All you need to know about the nursing care plan for cervical cancer

What is cervical cancer?

The lower part of the uterus is termed as the cervix. This is the place where the growth of a baby takes place during the phase of pregnancy. Cancer at the cervix is caused by HPV, one of the renowned viruses for its cause. The spread of the virus is a result of sexual contact; however, most women have a resistance towards the virus and can easily fight it away. People who smoke, who have several children, who are infected with HIV, and who use the unregulated amount of contraceptive pills are at high risk towards this form of cancer.

The symptoms of this form of cancer are not visible at the primary stages; however, later stages include severe pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. The normal cells of the cervix are gradually turned into cancerous cells over the years. The healthcare professionals can detect the cells by conducting a Pap test to examine the condition of the cells at the cervix. Patients can also undergo the HPV test. On getting abnormal results after the test, biopsy is the most common procedure that is used for the detection of cancer. On regular screenings, one can easily detect and treat the cells before they turn cancerous. The treatment includes radiation, surgeries, chemotherapies, or a combination of all for severe conditions. The treatment is based on the specific size of the tumor. The vaccines are often effective against the HPV; however, some can themselves cause cancer in the body.

Out of the two prevalent forms of cancers that affect the cervix, squamous cell cancer is the most prevalent one. The two forms of cervical cancer are as follows:

1. Squamous cell cancer
2. Adenocarcinoma

The squamous cell cancer is termed after the name of the cells that tends to turn cancerous. These cells are skin-like and felt cells on the outer surface of the cervical region known as the ectocervix. 80% of cervical cancers are squamous cell cancers.

An adenocarcinoma is a form of cervical cancer that starts from the glands and usually starts the generation of mucus out of it. The cervical cell is full of glandular cells that sustain in the inner passage of the cervix running down to the womb. This is a lesser known form of cervical cancer. This form of cancer comprises approximately 10% of the total number of cervical cancer affected patients. The nursing care plan for cervical cancer patients of both types of cancers is the same.

Small cell cancer is another form of cervical cancer which is very rare. Only 3 in 100 women are affected with this form of cancer. This cancer tends to spread on a faster rate and the nursing care plan for cervical cancer of this type is completely different compared to other forms of cervical cancers.

The initiation of this form of cancer is due to the abnormal changes caused to the cervical tissues. The risk mainly lies due to HIV infection, abnormal sexual contact, and unregulated use of contraceptive pills, HPV infection, multiple sexual partners, and several other reasons.

Women diagnosed with HPV usually tend to develop cervical cancer, this is common for girls engaged in sexual activity before their menstrual phase has started or start sexual activities at a very early stage before 16 years of age have high chances to develop this form of cancer.

Smoking cigarettes is another vital aspect that causes cervical cancer. This is mainly because of the interaction of the chemicals in a cigarette with the cervical cells which causes the precancerous changes gradually over the years. The smokers usually tend to grow this form of cancer to the extent of five times more than the non-smokers.

1. Pain in the advanced stage of cancer.
2. Irregular bleeding from the vagina.
3. Irregular discharge from the vagina.
4. Pain in the pelvis.
5. Bowel and urinary tract obstruction leading to kidney failure in the advanced stage of cancer.

Nursing care for cervical cancer is based on different factors that include the stage of cancer, side effects, overall health, and the preferences of the patient. The treatments are as follows:

1. Surgery.
2. Radiation Therapy.
3. Chemotherapy.

The patients suffering from an advanced stage of cancer need adequate support and love that they desire to generate hope of surviving. Cervical cancer can be adequately treated through palliative care back at home after surgery and the necessary medical therapies.

The key factors of recovery are healthy diet and nutrition. This is where Care24 plays a vital role through its professionals dedicated to the field of nursing and care. They can intervene and handle almost any and every situation at all stages of cervical cancer.