the basal layer of [[epithelium]] takes place by attachment via a different mechanism of entry, this happens by cell surface heparan sulfate, stabilizing [[proteoglycans]] and [[Integrin]].
* The high risk [[HPV]] E6 and E7 gene products which are involved in [[viral]] [[replication]] and [[oncogenesis]] bind to [[p53]] and prevents its normal activities which is [[G1]] arrest, apoptosis, and [[DNA]] repair.
 
* [[HPV]] enters the host cell which are [[squamous]] cells of [[epithelium]] in [[cervix]], mainly in junctional zone, between the [[columnar epithelium]] of the [[endocervix]] and the squamous [[epithelium]] of the [[ectocervix]] and that is how viral [[transcription]] and replication begins.
* [[HPV]] infection of the basal layer of [[epithelium]] takes place by attachment via a different mechanism of entry, this happens by cell surface heparan sulfate, stabilizing [[proteoglycans]] and [[Integrin]].


==Differential diagnosis==
==Differential diagnosis==
* Cervical cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause abnormal [[vaginal bleeding]], such as [[cervical polyp]], cervical [[leiomyoma]], invasion of the cervix from primary [[uterine]] malignancy, [[vaginal cancer]], cervical [[lymphoma]], metastases to [[cervix]], and cervical [[ectopic pregnancy]].
Cervical cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause abnormal [[vaginal bleeding]], such as [[cervical polyp]], cervical [[leiomyoma]], invasion of the cervix from primary [[uterine]] malignancy, [[vaginal cancer]], cervical [[lymphoma]], metastases to [[cervix]], and cervical [[ectopic pregnancy]].


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
* In terms of frequency, cervical cancer is ranked 14th now in the US but still is very common in the least developed countries.  
In terms of frequency, cervical cancer is ranked 14th now in the US but still is very common in the least developed countries.In The United State, cervical cancer is more common among Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and followed by whites. Native Alaskans and Indians have the lowest rate. Age of diagnosis is usually above 30 years old, women in their midlife. Number of new cases of cervical cancer was 7.4 per 100,000 women per year and the number of deaths was 2.3 per 100,000 women per year based on statistical data collected in 2015.
* In United State, cervical cancer is more common among Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and Pacific islanders, and followed by whites. Native Alaskans and Indians have the lowest rate. Age of diagnosis is usually above 30 years old, women in their midlife.  
* Number of new cases of cervical cancer was 7.4 per 100,000 women per year and the number of deaths was 2.3 per 100,000 women per year based on statistical data collected in 2015.


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
* The most potent [[risk factor]] in the development of cervical cancer is [[Human papillomavirus]] ([[HPV]]) [[infection]].  
The most potent [[risk factor]] in the development of cervical cancer is [[Human papillomavirus]] ([[HPV]]) [[infection]]. Other risk factors include [[smoking]], increased number of sexual partners, and young age at time of first sexual intercourse, high [[parity]], use of [[oral contraceptives]], [[immunodeficiency]].
* Other risk factors include [[smoking]], increased number of sexual partners, and young age at time of first sexual intercourse, high [[parity]], use of [[oral contraceptives]], [[immunodeficiency]].


==Screening==
==Screening==
* According to the [[American Cancer Society]] (ACS), American Society for [[Colposcopy]] and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and [[American Society for Clinical Pathology]], screening for cervical cancer by [[pap smear]] is recommended every 3 years among women age 21 to 29 years and for women aged 30 to 65 years, every 3 years with cervical [[cytology]] alone, every 5 years with high-risk [[human papillomavirus]] (hrHPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with [[cytology]] (cotesting).
According to the [[American Cancer Society]] (ACS), American Society for [[Colposcopy]] and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and [[American Society for Clinical Pathology]], screening for cervical cancer by [[pap smear]] is recommended every 3 years among women age 21 to 29 years and for women aged 30 to 65 years, every 3 years with cervical [[cytology]] alone, every 5 years with high-risk [[human papillomavirus]] (hrHPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with [[cytology]] (cotesting).


