You may not know that you have a problem with the cervix, because cervical conditions do not always show symptoms. Therefore, be sure to regularly check with a gynecologist. The most common diseases of the cervix are: erosions, inflammation, cysts and cervical cancer. What is cervical examination and how is it done?

Contents:

  1. Cervix - structure
  2. Cervix - types of epithelium
  3. Cervix - Features
  4. Cervix - diseases
    • Cervix - erosion of the cervix
    • Cervix - cervical inflammation
    • Cervix - cervical cysts (Naboth's glands)
    • Cervix - cervical cancer

The cervixis the lower segment of the female sexual organ. Its daily task is to protect the uterus against external infections. From holidays, it plays an important role during pregnancy - it supports the pregnant uterus and in the mechanism of delivery - where its opening makes it easier for the baby to come into the world.

Cervix - structure

The cervix consists of a vaginal part and an abdominal part. It is made of connective and muscular tissue, its vaginal part is covered with multilayer squamous epithelium, while the inside of the cervical canal is lined with single-layer glandular epithelium.

The cervix is ​​the narrow lower part of the uterus that curves into the vaginal vault. It is made of connective and muscular tissue, lined with a mucosa, and is about 3 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter. In an adult female, it is bent in the lower-posterior direction. In nulliparous women it has a barrel shape, it changes shape during pregnancy and after menopause.

The cervical canal passes through the cervix, which connects with the body of the uterus at the top (in a place called the isthmus), and at the bottom opens into the vagina at a place called the external opening. The shape of the external opening varies depending on the phases of a woman's life. In the nulliparous, it is a small circular opening. After giving birth, it takes the shape of a slit. After the menopause, it can shrink to almost a pinhead size. It also changes throughout the cycle.

Cervix - types of epithelium

Endocervixcontains the cervical canal from the inner mouth (strait) to ectocervix. It is lined with a folded, single-layer, mucilaginous structureglandular (cylindrical) epithelium that penetrates the stroma to form glands.

Ectocervixtakes a distance from the junction of the epithelium (glandular and multilayer flat) to the vaginal vault. It is lined with a hormone-sensitive multilayered non-keratinized squamous epithelium.

On the outermost part of the vagina, there is a border between two types of epithelium: glandular, lining the uterine cavity and cervical canal, and flat, covering the vaginal part of the cervix and vagina.

The junction of the epithelium (flat and glandular multilayer) moves during a woman's life as a result of metaplasia of the glandular epithelium. Before puberty, this site is usually the external outlet, after delivery it can be in the ectocervix, after the menopause it is usually in the cervical canal.
The place where these two types of epithelium connect is called the transformation zone. There are metaplastic changes in the transformation zone. This is a very important place because the cells of the transformation zone are very susceptible to the action of oncogenic factors and most cervical cancers arise in this place.

Cervix - Features

The cervix plays a key role in protecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries from ascending (vaginal) infection. There is thick mucus in its channel, which is a barrier to the bacterial flora.

A he althy neck is needed for pregnancy, delivery and delivery. It is a channel for sperm that allows them to travel from the vagina to the uterus, during pregnancy it acts as a sphincter that closes the uterine cavity, and during delivery, while smoothing out, it helps the fetus to escape.

Before the baby is fertilized and developed, the cervix under the influence of hormones undergoes changes in the menstrual cycle. In the infertile phase, it is hard, dry and closed. As ovulation approaches, the cervical opening opens, the vaginal section becomes softer and rises. During this time, the glands in the cervix produce fertile mucus (stretchy, slippery) that nourishes the sperm and makes it easier for them to enter the uterus.

After ovulation, the cervix returns to its pre-ovulation state. Observations of the position of the cervix and cervical mucus identify the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle and are used in natural family planning.

Cervix - diseases

Most commoncervical diseasestoerosion, inflammation, cysts and cervical cancer . Find out what you should know about each of these diseases.

