2023-05-31 12:30:00
Cervical cancer campaign (photo by the Cancer Society)
If you ask any woman what medical experience she would willingly give up, she will probably choose gynecological procedures. It’s quite embarrassing and sometimes even unpleasant and a little painful. A Pap test (PAP SMEAR), for example, is included in the same list of “dubious” female experiences.
This is a surface taken from the cervix in order to rule out the development of cervical cancer. According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, every woman aged 25 to 65 should undergo a Pap test once every three years, and if she is in a risk group, even more so.
It is important to note that, as with many cancers, even in the case of cervical cancer, early detection results in high cure rates and a good recovery. What makes this disease unique is that the cause of cancer and the early stages of the tumor can be identified, even before it has become cancerous. This information makes it possible to diagnose the disease in its nascent stages and today it is already possible to almost completely prevent the development of cancer in the cervix. It can be said that the main and almost exclusive cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus HPV.
Today it is possible to identify the strains that are responsible for the precancerous and cancerous changes at an early stage, and even to prevent infection with the virus by an appropriate vaccine, which is given to women up to the age of 45. If we return to the PAP test, its advantage lies in its ability to detect changes in the cervical canal and the external neck, thus enabling detection Early detection of pre-cancerous conditions and also to identify at a very early stage the development of cervical cancer.
If a suspicious finding is found in the Pap test, there is no need to panic. This does not necessarily indicate
The existence of an illness, but this does require further investigation, in which case you will probably be asked to do so
Tests such as colposcopy (cervical transparency) and biopsy. If it turns out from the results of these tests that these are indeed tumors or pre-cancerous changes, you will be referred by the attending physician to perform an operation called conization.
More in-
Sound scary? We are here to reassure. With the help of Dr. Yehuda Ben David, an expert in gynecology and oncology and a surgeon at Medica RMC medical center in Afula, we will try to ease your fear and equip you with the necessary information.
So what exactly is conization?
“Conization, or cone biopsy, is a surgical procedure that aims to diagnose and remove tumors or precancerous changes found in the cervix. In a tiny operation, we perform a cone-shaped excision from the cervix, using a thin electric loop. The use of heat energy minimizes bleeding and damage to the neck. The material that is found is sent for a pathological examination”.
“It is a relatively short and painless operation, as it is performed under superficial general anesthesia as part of a day hospitalization, so that shortly afterwards the patient is discharged home. In the first hours, pain similar to period pain may appear, which can be alleviated with painkillers.”
How safe is the procedure for a woman?
“As with any surgery, conization is also not without risks. There is a risk of bleeding, infection and tissue damage
Around. In addition, the operation may in some cases increase the risk of complications during a future pregnancy and cause shortening of the cervix and its insufficiency. Despite these risks, this is an important and very effective tool for preventing the development of cervical cancer among women who have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous changes.”
After conization, can abnormal cells develop again?
“This may happen, and therefore women who have undergone conization should continue to be closely monitored to make sure that there is no new growth of abnormal cells. In addition, we recommend that women receive a vaccine against the papilloma virus, which will prevent further infection and recurrence of the disease.”
In conclusion, what is the best recommendation you can give to women, in order to prevent, or at least reduce the chance of getting cervical cancer?
“Unfortunately, a way to prevent the disease 100% has not yet been found, but there are some things that must be taken care of, and can greatly reduce the chance of getting sick. Pap tests must be performed regularly
Regularly every 3 years, get vaccinated against the papilloma virus, make sure to have protected sex and avoid smoking, which is also a risk factor for the disease,” concludes Dr. Ben David.
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