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
* [[Infection]] by high risk strain of [[oncogenic]] [[HPV]] types is an established cause of neoplastic lesions of the [[cervix]], [[vagina]] and [[vulva]], [[anus]], [[penis]] and [[oropharynx]]. [[HPV]] 16 and 18,  are the most common cause of approximately 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. [[HPV]] is highly transmissible through direct [[skin]] to [[skin]] contact and [[intercourse]], women with persistent high-risk [[HPV]] [[infection]]<nowiki/>s are at greatest risk for developing cervical cancer.  
[[Infection]] by high risk strain of [[oncogenic]] [[HPV]] types is an established cause of neoplastic lesions of the [[cervix]], [[vagina]] and [[vulva]], [[anus]], [[penis]] and [[oropharynx]]. [[HPV]] 16 and 18,  are the most common cause of approximately 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. [[HPV]] is highly transmissible through direct [[skin]] to [[skin]] contact and [[intercourse]], women with persistent high-risk [[HPV]] [[infection]]<nowiki/>s are at greatest risk for developing cervical cancer. Common complications of cervical cancer include [[vaginal bleeding]], [[fistula]] and [[renal failure]]. Prognosis is generally good, and the 5-year [[survival rate]] of patients with cervical cancer is approximately 67.9%.
* Common complications of cervical cancer include [[vaginal bleeding]], [[fistula]] and [[renal failure]].  
* Prognosis is generally good, and the 5-year [[survival rate]] of patients with cervical cancer is approximately 67.9%.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Staging===
===Staging===
* Cervical cancer is staged by the [[International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics]] (FIGO) staging system, which is based on [[clinical examination]], imaging studies and procedures such as [[hysteroscopy]], [[cystoscopy]], [[proctoscopy]], intravenous [[urography]], and cervical[[conization]].
Cervical cancer is staged by the [[International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics]] (FIGO) staging system, which is based on [[clinical examination]], imaging studies and procedures such as [[hysteroscopy]], [[cystoscopy]], [[proctoscopy]], intravenous [[urography]], and cervical[[conization]].


===History and Symptoms===
===History and Symptoms===
* [[Physical examination]] of patients with late cervical cancer is usually remarkable for cervical [[mass]], [[pallor]], and [[pedal edema]].Most women with cervical cancer are asymptomatic at early stage of disease, those patients in advance stage of cancer may have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal dyscharge, abdominal and pelvic pain, urinary hesitancy.<ref name="KimKang2010">{{cite journal|last1=Kim|first1=Soo Hyun|last2=Kang|first2=Sokbom|last3=Kim|first3=Yong-Man|last4=Kim|first4=Byoung-Gie|last5=Seong|first5=Seok Ju|last6=Cha|first6=Soon Do|last7=Park|first7=Chan-Yong|last8=Yun|first8=Young Ho|title=Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression Among Cervical Cancer Survivors in Korea|journal=International Journal of Gynecological Cancer|volume=20|issue=6|year=2010|pages=1017–1024|issn=1048-891X|doi=10.1111/IGC.0b013e3181e4a704}}</ref><ref name="MwakaOkello2015">{{cite journal|last1=Mwaka|first1=Amos Deogratius|last2=Okello|first2=Elialilia Sarikiaeli|last3=Wabinga|first3=Henry|last4=Walter|first4=Fiona M|title=Symptomatic presentation with cervical cancer in Uganda: a qualitative study assessing the pathways to diagnosis in a low-income country|journal=BMC Women's Health|volume=15|issue=1|year=2015|issn=1472-6874|doi=10.1186/s12905-015-0167-4}}</ref>
[[Physical examination]] of patients with late cervical cancer is usually remarkable for cervical [[mass]], [[pallor]], and [[pedal edema]].Most women with cervical cancer are asymptomatic at the early stage of disease, those patients in advance stage of cancer may have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, abdominal and pelvic pain, urinary hesitancy.


===Chest Xray===
===Chest Xray===
* [[Chest radiography]] ([[CXR]]) is the initial imaging modality used in the detection of suspected [[pulmonary]] metastasis. It has limited value in initial work up for cervical cancer, unless there is a metastasis to the [[lung]]<nowiki/>s and that usually happens in advances stage of cancer.  
[[Chest radiography]] ([[CXR]]) is the initial imaging modality used in the detection of suspected [[pulmonary]] metastasis. It has limited value in initial workup for cervical cancer, unless there is a metastasis to the [[lung]]<nowiki/>s and that usually happens in advances stage of cancer.  


