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CERVICAL
CANCER
PRESENTED BY
MS. KIRAN K. KARETHA
M.SC (N), MSN (CCN)
INTRODUCTION
Cervical cancer is a major public health problem,
especially in developing countries. Most cases are
associated with persistent infection by the Human
Papillomavirus (HPV).
Early detection through screening and HPV
vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence
and mortality of cervical cancer.
DEFINITION
Cervical cancer is a malignant growth arising from
the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens
into the vagina.
It usually develops slowly from precancerous
lesions caused by high-risk HPV.
TYPES
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Most common type (about 70–80% of cases).
Arises from the squamous epithelial cells lining the
outer cervix (ectocervix).
Strongly associated with HPV infection.
CONTI..
2. Adenocarcinoma
Accounts for about 20-25% of cases.
Develops from the glandular cells lining the
cervical canal (endocervix).
Incidence is increasing in younger women.
CONTI..
3. Adeno-squamous Carcinoma
Contains both squamous and glandular cancer cells.
Less common than the above two types.
May be more aggressive.
CAUSES AND RF
Human papilloma virus
Early sexual activity
Multiple sexual partners
Unprotected sexual intercourse
Smoking
Weakened immune system
Other sexually transmitted disease
STAGES
Stage I – Cancer Confined to the Cervix
IA: Microscopic disease only
IA1: Stromal invasion < 3 mm
IA2: Stromal invasion 3–5 mm
IB: Invasive cancer ≥ 5 mm depth, limited to cervix
IB1: Tumor < 2 cm
IB2: Tumor 2–< 4 cm
IB3: Tumor ≥ 4 cm
CONTI..
Stage II – Beyond Cervix, Not to Pelvic Wall
IIA: Upper two-thirds of vagina involved, no
parametrial invasion
IIA1: Tumor < 4 cm
IIA2: Tumor ≥ 4 cm
IIB: Parametrial invasion present
CONTI..
Stage III – Spread to Lower Vagina, Pelvic Wall,
or Lymph Nodes
IIIA: Lower one-third of vagina involved
IIIB: Pelvic wall involvement and/or hydronephrosis
IIIC1: Pelvic lymph node metastasis
IIIC2: Para-aortic lymph node metastasis
CONTI..
Stage IV – Advanced Disease
IVA: Invasion of bladder or rectum
IVB: Distant metastasis (lung, liver, bone, etc.)
SUMMARY OF STAGES
Stage I: In cervix only
Stage II: Beyond cervix
Stage III: Pelvic wall, lower vagina, or lymph
nodes involved
Stage IV: Bladder/rectum invasion or distant
spread
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Early Stage
Cervical cancer may not cause symptoms in its
early stages. It is often detected through routine
screening.
Asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Abnormal Pap smear results
LATE STAGE
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse (postcoital
bleeding)
Postmenopausal bleeding
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
CONTI..
Vaginal Discharge
Persistent watery discharge
Foul-smelling discharge
Blood-stained vaginal discharge
CONTI..
Pelvic Symptoms
Pelvic pain
Lower abdominal pain
Backache
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
CONTI..
Urinary Symptoms
Frequent urination
Painful urination (dysuria)
Blood in urine (hematuria)
CONTI..
Bowel Symptoms
Constipation
Rectal bleeding
Pain during defecation
CONTI..
General Symptoms
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Anemia
CONTI..
Advanced Disease Symptoms
Swelling of one or both legs (lymphedema)
Severe pelvic pain
Kidney problems due to ureteral obstruction
Symptoms related to metastasis (spread to distant
organs)
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
History and Physical Examination
Assessment of symptoms such as abnormal vaginal
bleeding, postcoital bleeding, pelvic pain, and
vaginal discharge.
Pelvic examination to detect cervical abnormalities.
CONTI..
Pap Smear Test
A Pap smear (Papanicolaou test) is a screening test
used to detect precancerous and cancerous changes
in the cells of the cervix. It helps in the early
detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
CONTI..
HPV Testing
HPV testing is a screening test used to detect the
presence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
types that can cause cervical cancer.
CONTI..
Biopsy
Confirms the diagnosis by microscopic
examination of cervical tissue.
Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix using a magnifying
instrument (colposcope) to identify abnormal areas.
CONTI..
Imaging Studies
MRI: Evaluates local tumor extent.
CT Scan: Detects lymph node involvement and
distant spread.
PET Scan: Identifies metastatic disease.
MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL
CANCER
Management depends on the stage of the disease,
patient's age, fertility wishes, and overall health.
1. Surgical Management
Used mainly for early-stage cervical cancer.
Types of Surgery
Conization (Cone Biopsy): Removal of a cone-
shaped portion of the cervix.
CONTI..
Simple Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and
cervix.
Radical Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus,
cervix, upper vagina, and surrounding tissues.
Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of
pelvic lymph nodes to assess spread.
CONTI..
Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
Helps the immune system recognize and destroy
cancer cells.
Example: Pembrolizumab
CONTI..
Chemotherapy
Drugs used to destroy cancer cells or enhance the effects
of radiation.
Common Drugs
Cisplatin
Carboplatin
Paclitaxel
Topotecan
CONTI..
Palliative Care
Used in advanced or metastatic disease to improve
quality of life.
Pain management
Nutritional support
Psychological support
Symptom relief
THANK
YOU