Prevention of precancerous and cancerous diseases of the female genitalia

Prevention of precancerous and cancerous diseases of the female genitalia

As the height of female patients suffering from some type of carcinoma of the reproductive system increases, so does the importance of preventive practices. The early detection of pathological changes and their follow-up in high-risk patients is of fundamental importance for limiting and early treatment of high-risk and those affected by such common cancers such as cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, etc. Precancer is a condition that precedes the development of cancer. The purpose of preventive measures and activities is to prevent the spread, occurrence and development of diseases of the genital tract. It is the personal responsibility of every woman, especially high-risk patients, to visit her obstetrician-gynecologist regularly and undergo preventive examinations. On the female reproductive system side, there are precancerous diseases of the vulva, vagina, cervix and uterus: 1. Precancerous conditions of the vulva – can lead to the development of cancer of the vulva. Among these conditions is vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). There are three grades of VIN – mild, moderate and severe. It is characterized by severe vulvar itching and skin erosions. First degree dysplasia does not require treatment, and moderate and severe dysplasia requires surgical treatment – vulvectomy. 2. Precancerous conditions of the vagina – vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). Three degrees are also distinguished – mild, moderate and severe. 3. Precancerous conditions of the cervix – cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Human papilloma virus (HPV) is considered the main cause of this type of changes. This condition is characteristic of young women, and the spread of the virus is mainly sexual – oral, vaginal or anal sex. 4. Precancerous conditions of the uterus – endometrial hyperplasia. A precancerous condition of the uterine body, which is most often due to hyperestrogenemia and can lead to the development of endometrial cancer. It is expressed by uneven thickening of the endometrium and occurs among women on estrogen therapy, in those suffering from hormone-producing tumors, etc. The prevention and treatment of precancerous diseases of the female genital tract is extremely important. For women over the age of 21, an annual visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist is recommended, and women under the age of 21 need to have their first gynecological examination if they have been sexually active for at least 3 years. It is necessary to carry out a pelvic examination, combined with collection of secretions for smear and microbiology. Pap smear is a non-invasive, painless examination of cells from the cervix with the aim of early detection of dysplastic and metaplastic changes. Cervical cell changes are classified according to the Papanicolaou and Bethesda criteria. With three consecutive pap smears without pathological changes, the testing period can be diluted.Colposcopy is also recommended for prophylactic examinations – a non-invasive examination using a colposcope of the cells in the cervix. A solution of acetic acid or Lugol’s solution is used, as a result of which the pathologically changed cells are stained differently. In the presence of atypically changed cells, a biopsy should be taken for histological examination. A swab may also be taken during the colposcopy to test for human papillomavirus (HPV). This is usually required in the case of pathological changes from the smear, e.g. cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of varying severity (CIN 1, 2, 3). The preventive gynecological examination also includes transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasonography, during which the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, Douglas space are carefully examined for changes and neoplasms. HPV vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure, especially for girls and women with close relatives suffering from cervical cancer. Both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 26 are subject to vaccination. There is a bi-, quadri- and nine-valent vaccine for different strains of HPV. It is administered in two or three doses, and in the case of double administration, the second dose should be administered 5 to 13 months after the first. In the case of triple administration, the second dose is administered up to two months after the second, and the third dose up to four months after the second. Regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist are extremely important for every sexually active woman of reproductive age. Carrying out the listed prophylactic examinations supports the early detection of pathological changes, their timely treatment and prevents the development of carcinoma.and the third – up to four months after the second. Regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist are extremely important for every sexually active woman of reproductive age. Carrying out the listed prophylactic examinations supports the early detection of pathological changes, their timely treatment and prevents the development of carcinoma.and the third – up to four months after the second. Regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist are extremely important for every sexually active woman of reproductive age. Carrying out the listed prophylactic examinations supports the early detection of pathological changes, their timely treatment and prevents the development of carcinoma.

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