Archive for the ‘Histopathology’ Category

More Ways to Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer

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Posted 12 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Histopathology

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer affecting women. Because the illness presents non-specific to no symptoms at all, not all women are familiar with it. Some of the early signs include excessive vaginal bleeding, painful sexual intercourse, weight loss, pelvic pain and abnormal discharges. Since prevention is always better than cure, here are the things you can do to protect yourself.

Safe Sex

The human papiloma virus (HPV) is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. As an infectious disease, HPV is highly preventable. Delaying the sexual intercourse, limiting the number of sexual partners and the use of condoms are efficient ways to avoid the infection.

Vaccination

Another way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. Currently, this is available in many health care facilities in different countries. Although it cannot give a 100% protection against cervical cancer, it can lessen your risks in acquiring it.

Pap Smear

Pap smear is a preliminary test for cervical cancer. It should be done by all women who reach 21 years old or as soon as a woman engages in vaginal intercourse. The test should be done yearly during the reproductive years.

The combination of these three factors is sufficient to keep yourself protected. Ask your doctor for more advise if you think you have it.

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Things you Must Know about Pap Smear

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Posted 12 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Histopathology, Laboratory Procedures

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Papanicolaou test or also known as pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. The procedure gathers the cells in the cervix and uses them to detect abnormalities. It is an effective way to check for early changes in the integrity of cells. Because it is cheap and simple, it is widely available in most health care facilities in different countries.

Who Should be tested?

The test is highly recommended to all women belonging to the age group 21 to 65. If you had vaginal intercourse earlier, you do not have to wait to reach 21 years old. It is done on a regular basis especially during the reproductive year. Some organizations recommends that it should be done every 5 years or more often depending on the results of the previous test.

Are there Special Preparations?

To increase the accuracy of the test, most doctors recommend that you have your pap smear after your menstruation. Two days before the test, you should avoid douching or vaginal intercourse. If you are using vaginal creams, you should also notify your doctor.

How Long is the Procedure?

The specimen collection will only take 3 to 5 minutes. The doctor will use a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina. The procedure may cause a slight discomfort. After the collection, the smear will be sent to the laboratory for processing.

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Cervical Cancer- Protect Yourself

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Posted 11 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Histopathology, Laboratory Procedures

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Cervix refers to the lower part of the uterus. When problems in the cervix arise, the symptoms are so general that they go unnoticed. If you are a woman aged 18 years old and above and is sexually active, it is imperative that you undergo pap’s smear to see whether you have the deadly disease. Here are some facts about cervical cancer.

Symptoms

Some patients who have cervical cancer do not present any sign of the illness. However, in most women, the common symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual heavy discharge, and pelvic pain, pain during urination and pain and bleeding during a sexual intercourse. In rare cases, infections are also present.

Diagnosis

The use of symptoms alone cannot diagnose cervical cancer. For the preliminary assessment, your doctor may request a pap’s smear to check for the integrity of the individual cells. Usually, cancerous cells present themselves well under the microscope. If you get a positive Pap’s smear test, further testing is required.

Treatment

Women positively diagnosed with cervical cancer have many options for treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of all of these may be warranted. If you have questions about the treatment, you should always ask your doctor about it.

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