===CT===
===CT===
[[Computerised tomography]] ([[CT]]) is used for clinical [[Staging (pathology)|staging]] of cervical carcinoma, it improves the accuracy of staging based on [[FIGO]] guidelines. [[CT scan]] is useful in evaluating the followings:<ref name="pmid25027081">{{cite journal |vauthors=Prasad TV, Thulkar S, Hari S, Sharma DN, Kumar S |title=Role of computed tomography (CT) scan in staging of cervical carcinoma |journal=Indian J. Med. Res. |volume=139 |issue=5 |pages=714–9 |date=May 2014 |pmid=25027081 |pmc=4140036 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
[[Computerised tomography]] ([[CT]]) is used for clinical [[Staging (pathology)|staging]] of cervical carcinoma, it improves the accuracy of staging based on [[FIGO]] guidelines. [[CT scan]] is useful in evaluating the followings:[[Tumor]] size, parametrial invasion, [[Lymph node]] and distant metastasis, [[Ureteral]] involvement and the functional status of [[kidney]]<nowiki/>s.
* [[Tumor]] size
* Parametrial invasion  
* [[Lymph node]] and distant metastasis
* [[Ureteral]] involvement and the functional status of [[kidney]]<nowiki/>s.


===MRI===
===MRI===
* Pelvic [[MRI]] is helpful in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. In patients with advanced disease, there are several findings on [[MRI]] studies which may help early prediction of the [[therapeutic]] outcome, [[tumor]] size reduction, myometrial invasion, [[Lymph nodes|lymph node]] invasion more accurately.<ref name="LiWu2016">{{cite journal|last1=Li|first1=Haoran|last2=Wu|first2=Xiaohua|last3=Cheng|first3=Xi|title=Advances in diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cervical cancer|journal=Journal of Gynecologic Oncology|volume=27|issue=4|year=2016|issn=2005-0380|doi=10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e43}}</ref>
Pelvic [[MRI]] is helpful in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. In patients with advanced disease, there are several findings on [[MRI]] studies which may help early prediction of the [[therapeutic]] outcome, [[tumor]] size reduction, myometrial invasion, [[Lymph nodes|lymph node]] invasion more accurately.


===Ultrasound===
===Ultrasound===
* Transvaginal color doppler [[ultrasound]] can be used in predicting response to [[chemotherapy]] in women with cervical cancer.
Transvaginal color doppler [[ultrasound]] can be used in predicting response to [[chemotherapy]] in women with cervical cancer.
 
Doppler ultrasound can pedict [[tumor]] volume based on [[angiogenesis]], intramural [[Vascularity|vascularization]] and [[hemodynamic]] flow. [[Transvaginal ultrasound]] also is helpful in detecting small size [[tumor]] and invasion to [[lymph node]]<nowiki/>s.
* Doppler ultrasound can pedict [[tumor]] volume based on [[angiogenesis]], intramural [[Vascularity|vascularization]] and [[hemodynamic]] flow.
* [[Transvaginal ultrasound]] also is helpful in detecting small size [[tumor]] and invasion to [[lymph node]]<nowiki/>s.<ref name="pmid25368452">{{cite journal |vauthors=Alcázar JL, Arribas S, Mínguez JA, Jurado M |title=The role of ultrasound in the assessment of uterine cervical cancer |journal=J Obstet Gynaecol India |volume=64 |issue=5 |pages=311–6 |date=October 2014 |pmid=25368452 |pmc=4199430 |doi=10.1007/s13224-014-0622-4 |url=}}</ref>


