Cervical Screening Flashcards
(30 cards)
Human Papillomavirus
DNA tumor virus, associated with cervical disease, over 100 virus types with various manifestations, most common STD in U.S.
Uterine Cervix
meets at the squamo-columnar junction of squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium
Squamous metaplasia
process of chance from columnar to squamous cells
transformation zone
area between old and new squamo-columnar junction, area of rapid cell division, HPV causes cervical cancer here
Pap test
invented in 1940s, cytological study for detecting cancer, worldwide, can detect 95% of all cervical cancers and precancer, dramatically reduces cervical cancer death rates
Pap test technique
take sample from squamo-columnar junction, perform prior to digital vaginal examination, perform prior to endocervical sampling, moisten speculum, remove excess discharge with cotton tip, 1 or 2 glass slides, begin with exocervix then endocervix
cervical cancer screening
begin at age 21, every 3 years for 21-29 yr old, every 5 years for 30-65 yr old
when to do pap test
mid cycle, avoid intercourse, vaginal meds, and douching for 24-48 hours prior to test
Follow up for abnormal cervical cytology
reflex HPV DNA testing, colposcopy, endocervical sampling
management for abnormal cervical cytology
cryosurgery, laser ablation, conization (cold knife, laser, LEEP)
Genital HPV
around 40 strains infect genital tract, types 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancers
High risk HPV
produces no symptoms, detected by DNA testing, primary cause of cervical neoplasia, persistant infection associated with cervical cancer
HPV DNA testing
performed on vaginal/cervical cell sample, assesses for 1 or more potentially cancer causing HPV types, recommended for women over 30, ThinPrep Pap or BD SurePath Pap
HPV infection manifestations
abnormal pap results, external genital warts, cervical lesions
HPV risk factors
smoking, more than 3 partners, new sex partner, drug use, intercourse while drunk
Teaching to reduce risk
diet, avoid chemical/environmental hazards, sex health awareness, HPV vaccine
Gardasil
HPV vaccine for females and males 9-26
Cervarix
HPV vaccine for females age 10-25
Treatment of external cervical warts
goal is to destroy visible lesion and reduce symptoms, provider-administered meds, surgical
Cervical cancer
80-90% are squamous cell carcinoma, can be adenocarcinoma, typically slow growing and begin as dysplasia
Dysplasia
pre cancerous condition detected by pap test that is 100% curable
Cervical cancer risk factors
HPV, immunosuppression, smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition, STDs, early pregnancy, multiple partners, inadequate cervical screening, family hx
Cervical cancer symptoms
continuous discharge, bleeding, heavier longer periods, loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain
Cervical cancer treatment
dependent upon stage, may include surgery, radiation, chemo, biological therapy
