Diseases of the female reproductive organs
are the field of gynaecology. Cancer or carcinoma of the cervix
is a relatively rare tumour. It’s believed to be caused by
a virus known as human papilloma virus that can infect the lining
layer of the cervix.
However, this cancer might be a lot more common
if it were not for the extensive cervical screening programmes.
A cervical smear is a sample of cells taken from the cervix so that
a pathologist can identify any abnormal cells before they become
cancerous. If abnormal cells are detected, they can be surgically
removed before a cancer has time to develop. Recent statistics indicate
that tens of thousands of cervical cancers have been prevented in
this way in the UK alone.
In old age, cancer can develop within the lining
of the uterus, known as the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium
is usually indicated by vaginal bleeding occurring after the menopause.
Because the uterus is a tough and confining structure, many endometrial
cancers are discovered at a relatively early stage and can be cured
by surgery.
Probably the commonest diseases of the female
reproductive tract are sexually transmitted diseases, including
chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Chlamydial infection is an important
cause of infertility. The infection can cause hidden inflammation
of the fallopian tubes, which become distorted and lose their capacity
to conduct eggs and sperm. This can cause an inability to conceive
and can also create a predisposition to the dangerous condition
of ectopic pregnancy.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised
egg or zygote becomes trapped within the fallopian tube, where it
begins to develop into a foetus. Since the fallopian tube (unlike
the uterus) cannot dilate to accommodate the growing foetus, it
tends to rupture after about six weeks, causing potentially fatal
haemorrhage. Abdominal pain in a woman who has missed a period is
a symptom which should always be taken seriously.
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