===Other Diagnostic Studies===
===Other Diagnostic Studies===
* Cervical [[biopsy]] is the confirmatory test for the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
Cervical [[biopsy]] is the confirmatory test for the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Most women have tissue removed in the doctor's office with local anesthesia. A [[pathologist]] checks the tissue under a microscope for abnormal cells. In [[Punch biopsy]], doctor uses a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of [[cervical]] tissue. In [[Loop electrosurgical excision procedure]](LEEP), an electric wire loop is used to slice off a thin, round piece of [[cervical]] tissue, this method allows deep excision of the [[transformation zone]]. In endocervical [[curettage]], a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervix. Some doctors may use a thin, soft brush instead of a curette. A conization, or cold knife [[cone biopsy]], cone-shaped samples are removed from [[cervix]] and allows for accurate examination of biopsy specimens by [[pathologists]].This can be done in doctor's office or in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most significant complication of this method is [[hemorrhage]]. There is a relative contraindication for pregnant women and also [[conization]] increase the risk of [[preterm birth]].  
*'''[[Biopsy]]''': Most women have tissue removed in the doctor's office with local anesthesia. A [[pathologist]] checks the tissue under a microscope for abnormal cells.
==Treatment==
**'''[[Punch biopsy]]:''' The doctor uses a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of [[cervical]] tissue.  
**'''[[Loop electrosurgical excision procedure]](LEEP):''' The doctor uses an electric wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of [[cervical]] tissue, this method allows deep excision of the [[transformation zone]].  
**'''Endocervical [[curettage]]:''' The doctor uses a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervix. Some doctors may use a thin, soft brush instead of a curette.  
**'''[[Conization]]:''' A conization, or cold knife [[cone biopsy]], cone shaped samples are removed from [[cervix]] and allows for accurate examination of biopsy speciemen by [[pathologists]].This can be done in doctor's office or in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most significant complication of this method is [[hemorrhage]]. There is relative contraindication for pregnant women and also [[conization]] increase the risk of [[preterm birth]]. <ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1097/IGC.0000000000000991.}}</ref><ref name="pmid22899563">{{cite journal |vauthors=Castanon A, Brocklehurst P, Evans H, Peebles D, Singh N, Walker P, Patnick J, Sasieni P |title=Risk of preterm birth after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among women attending colposcopy in England: retrospective-prospective cohort study |journal=BMJ |volume=345 |issue= |pages=e5174 |date=August 2012 |pmid=22899563 |pmc=3421237 |doi=10.1136/bmj.e5174 |url=}}</ref>


==Treatment==
===Medical therapy===
===Medical therapy===
* The optimal therapy for cervical cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, treatment of cervical [[neoplasia]] is mainly combination of [[radiation therapy]] and use of [[chemotherapeutic agent]]<nowiki/>s.
The optimal therapy for cervical cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, treatment of cervical [[neoplasia]] is mainly a combination of [[radiation therapy]] and use of [[chemotherapeutic agent]]<nowiki/>s.


===Surgery===
===Surgery===
* The feasibility of [[surgery]] depends on the stage of cervical cancer at diagnosis, the mainstay of [[surgical]] management for cervical carcinoma is radical [[hysterectomy]] with [[pelvic]] [[lymphadenectomy]]. Surgery can be done by cold knife conization, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, total hysterectomy.<ref name="urlCervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version - National Cancer Institute">{{cite web |url=https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq |title=Cervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version - National Cancer Institute |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
The feasibility of [[surgery]] depends on the stage of cervical cancer at diagnosis, the mainstay of [[surgical]] management for cervical carcinoma is radical [[hysterectomy]] with [[pelvic]] [[lymphadenectomy]]. Surgery can be done by cold knife conization, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, total hysterectomy.


===Cervical cancer during pregnancy===
===Cervical cancer during pregnancy===
* During [[pregnancy]], no therapy is warranted for preinvasive lesions of the [[cervix]], including [[carcinoma in situ]], although expert [[colposcopy]] is recommended to exclude invasive cancer. Patients with early stage (IA) disease may safely undergo [[fertility]]-sparing treatments.<ref name="pmid23858330">{{cite journal |vauthors=Han SN, Mhallem Gziri M, Van Calsteren K, Amant F |title=Cervical cancer in pregnant women: treat, wait or interrupt? Assessment of current clinical guidelines, innovations and controversies |journal=Ther Adv Med Oncol |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=211–9 |date=July 2013 |pmid=23858330 |pmc=3707341 |doi=10.1177/1758834013494988 |url=}}</ref>
During [[pregnancy]], no therapy is warranted for preinvasive lesions of the [[cervix]], including [[carcinoma in situ]], although expert [[colposcopy]] is recommended to exclude invasive cancer. Patients with early stage (IA) disease may safely undergo [[fertility]]-sparing treatments. For patients with advanced disease, waiting for viability is generally not acceptable.The standard of care is curative intent [[chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]].
* For patients with advanced disease, waiting for viability is generally not acceptable.
* The standard of care is curative intent [[chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]].


