What Should You Know About Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from the cells originating in the cervix uteri. One of the most common symptoms of this type of it is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but sadly in some cases there might be no obvious symptoms until the it has progressed to the advanced stage. Treatment for this, is usually consists of surgery in early stages and chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in more advanced stages of the disease.

What is cervix?

The cervix is the mouth of the uterus (womb) that is located at the back of the vagina; it's where a male sperm gets into make a baby and from where the baby comes out later. Cervical cancer is caused by an invisible virus - HPV (human papilloma virus) that is spread by having sex, similar to HIV and more than half of the women have it by the age of 35 years. Most men and women are not aware they have it, unless they get the kind that causes warts: like little bumps that may be seen or felt on their genitals. These warts are not cancer. The best way by which one can prevent this it is to have a Pap test

Pap test:

The most important factor for a woman is to have a regular Pap test done to prevent cancer of the cervix from ever occurring. Changes in the cervix are often caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). This HPV can lead to cervix cancer. Though Cervix cancer is rare in the country today because most of the women are aware and get a regular Pap test done for them. A Pap test helps medical professionals to find the early changes in the cervix cells that might lead to life threatening disease like cancer. It is done during the pelvic test, the result of the test may be found abnormal. With a Pap test, the medical professional takes a sample of cells from the cervix with the help of a swab or soft brush Cervix cancer is caused by a virus HPV.

HPV, is a short form for human papilloma virus. This virus can cause in the cervix. HPV is not the same as HIV. Most people who have ever had sex have had HPV at some time in their lives.

How HPV lead to cervix cancer?

HPV is spread through sex, and it can cause an infection in the cervix. The infection usually doesn't last long because your body because of its immune system is able to fight back the infection. If this HPV doesn't goes away, the virus may cause cervix cells to change into a pre-cancer cell. Pre-cancer cells are not cancer. Most cells with early pre-cancer changes returns to normal on their own. Sometimes, these pre-cancer cells may turn into cancer if they are not found and treated. Some women having a greater chance of getting cervix cancer if they: have HPV, and it body falls to incompetent in putting it away, have been infected with HIV and AIDS, excessive smoking may be some of the prime factors.

Hello Guys! I am sonia kelly novel writer, I love to write novels, I have experienced great success after publishing my two books Arimidex and Anastrozole respectively. I also like to read the books cause I believe books reading adds your knowledge.

View the original article here

What Teens Should Expect From Their First Gynecologist Visit

Visiting a gynecologist for the first time can be awkward and embarrassing for some teens. But the visit is crucial to help them understand their bodies and lay the groundwork for future health and wellness.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the first visit should be between the ages of 13 to 15. The exam should be an opportunity to educate teens about their bodies and help them establish a relationship with a gynecologist at an early age.

What to Expect

The first visit is an opportunity for teens to get accurate information about the changes in their bodies. A gynecologist will discuss acne, painful or irregular periods, breast changes, pelvic pain, body hair, nutrition, sexual behavior, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also an opportunity to talk about preexisting conditions and any family history of cancer.

Beyond talking, the visit might also include a breast exam, pelvic exam and a pap test, which screens for cervical cancer. The gynecologist might ask for a relative or nurse to be present during these exams.

While the first visit might be awkward, it’s an important step in the transition from teenage girl to healthy woman. Starting a conversation with a doctor helps you lay the foundation for health and wellness.

View the original article here

Angelina Jolie's Mastectomy: What You Should Know

By going public with her prophylactic double mastectomy, actress Angelina Jolie has again shone the spotlight on breast cancer and the genetic mutation known to increase the risk of getting it by 60 percent.

(Jolie wrote that her doctor told her she had an increased risk of 87 percent, adding that the risk is different for each woman. An NIH?study?found this number to be too high.)

Although Jolie, 37, has the potential to save lives by raising awareness, facts about testing for the mutation and undergoing preventative care can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know:

The test for the genetic mutation, called BRCA, is a simple blood test, but it’s not for everyone. It’s not always covered by insurance and can cost about $3,000, so you should know whether you’re one of the 2 percent of women who have a family history that makes them more likely to have the BRCA mutation.

This is cancer.gov‘s list of family history to consider before undergoing BRCA testing:

For women who are not of Ashkenazi Jewish descent: two first-degree relatives (mother, daughter or sister) diagnosed with breast cancer, one of whom was diagnosed at age 50 or younger;three or more first-degree or second-degree (grandmother or aunt) relatives diagnosed with breast cancer regardless of their age at diagnosis;a combination of first- and second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer and ovarian cancer (one cancer type per person);a?first-degree relative?with cancer diagnosed in both breasts (bilateral?breast cancer);a combination of two or more first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer regardless of age at diagnosis;a first- or second-degree relative diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer regardless of age at diagnosis; andbreast cancer diagnosed in a male relative.For women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent: any first-degree relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer; andtwo second-degree relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.

In all, between 0.125 and 0.25 percent of women will test positive for the BRCA mutation, and it varies by ethnicity. These women have an increased risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

If you do test positive for BRCA, you have options, and you don’t necessarily have to go the Jolie route.

Some women choose not to have surgery. Instead, they increase cancer surveillance with imaging tests. These include regular mammograms to test for breast cancer, and regular pelvic sonograms and blood-tests to watch for ovarian cancer.

It is important to note that surveillance or screening does not reduce risk, but rather potentially improves early detection of cancer should it occur.

Other options include chemo-prevention, or taking certain medications to reduce cancer risk. For example, some women take a drug called tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer and others take birth-control pills to prevent ovarian cancer.? These decisions are individual, highly personal and often times very difficult ones for a woman and her family to make.

Like Jolie, some women choose surgery when they learn they have the BRCA mutation. The decision to surgically remove the breasts and ovaries is an individual one and must take into account the woman’s age, fertility and reproductive wishes, psychological factors and cost. Her general medical condition for undergoing elective surgery should be taken into consideration, too.

Often, the reconstructive process is done in stages for a few months and can cost as much as $50,000. Fortunately, since 1998, women without medical insurance have increased options and mandatory coverage for undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Because these decisions are complex, patients can seek consultations with oncologists, general gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, breast surgeons and reconstructive plastic surgeons.

While studies have shown a significant risk reduction and likely survival benefit in women with a BRCA mutation who undergo preventive surgery, their risk does not drop to zero. There is still a low chance of developing breast cancer in the chest wall, and ovarian cancer in the pelvic cavity.

Men carry the BRCA mutation, too, so if a woman with a mutation has a son, he has a 50 percent chance of being a carrier and having the mutation.? Men with the mutation face increased risks of breast cancer, certain kinds of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

While the information presented here represents the medical tip of the iceberg, the hope is that? it can begin the process of informing, educating and empowering both women and men about this kind of genetic mutation and cancer risk.

Angelina Jolie revealed she had genetic testing and a double mastectomy. (Credit: Carlo Allegri/AP Photo)

View the original article here