Cervix -erosion of the cervix

This name - erosion - is often used incorrectly to describe any redness on the vaginal part of the cervix (professionally called erythroplakia). But the concept of true erosion is reserved only for defects in the cervical epithelium.

On the other hand, most "by eye" recognized erosions are ectopy, displacement of the cylindrical epithelium from the cervical canal to the shield of the vaginal part. True erosions most often occur in sexually active women aged 25-35. They may be the result of cervicitis or vaginitis, mechanical trauma (e.g. during childbirth, miscarriage).

Cervical erosion symptoms : Usually does not occur. Sometimes there are white, yellow or greenish, unpleasant-smelling discharge before menstruation. There may be spotting between periods or after intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen.

Examination of cervical erosion : The lesion can be detected during a gynecological examination. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo cytology (smear) or colposcopy (microscopic examination).

Treatment of cervical erosions : Pharmacological treatment is applied, and if it does not bring improvement, the lesion is lubricated with a special preparation, burned with electricity, frozen with liquid nitrogen or removed with light waves. In exceptional cases, more invasive procedures are performed, such as excision of a fragment of the cervix (conization).

Good to know: A true erosion may be a symptom of precancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix.

Cervix - cervical inflammation

Cervical inflammationdevelops as a result of infection with protozoa (eg vaginal trichomoniasis), bacteria (eg Chlamydia, gonorrhea), viruses or fungi. The infection is favored by mechanical damage to the cervix, as well as the frequent change of sexual partners.

Symptoms of cervical inflammation : Inflammation may be asymptomatic, but there is more vaginal discharge, sometimes bleeding between periods.

Cervical Inflammation Tests : A gynecological examination is performed and cervical discharge is cultured to identify the microbes that have caused the inflammation.

Cervical inflammation therapy : Vaginal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics (local or general), sometimes hormonal preparations are used.

Good to know: Untreated inflammation can spread further to the genital tract.

Cervix - cervical cysts (Naboth's glands)

Cervical cysts (Naboth's cysts) are smallsingle or multiple vesicles filled with mucous or mucopurulent content (when accompanied by inflammation). They arise as a result of closing the mouth of the cervical mucosa by the growing epithelium, most often during the healing of erosions. They occur in women of childbearing age, especially in those who have already given birth.

Symptoms of cervical cyst : there are no symptoms.

Examination of cervical cysts : Gynecological examination and cytology are performed.

Treatment of cervical cysts : If the doctor decides to remove the cyst, the lesion is punctured, its contents removed, and the emptied gland is frozen with liquid nitrogen or burned with a laser or electric current .

Good to know: Untreated Naboth's glands generally disappear after a while, but they tend to recur.

Cervix - cervical cancer

Cervical cancer ranks first in terms of the incidence among cancers of the reproductive organ. Cervical cancer is most often detected in women aged 40-55, but the incidence has been increasing since the age of 25.

Some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are sexually transmitted, are responsible for the development of cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer : Pre-cancerous changes or early cancer do not cause complaints. As the disease progresses, unusual bleeding (between menstruation, after intercourse, after menopause), profuse vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse or when urinating, and swelling of the legs may appear. Periods last longer and are more heavy.

Cervical cancer examination : Cytology and colposcopy are performed, and material is collected for histopathological examination.

Treatment of cervical cancer : Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Pre-cancerous lesions are treated pharmacologically. If it is a pre-invasive cancer, laser surgery, cryosurgery, or surgical conization are used. In the invasive stage, the uterus must be removed (hysterectomy), and radiotherapy is the complementary treatment. In the case of metastases to other organs, chemotherapy is used.

Good to know: Every year over 3.5 thousand A Polish woman learns that she has cervical cancer, and 5 women die every day. But cancer can be effectively prevented by proper prophylaxis and early diagnosis. Cytology is a valuable examination (it should be performed for the first time after the start of sexual intercourse, then regularly every year). Vaccines are also a weapon against HPV (they can be administered from the age of 12).

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Category:

Female diseases