An estimated 12,200 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2010. The cervix, considered the neck of the womb, connects the vagina to the uterus or womb. Cervical abnormalities usually begin as precancerous changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix, and with time they develop into cancer. The cancer can invade into underlying tissue and spread to other organs in the body.
Screening
Cervical cancer is preventable because the precancerous changes can be detected via screening. The Pap smear, the most common method, involves removing cells from the surface of the cervix, staining them and viewing them under a microscope. Other methods include direct visualization of the cervix by colposcopy using a microscope, the use of acetic acid and iodine and HPV testing.
Acetic Acid
Dilute acetic acid, otherwise known as vinegar, can detect abnormal cell changes on the surface of the cervix. After application it will appear white if the cells are abnormal, while normal cells will remain pink.
Sensitivity of Acetic Acid
The use of acetic acid is the most cost-effective method for detecting precancerous lesions. A study published in the December 2008 issue of the "Journal of the Indian Medical Association" showed that acetic acid and visualization were not as sensitive or specific as other screening methods for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. However, it is effective in countries where other screening methods are not available.
Colposcopy and Acetic Acid
The colposcope allows the cervix to be examined by magnification. Acetic acid is often used during colposcopic examination. The July 2009 issue of "Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease" demonstrated that the use of acetic acid to determine aceto-white areas increased the sensitivity of colposcopy.
Iodine
The Lugol's iodine test is based on the principle that normal cells on the cervix contain glycogen. Iodine is attracted to the glycogen, which stains the normal cells dark brown. Precancerous or cancerous lesions contain very little glycogen and will appear pale yellow.
References
- "National Cancer Institute"; SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2007; Altekruse SF, et al; November 2009
- "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention"; Screening for Cervical Cancer: Which Common Technique is the Most Cost-Effective Choice?; Wiwanitkit V; July 2009
- "Journal of the Indian Medical Association"; A Study of Cervical Cancer Screening for Preventionof carcinoma of the Cervix; Christie DM, et al; December 2008
- "Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease"; The Accuracy of Colposcopic Grading for Detection of High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Massad LS, et al; July 2009
