Word: cervix
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...more than 50 years, a regular Pap test has been a woman's best defense against cervical cancer. By taking tissue samples from the cervix--the "neck," or outer opening, of the uterus--a doctor can usually tell that something is wrong before the cancer has a chance to fully develop or spread. Now researchers are eyeing a new gene-based test that they believe is better than the Pap test at identifying precancerous and malignant changes in the cervix--and could even replace it. But don't cancel your next gynecologic exam just yet. A lot more work needs...
...Most women who become infected with HPV are able to shake off the virus and suffer no apparent long-term consequences to their health. But a few women develop a persistent infection that can, for reasons that are not entirely clear, eventually lead to cancerous changes in the cervix. (One thing we do know: the risk of developing cervical cancer increases dramatically for women who have HPV and smoke...
...more than 50 different strains of HPV, some only cause warts, but others have been conclusively linked to pre-malignant and malignant growths in the cervix...
...first noticeable cellular difference in the cervix is subtle change in the shape of cells as they begin to enlarge. Later, the standard arrangement of cells gets destroyed as diseased cells begin to grow out of control...
Early diagnosis is important, and women are recommended to get annual Pap tests, where cells that line the cervix are gently scraped off and examined under a microscope...