Carcinoma of the Cervix or Cervical Cancer: the Different Factors Affecting or Causing the Disease - Essay Example

Carcinoma of the cervix according to some experts and which is unknown to many is just another name for cervical cancer. This can be checked and be verified through a cone biopsy. Early detection is also beneficial for the said situation because it means more chances to better ones condition. And since we have already discussed the Carcinoma of the Cervix being one and the same as cervical cancer, we may as well discuss what it really is. The Virtual Cancer Center defines Cervix cancer as: “Cervix cancers may be from the Squamous Cell Carcinoma type and usually arise from the epithelium lining the cervix. 90% of all carcinomas of the cervix are of the squamous cell type. The cervix is the extension of the uterus into the top part of the vagina. A small passage through the middle of the cervix leads into the cavity of the uterus. In a normal situation, squamous epithelium lines the cervix from this opening outwards. The inside of the cervix normally has a more fragile epithelium lining, which under normal circumstances is not exposed to the environment. Certain hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the oral contraceptive pill may cause the inner lining from inside the cervix to migrate outwards to be visible on the outside of the cervix. This is sometimes referred to as an erosion by doctors (Virtual Center 2002-2007).” This case in general is common to women and this occurs during child bearing years, and somehow, our subject, Mrs. Ana Gillam can also be part of this since she is suffering from almost the same kind of problem. This case happens in ages 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, all of which can be related to sexual relationships. According to the same source, (Virtual Medical centre 2002-2007), cervical tumors can be found worldwide but is greatly known in the western part of the world. And because many people are still naïve on the fact and information about cervical cancer, it is best to analyze the different factors affecting or causing the disease. One reason of factor is the infection of the Human Papilloma Virus. This means that factors that increase the woman’s risk of getting Human Papilloma Virus can also increase the risk of getting the cancer. Also, an intercourse without using contraceptives can add to the said risk, and this is along with having multiple sexual partners. Sex with a partner with penile warts can be one cause of spreading or worsening the situation. Mrs. Gillan, however did not mention anything about the case of having penile warts from a partner but having several husbands could have caused the symptoms that she’s having. Precancerous changes and early cancers of the cervix generally do not cause pain or other symptoms. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. When the disease gets worse, women may notice one or more of these symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding —Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods —Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam —Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before —Bleeding after menopause • Increased vaginal discharge • Pelvic pain • Pain during sexual intercourse Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A woman with any of these symptoms should tell her doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Smoking is also a big factor in acquiring cervical cancer. This is the reason why it is best to keep from smoking especially for women. If a woman has a symptom or Pap test results that suggest precancerous cells or cancer of the cervix, her doctor will suggest other procedures to make a diagnosis. These may include: • Colposcopy: The doctor uses a colposcope to look at the cervix. The colposcope combines a bright light with a magnifying lens to make tissue easier to see. It is not inserted into the vagina. A colposcopy is usually done in the doctor’s office or clinic. • Biopsy: The doctor removes tissue to look for precancerous cells or cancer cells. Most women have their biopsy in the doctor’s office with local anesthesia. A pathologist checks the tissue with a microscope. —Punch biopsy: The doctor uses a sharp, hollow device to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue. —LEEP: The doctor uses an electric wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of tissue. —Endocervical curettage: The doctor uses a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervical canal. Some doctors may use a thin, soft brush instead of a curette. —Conization: The doctor removes a cone-shaped sample of tissue. A conization, or cone biopsy, lets the pathologist see if abnormal cells are in the tissue beneath the surface of the cervix. The doctor may do this test in the hospital under general anesthesia. Conization also may be used to remove a precancerous area. Given the situation of Mrs. Gillam, what is important is to undergo PAP Smear because through this screening test, doctors will be able to know how fast the disease could have spread and therefore she will be given the right dosage and the right medicine for the stage where she is currently in. But it should be noted that the process should be taken regularly for proper monitoring. The importance of PAP Smear again can be reiterated through the Virtual Medical Centre saying that the process: “..allows the very earlier stages of the disease dysplasia to be treated which can then prevent the development of the more aggressive cervical cancer cancer. The abnormal cells can be destroyed with a freezing probe or by powerful laser beams which destroy the abnormal cells. In some parts of the world a technique called "needle and ball diathermy" is used, which heats the abnormal cells and kills them.For more severe forms of dysplasia which are closer to becoming frank cancer or for carcinoma in-situ, the treating doctor will advise on whether a local procedure such as cone biopsy will be best or whether more extensive surgery such as hysterectomy should be carried out. A lot of this will depend upon age and child bearing status (Virtual Medical Centre, 2002-2007.” Other treatments such as surgery to remove cervix, uterus, tubes and ovaries along with a small part of the vagina can also be beneficial depending on the stage of the disease. Some people with the same problem try to have radiotherapy as their solution. Radiotherapy on the other hand may be done in different ways. This includes putting radioactive implants on top of the vagina and this is called local radiotherapy. One way to monitor the status of the symptoms of this cancer is through colposcopy which aims to check the state of the remaining cervical cells. The advanced cervical cancer on the other hand uses imaging to know or measure the response of metastases to the treatment. This is the one recommendable to Mrs. Gillam. The common symptoms that are definitely noticeable are the regular pelvic pain attacks. The second is diarrhea that leads one to go back and forth the comfort room. The common prescription or chemotherapy protocol for this is generated below from the Virtual Medical Center: 1) Cisplatin as a single agent, Cisplatin 100mg/m2 day 1 (repeat every 3 weeks). 2) Ifosfamide 5000 mg/m2 24 hour infusion day 1 with Mesna 5000 mg/m2 3) Combination Therapy: - Cisplatin 50 mg/m2 iv - Ifosfamide 5000 mg/m2 25 hr infusion - Mesna 5000 mg/m2 4) Combined Chemoradiotherapy: - Cisplatin 70 mg/m2 iv - 5-Fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2 iv cont inf 96 hours - With RT repeat every 3 weeks Regimens used in the treatment of this disease: 5-Fluorouracil + Cisplatin Cisplatin Mitomycin Drugs used in the treatment of this disease: Cisplatin (Cisplatin Injection) Mitomycin (Mitomycin C Kyowa) There are times, especially during a late diagnosis, the case becomes hopeless which means that the patient can actually die from the disease. When this happens, it is only through emotional, and moral boosting that the condition of the patient can get better. But it should be remembered that if there is enough strength from the patient, even the worst diagnosed disease can get well without the aid of medicine. SOURCES Microinvassive Carcinoma of the Cervix. September 12, 2007. Health Science Report. General Information on Cervical Cancer. September 12, 2007. Virtual Medical Center. Cervical Cancer. Detection of high-risk cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer by amplification of transcripts derived from integrated papillomavirus oncogenes. September 12, 2007. Read More