===Primary Prevention===
===Primary Prevention===
* Prevention of cervical cancer includes a comprehensive approach involving awareness, [[screening]], and preventative [[vaccinations]].
Prevention of cervical cancer includes a comprehensive approach involving awareness, [[screening]], and preventative [[vaccinations]].


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
{{WH}}
{{WS}}


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[[Category:Types of cancer]]
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Latest revision as of 20:51, 29 July 2020

Cervical cancer Microchapters

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Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Cervical Cancer from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

MRI

Ultrasound

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

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Cervical Cancer During Pregnancy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nima Nasiri, M.D.[2]

Overview

Cervical cancer once was one of the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US and worldwide before the introduction of Pap smear and screening, now ranked 14th in terms of frequency in US. Cervical cancer is malignant cancer of cervix. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until cancer is in its advanced stages. Treatment consists of surgery in the early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in advanced stages of the disease. An effective HPV vaccine against the two most common cancer-causing strains of HPV has recently been licensed in the US. These two HPV strains together are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers. The high risk HPV E6 and E7 gene products which are involved in viral replication and oncogenesis bind to p53 and prevents its normal activities which is G1 arrest, apoptosis, and DNA repair.The USPSTF recommends screening for cervical cancer every 3 years with cervical cytology alone in women aged 21 to 29 years and for women aged 30 to 65 years, every 3 years with cervical cytology alone, every 5 years with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cytology (cotesting). The most important risk factors associated with the infection by HPV are sexual intercourse at early age at the start of the first sexual relationships, having high number of sexual partners throughout life, or women being with men having multiple sexual partners. Male circumcision and use of condoms are factors that can reduce, but not preventing the transmission of human papilloma virus.Treatment of cervical neoplasia depends upon stage of cancer at the time of presentation, it is consisit of surgical procedure like hysterectomy, or/and radiation and chemotherapy.

Historical Perspective

In 400 BC, Hippocrates referred to cervical cancer as cancer of the uterus, it was little known about cervical cancer until the Rennaissance era. In 1842, an Italian physician named Rigoni-stern noticed that cancer of the cervix prevalence was high among married and widowed women and low or rare among the unmarried women and absent in Italian nuns.

Classification

Cervical cancer may be classified into many subtypes based on FIGO classification. In stage I, carcinoma is strictly confined to the cervix, in stage II, the carcinoma invades beyond the uterus, but has not extended onto the lower third of the vagina or to the pelvic wall.

Pathophysiology

HPV plays main role in pathogenesis of cervical cancer and it is widely related to disrupting cell cycle growth and regulations, summary of these include: The high risk HPV E6 and E7 gene products which are involved in viral replication and oncogenesis bind to p53 and prevents its normal activities which is G1 arrest, apoptosis, and DNA repair. HPV enters the host cell which are squamous cells of epithelium in cervix, mainly in junctional zone, between the columnar epithelium of the endocervix and the squamous epithelium of the ectocervix and that is how viral transcription and replication begins. HPV infection of the basal layer of epithelium takes place by attachment via a different mechanism of entry, this happens by cell surface heparan sulfate, stabilizing proteoglycans and Integrin.

Differential diagnosis

Cervical cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as cervical polyp, cervical leiomyoma, invasion of the cervix from primary uterine malignancy, vaginal cancer, cervical lymphoma, metastases to cervix, and cervical ectopic pregnancy.

Epidemiology and Demographics

In terms of frequency, cervical cancer is ranked 14th now in the US but still is very common in the least developed countries.In The United State, cervical cancer is more common among Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and followed by whites. Native Alaskans and Indians have the lowest rate. Age of diagnosis is usually above 30 years old, women in their midlife. Number of new cases of cervical cancer was 7.4 per 100,000 women per year and the number of deaths was 2.3 per 100,000 women per year based on statistical data collected in 2015.

