The Cervix

What is the cervix?

The cervix is the neck of the womb (Q 2.3 and Figures 2.1 and21.1. Along its middle is the cervical canal which is the gateway to the endometrial (womb) cavity. Mucus secreted from tiny glands assists the cervix in providing a barrier against infection ascending to the endometrium and Fallopian tubes. Around the time of ovulation (egg release) the mucus becomes thinner allowing sperm to ascend facilitating fertilisation.

Figure 2.1

Figure 21.1

Please click on the required question.

Q 21. 1 What is the cervix?
Q 21. 2 What is a cervical polyp?
Q 21. 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
Q 21. 4  What is the transformation zone?
Q 21. 5 What is a Paptest (PAP test (cervical smear) test)
Q 21. 6  My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
Q 21. 7  What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
Q 21. 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
Q 21. 9  What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
Q 21. 10  What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
Q 21. 11  What are benign and malignant tumours?
Q 21. 12  Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
Q 21. 13  What is colposcopy?
Q 21. 14  What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
Q 21. 15  Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
Q 21. 16  How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
Q 21. 17  How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
Q 21. 18  Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
Q 21. 19  Support Groups.
Q 21. 20  Are there any support groups?

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DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
Answers to FAQs on women's health, patient information and medical advice by David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (Gynecologist - OBGYN), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London