1. Describe the disease process with presenting signs and symptoms.
Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells on the cervix start growing out of control. The location of the cervix is in the lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer is found through a Pap smeat test and can be effectively treated if found in it’s early stages. Cervical cancer begins as a neoplastic change in the cervical epithelium and ultimately involves the full thickness of the epithelium. An aggressive tumor forms in a cauliflower shape, with a fragile texture and a hard, nodular edge.
Cervical cancer has no distinguishing or distinctive symptoms. Bleeding, which begins as a blood tinge discharge and progresses to spotting and frank bleeding, is the only significant sign. Other possible indicators include lengthy menstrual periods or an increase in number of periods, and
…show more content…
Women who have an affected first- degree relative have twice the risk of developing a cervical tumor compared to women who have a nonbiologic first degree relative with a cervical tumor. Genetic predisposition accounts for fewer than 1% of cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer usually occur in midlife and is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It seldomly develops in women younger than 20. It is important for many older women understand that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. Women over the age of 65 represent for more than 15% of cases of cervical cancer. However, cervical cancer rarely occur in women who have been getting regular pap test and HPV for cervical cancer before they were 65 (CDC, 2017).
The following factors may raise a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer:
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Immune system