Risk Factors

The most potent risk factor in the development of cervical cancer is Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Other risk factors include smoking, increased number of sexual partners, and young age at time of first sexual intercourse, high parity, use of oral contraceptives, immunodeficiency.

Screening

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and American Society for Clinical Pathology, screening for cervical cancer by pap smear is recommended every 3 years among women age 21 to 29 years and for women aged 30 to 65 years, every 3 years with cervical cytology alone, every 5 years with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cytology (cotesting).

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Infection by high risk strain of oncogenic HPV types is an established cause of neoplastic lesions of the cervix, vagina and vulva, anus, penis and oropharynx. HPV 16 and 18, are the most common cause of approximately 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. HPV is highly transmissible through direct skin to skin contact and intercourse, women with persistent high-risk HPV infections are at greatest risk for developing cervical cancer. Common complications of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding, fistula and renal failure. Prognosis is generally good, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with cervical cancer is approximately 67.9%.

Diagnosis

Staging

Cervical cancer is staged by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, which is based on clinical examination, imaging studies and procedures such as hysteroscopy, cystoscopy, proctoscopy, intravenous urography, and cervicalconization.

History and Symptoms

Physical examination of patients with late cervical cancer is usually remarkable for cervical mass, pallor, and pedal edema.Most women with cervical cancer are asymptomatic at the early stage of disease, those patients in advance stage of cancer may have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, abdominal and pelvic pain, urinary hesitancy.

Chest Xray

Chest radiography (CXR) is the initial imaging modality used in the detection of suspected pulmonary metastasis. It has limited value in initial workup for cervical cancer, unless there is a metastasis to the lungs and that usually happens in advances stage of cancer.

CT

Computerised tomography (CT) is used for clinical staging of cervical carcinoma, it improves the accuracy of staging based on FIGO guidelines. CT scan is useful in evaluating the followings:Tumor size, parametrial invasion, Lymph node and distant metastasis, Ureteral involvement and the functional status of kidneys.

MRI

Pelvic MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. In patients with advanced disease, there are several findings on MRI studies which may help early prediction of the therapeutic outcome, tumor size reduction, myometrial invasion, lymph node invasion more accurately.

Ultrasound

Transvaginal color doppler ultrasound can be used in predicting response to chemotherapy in women with cervical cancer. Doppler ultrasound can pedict tumor volume based on angiogenesis, intramural vascularization and hemodynamic flow. Transvaginal ultrasound also is helpful in detecting small size tumor and invasion to lymph nodes.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Cervical biopsy is the confirmatory test for the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Most women have tissue removed in the doctor's office with local anesthesia. A pathologist checks the tissue under a microscope for abnormal cells. In Punch biopsy, doctor uses a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue. In Loop electrosurgical excision procedure(LEEP), an electric wire loop is used to slice off a thin, round piece of cervical tissue, this method allows deep excision of the transformation zone. In endocervical curettage, a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervix. Some doctors may use a thin, soft brush instead of a curette. A conization, or cold knife cone biopsy, cone-shaped samples are removed from cervix and allows for accurate examination of biopsy specimens by pathologists.This can be done in doctor's office or in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most significant complication of this method is hemorrhage. There is a relative contraindication for pregnant women and also conization increase the risk of preterm birth.

Treatment

Medical therapy

The optimal therapy for cervical cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, treatment of cervical neoplasia is mainly a combination of radiation therapy and use of chemotherapeutic agents.

Surgery

The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of cervical cancer at diagnosis, the mainstay of surgical management for cervical carcinoma is radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Surgery can be done by cold knife conization, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, total hysterectomy.

Cervical cancer during pregnancy

During pregnancy, no therapy is warranted for preinvasive lesions of the cervix, including carcinoma in situ, although expert colposcopy is recommended to exclude invasive cancer. Patients with early stage (IA) disease may safely undergo fertility-sparing treatments. For patients with advanced disease, waiting for viability is generally not acceptable.The standard of care is curative intent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Primary Prevention

Prevention of cervical cancer includes a comprehensive approach involving awareness, screening, and preventative vaccinations.

References

Template:WH Template:WS