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Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer leukorrhea characteristics
The characteristics of vaginal discharge in cervical cancer may include the presence of blood in the discharge. This is because cervical cancer often leads to increased vaginal discharge, which may also increase in quantity and might contain streaks of blood or bloody material. The discharge could be thin and watery or resemble rice wash water, and it might have a foul smell. In advanced stages, due to necrosis of the cancer tissue accompanied by infection, there can be a substantial amount of foul-smelling, purulent discharge resembling rice wash water. Therefore, these characteristics of the vaginal discharge are specific symptoms of cervical cancer. If such symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical consultation promptly to evaluate for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer indicators
The main indicators of cervical cancer are still the examination of the cervix and cervical canal tissues. There are obvious cancerous changes, and under the microscope pathological sections can show tendencies of cell carcinogenesis, or already developed cancer. The second is the cytological examination of cervical scrapings, which detects the presence of cancer cells. The third is the iodine test, where areas that do not stain after iodine staining indicate a lack of glycogen in the epithelium, suggesting possible lesions. The fourth is colposcopy, which may reveal suspicious cancerous areas, allowing for biopsy to confirm cancer cells. The fifth includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., which can detect mass occupying lesions, all of which are indicators of cervical cancer. Of course, abnormalities in tumor markers are also considered, but the main reliance is still on the indicators from pathological examinations to determine if it's cervical cancer.
Causes of cervical cancer
The causes of cervical cancer are closely related to several factors. Firstly, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly related and is the fundamental cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Secondly, although HPV DNA is not detected in the tumor tissues of a minority of cases, particularly among older patients, epidemiological surveys indicate that early childbirth and multiple childbearing are closely related to the incidence of cervical cancer. Thirdly, it has been found that the incidence of cervical cancer in women is related to contact with high-risk men, such as those with penile cancer, prostate cancer, or those whose ex-wives had cervical cancer. Fourthly, smoking has a certain relationship with the incidence of cervical cancer as it can inhibit the body's immune function. Alcohol consumption, irregular diet, and lifestyle also have certain relationships with the incidence of cervical cancer.
How to prevent cervical cancer
How to prevent cervical cancer: Firstly, it is very important to prevent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). So, how can one prevent HPV infection? First, in choosing sexual partners, one should select a healthy male, generally a steady one, and avoid relationships with men who have penile cancer, prostate cancer, or whose ex-wife had cervical cancer, as these men are considered high-risk, and the women they come into contact with are also at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Secondly, we should pay attention to personal hygiene. Thirdly, one should enhance their physical constitution to prevent viral infections and to maintain cleanliness. Fourthly, attention should be given to prevention of other contributing factors, such as early childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate age for childbirth. Multiple births are also related to cervical cancer, so if pregnant, one should avoid miscarriage and multiple dilation and curettage procedures. Fifthly, adhere to a healthy and reasonable diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Self-exam method for cervical cancer
There aren't many methods for self-examination of cervical cancer. If symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or discharge occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for a gynecological examination promptly. Of course, the diagnosis of cervical cancer should still rely on the examination by specialist doctors at hospitals. There are cytological examinations of cervical scrapings available, as well as examinations of cervical and endocervical tissue to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not. Particularly, the examination of cervical and endocervical tissue is the main basis for confirming cervical cancer. Therefore, we should still undertake pathological examinations to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not, rather than relying solely on self-examination to diagnose cervical cancer.
Late-stage symptoms of cervical cancer
The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer start with vaginal bleeding. In the later stages, the bleeding becomes irregular and possibly heavy. The second symptom is vaginal discharge. In advanced stages, due to cancerous tissue necrosis accompanied by infection, there can be a large amount of foul-smelling, watery, or purulent discharge. The third point about advanced symptoms depends on the extent of the cancerous area involved. Secondary symptoms may appear depending on the adjacent tissues, organs, and nerves affected, including frequent urination, urgency, constipation, swelling and pain in the lower limbs. When the tumor compresses or involves the ureter, it can cause ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, and uremia. In the advanced stages, patients may experience symptoms of systemic failure like anemia and cachexia.
Cervical Cancer Staging Criteria
For the staging of cervical cancer, the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are now adopted. Staging should be done before treatment, and since the FIGO staging of the cervix mainly relies on the examination of the pelvis, it is emphasized that the pelvic examination must be performed by two senior gynecologic oncologists. The staging primarily involves assessing the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, parametrial tissue infiltration, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes. However, these stages mainly rely on radiological examinations, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide objective data for staging.
Causes of cervical cancer
The causes of cervical cancer are particularly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The primary causes that can lead to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer itself, in a minority of cases, do not detect HPV DNA, especially in older patients. Epidemiological studies show that early childbirth and multiple childbirths are highly related to the incidence of cervical cancer; as the number of childbirths increases, the risk of cervical cancer also increases. Smoking can suppress the body's immune function and may promote cancer development. Men who have had penile cancer, prostate cancer, or previous cervical cancer are at high risk; therefore, women who have contact with high-risk men are also more susceptible to cervical cancer.
Late-stage symptoms of cervical cancer
What are some symptoms of late-stage cervical cancer? First, there may be vaginal bleeding, characterized by irregular vaginal bleeding. The amount of bleeding varies depending on the size of the lesion and the invasion of interstitial blood vessels. In the late stages, as major blood vessels may be eroded, significant bleeding can occur. The second symptom is vaginal discharge, which is often increased and may be white or blood-stained. Third, late-stage symptoms may include secondary symptoms such as involvement of adjacent tissues and organs and affected nerves, leading to frequent urination, urgency, constipation, swelling and pain in the lower limbs. Cancer pressing on the ureters can cause obstruction of the ureters, hydronephrosis, and uremia. Late stages may also present with symptoms of systemic failure such as anemia and cachexia.