Essay On Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins with the abnormal growth of cells lining the cervix. The cervix is located in the lower, more superficial, region of the uterus. The two types of cells that make up the cervix include nonkeratinizing, stratified squamous cells on the exocervix and mucus-secreting, columnar cells on the endocervix. The transformation zone contains the squamocolumnar junction where the columnar and the squamous cells meet. This area is the embryonic cell population that is involved in cervical remodeling and is the site of initial growth for most cervical cancers. The carcinoma usually either develops from an adenocarcinoma from the glandular columnar cells (about 10% of all cervical cancers) or squamous cell carcinoma from the squamous
Radiation given from the outside of the body would characterize external beam radiation (EBRT). It is given 5 days a week for 6-7 weeks. Side effects of EBRT include fatigue, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting and skin changes, ranging from temporary redness to peeling. Irritation in the bladder, soreness and sensitivity in the vulva and vagina, menstrual changes, and low blood cell counts are all symptoms of EBRT. Brachytherapy is internal radiation therapy in which a source of radiation is placed inside the vagina, near the cancer. This form of radiation is usually used in addition to EBRT. Low dosage can be completed in a few days if inpatient or in a few weeks if a high dose rate is used as an outpatient procedure. This form of therapy has many of the same side effects of EBRT with an addition of vaginal dryness and scar tissue in the vagina, making intercourse painful. Radiation can also weaken the pelvic bones, potentially leading to fractures. Lymphedema is also a potential side effect in which the lymph nodes in the leg drain fluid, leading to severe
A low dose of Cisplatin (most common type but there are many others that can be used) is given in cycles with the first one given weekly during radiation via intravenous injection about 4 hours before the radiation procedure. Cisplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil is the second cycle, given every 4 weeks during radiation. These drugs work systemically so that cancer cells found in all parts of the body are targeted. Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, fatigue and low blood cell counts, which puts the patient at an increased risk for infection (fewer white blood cells), bleeding/bruising (fewer platelets) and shortness of breath (fewer red blood cells). Changes in menstruation, infertility and early menopause are also