What’s cervical adenocarcinoma?

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Cervical adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the mucous glands within the female reproductive system. Researchers have linked this cancer to human papilloma virus (HPV) and oral contraceptive use. The chances of developing cervical cancer can be reduced by adhering to safe sex practices or by immunizing against HPV. The prognosis of this cancer depends on how early the cancer is discovered and how aggressively it is treated.

Part of a class of cancers that occur in glands and glandular tissue throughout the body, adenocarcinoma of the cervix occurs when cancerous cells develop in the glands within the cervix that produce mucus. This disease makes up only about 10% of the incidences of cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are classified as squamous cell carcinomas. Although HPV is a common cause of both types of cervical cancer, adenocarcinoma of the cervix is ​​often missed in pelvic exams and Pap smears or Papanicolaou test analysis.

If an abnormality is found, a diagnosis would be confirmed with a ring electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This procedure removes a piece of cervical tissue for analysis. If the LEEP does not confirm the presence of cancer, Pap smears or tests at three-monthly intervals are recommended for further evaluation. If the LEEP analysis indicates the presence of cancerous or precancerous tissue, further tests will be conducted to determine the type and stage of cervical cancer.

This cancer progresses in a series of stages. Stage I adenocarcinoma of the cervix occurs when cancerous tissue is located only in the cervix. Stage I lesions can range in size from microscopic to 0.28 inch (7 mm). When the cancer invades other structures in the pelvic area such as the vagina or uterus or grows beyond 0.28 inch (7 mm), it is considered stage II.

Stage III adenocarcinoma of the cervix denotes cancer that has spread widely throughout the pelvic region. It can completely block the uterine opening or invade the pelvic wall. When cancer metatheses to other organs outside the pelvic region, it is classified as stage IV and is often beyond treatment.

Cervical adenocarcinoma can elude detection during its early stages. Some women who have cervical cancer may experience pelvic pain, pain during intercourse or urination, or heavy vaginal discharge. Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle can also indicate adenocarcinoma of the cervix, but these abnormalities are common symptoms of many other gynecological disorders. Most women with stage I or II cervical cancer have no symptoms.
This type of cancer involves the same treatment procedure as squamous cell cancer. Radiation therapy is the standard means of destroying cancerous tissue in the cervix, and some lesions can be treated with chemotherapy. More advanced stages of the disease may require surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. In extreme cases, a patient will undergo a radical hysterectomy, which removes most of the tissue in the female reproductive system. Treatment is most successful when the cancer is detected in its early stages and its effectiveness decreases as the disease progresses.

Treatments also vary according to the age and decisions made by the woman with adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Some women may choose a combination of radiation and chemotherapy over surgery if they want to preserve their ability to have children or if they wish to otherwise avoid surgery. Consultation with a gynecological oncologist will help women understand their individual options and prognoses.

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