|
|
|
|
|
|
Cervical Smear
|
|
|
|
   
 |
|
|
Common Questions
|
| |
1. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
2. Does an abnormal cervical smear always mean cancer?
3. If I have cervical cancer, what are my treatment options?
1. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
High risk factors include the age at which sexual intercourse begins (the earlier, the higher the risk), the number of sexual partners (the greater the number, the higher the risk), infrequent cervical smears, cigarette smoking, medical history of diethylstilboestrol exposure, and the presence of sexually transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus HPV, herpes, or HIV.
2. Does an abnormal cervical smear always mean cancer?
A single "abnormal" smear does not necessarily indicate that cancer is present. The membranes in the cervix undergo constant changes and repair. While treatment may not be necessary, the situation should be monitored closely. This may require a repeat smear every three to six months until the situation is resolved.
3. If I have cervical cancer, what are my treatment options?
Cervical cancer is a slow, progressive disease and may take years to progress beyond the cervix. It is because of this fact that regular gynaecologic examinations offer the best opportunity to detect this type of cancer early. Treatment includes a minimally invasive surgery of the cervix which removes pre-cancer or very early stage cancer tissue. In more advanced cervical cancers, a hysterectomy (removal of the womb) may be performed. If the cancer spreads to other tissues (metastasizes), radiation therapy may be required and, in some instances, additional surgery may be needed.
|
|
|
This page was last modified on
May 28, 2004.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
