Cancer of the cervix: what is a cone biopsy?

Cone biopsy is a surgical technique that can be implemented in cases of cancer of the cervix. Conization, involves the removal of the portion of the cervix affected by the tumor. This surgery also removes a piece of tissue (biopsy) for a diagnostic analysis. 

Cancer of the cervix: are there any symptoms? What screening? What is the reason? 

Cancer of the cervix usually causes early, asymptomatic, hence the need for the screening based on the smear regularly. In some cases, cancer of the cervix can however cause bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or bleeding after intercourse.

Cancers of the cervix are related to a sexually transmitted virus, the papillomavirus family. This virus usually remains latent because countered by the immune system, but sometimes it can make cancer cells on the surface of the cervix.

In recent years, the vaccination schedule provides preventive vaccination against HPV for girls 14 years of age or have recently started their sexual life.

What is the treatment of cervical cancer of the uterus?

Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor, its size, age and desire to preserve fertility.

The precancerous stage, it uses cryotherapy (destruction of cancerous cells by freezing), laser (destruction by heat), the electrosurgery (removal by an electric current) or cone biopsy (surgical removal).

In some cases, a hysterectomy should be considered. The total removal of the uterus is also performed if more advanced tumor stage, as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Cone biopsy: a surgical 

Cone biopsy involves removal of a region of the cervix. The donor area is shaped like a cone, hence the name of conization. This act is both therapeutic (removal of tumor cells) and diagnostic since the tissue removed is then analyzed, confirming the nature of the cells and the extent of the tumor.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, or sometimes general, using an electric loop or laser.

The main risk of this procedure is frequently associated with the occurrence of bleeding in the hours and weeks after surgery, which requires an urgent consultation.

Postoperative pain is rare and rather described as a nuisance.

Conization preserves fertility and therefore the chances of pregnancy, but with a slightly increased risk of preterm delivery. Therefore, in case of subsequent pregnancy, it is worth mentioning to the doctor following the pregnancy history of the conization.

Posted in: Cancer Cervical, Cancers, Diseases