In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What symptoms should I pay attention to? What tests should be performed to detect the disease?
SYMPTOMS:
With early neoplastic changes in cervical cancer, the symptoms are usually discreet, and often even imperceptible. That is why specialists call for periodic preventive examinations. Reporting to an appointment only when disturbing symptoms worsen may result in the cancer being so advanced that the chances of its cure are much lower. If there were metastases – even minimal.
As the disease progresses, women usually notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- profuse vaginal discharge,
- pain during intercourse,
- lower abdominal pain
- bleeding after intercourse or gynecological examination,
- longer and heavier than usual periods,
- bleeding between regular monthly bleeds
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- postmenopausal bleeding
How often do you have a Pap smear – check if it’s not too rare?
DIAGNOSTICS:
Whenever disturbing symptoms appear, an immediate visit to a doctor and a smear test is essential. If the smear shows only slight abnormalities, the gynecologist will probably decide to perform another test. However, if the cytology result shows more serious changes in the cervix, the doctor should order in-depth diagnostics, i.e. colposcopy followed by a biopsy.
Colposcopy allows you to see the cervix closely. It is performed on an outpatient basis. After inserting the speculum, the gynecologist illuminates the neck with a special apparatus. It is also often advisable to cover the cervix with a solution that makes the affected areas visible and allows for a targeted sample collection for histopathological examination.
In a situation where proper assessment of the entire diseased piece of tissue is not possible, the doctor may order a so-called conization, i.e. removal of the conical fragment of the cervix, which is then subjected to microscopic examination. Electrosurgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
If in-depth diagnostics indicate a neoplastic process, it is necessary to perform complementary tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which will enable a very precise determination of the extent of the disease, the existence of possible metastases or the involvement of lymph nodes.
Prof. dr hab. Jerzy Stelmachów, National Consultant in the field of Oncological Gynecology
| The Polish Coalition to Fight Cervical Cancer has developed a comprehensive project of preventive measures. The introduction of the proposed solutions will make it possible to significantly reduce the dramatically high number of deaths due to cervical cancer in Poland. Each vote of support will increase the chances of a serious social discussion on this topic. Support the RSM Coalition. Accelerate the changes. |