Almost
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina (birth canal).
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cervical cells become cancer, they start to look abnormal. These cells are called "precancers." If they aren't destroyed or removed, they may become cancer cells that grow out of control and spread to other parts of your body.
Screening tests for cervical cancer can help find abnormal cells so you can get treatment to prevent cervical cancer. These tests can also find cervical cancer early when it's usually easier to treat.
What causes cervical cancer?Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV. The types that cause cancer are called "high-risk HPV." High-risk HPV is very common. It can be passed from one person to another through close skin-to-skin touching, usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Most people who are infected have no symptoms and don't know they have it.
If you're infected with high-risk HPV, usually your immune system will get rid of it within a year or two. But if your immune system can't control the infection, it may last for many years. Over time, HPV can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal cells. Without treatment, these cells may keep changing until they become cervical cancer.
Who is more likely to develop cervical cancer?Cervical cancer is most common in people over age 30. If you have a high-risk HPV infection in your cervix, you're more likely to develop cervical cancer if you:
- Have a weakened immune system because you:
- Have a disease that harms your immune system, such as HIV.
- Take medicine to control your immune system, such as certain medicines to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases
- Smoke tobacco or breathe secondhand smoke.
- Use birth control pills or have given birth to many children.
- Have obesity.
- Were exposed to a medicine called DES (diethylstilbestrol) before you were born. Between 1940-1971, DES was sometimes prescribed during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages. DES was later linked to health problems, including cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms when it first starts to grow. But when it does cause symptoms, they may include:
- Vaginal bleeding that's not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex or between menstrual periods
- Vaginal discharge (fluid) that's watery and has a strong odor or contains blood
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
If cervical cancer spreads to other parts of your body, symptoms may include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Difficult or painful bowel movements (poops) or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
- Difficult or painful urination (peeing) or blood in your urine (pee)
- Dull backache
- Swollen legs
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Fatigue
If you have symptoms or had an abnormal result on a screening test for cervical cancer, your health care provider will do more tests to find out if you have cervical cancer. They will:
- Ask about your medical history and your family health history
- Do a pelvic exam
- Suggest tests to diagnose or rule out cervical cancer, including:
- Colposcopy, a procedure using a device called a colposcope, which helps your provider examine your cervix for abnormal areas
- Cervical biopsy, a procedure to remove a tissue sample from your cervix so that it can be examined under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. Most biopsies can be done in your provider's office
Different treatments are available for cervical cancer. The best treatment for you depends on your health, how much cancer you have, whether it has spread, and which treatment you prefer. You may have more than one treatment, including:
- Surgery to remove the cancer.
- Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. The therapy may use radiation from a machine, or a radioactive substance may be placed in your body near the cancer.
- Chemotherapy (chemo), which uses special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The medicine may be pills, or it may be given through a vein (by IV). Sometimes, both types of chemo are used.
- Targeted therapy, which uses special medicines to block the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer cells.
Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by:
- HPV vaccination. HPV vaccines provide the most protection if you get them before you're exposed to HPV. So, it's best to get vaccinated before you become sexually active. Medical experts recommend vaccinating children between ages 9 and 12.
- Routine cervical cancer screening. Two types of screening tests may be part of your routine health checkup. Both tests use a sample of cervical cells that your provider collects with a swab:
- A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells so they can be treated before they become cancer
- An HPV test checks for high-risk HPV infections that can cause cancer.
- Getting the right follow-up treatment if a screening test finds abnormal cells and/or high-risk HPV.
You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by not smoking. Using condoms correctly during sex lowers your risk of getting an HPV infection, but doesn't prevent it completely. Condom use has been linked to fewer cases of cervical cancer. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Almost
ACONITUM NEPALLUS
The dried tuberous root of Aconitum Napellus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Mountains of Europe and Asia, and northwestern North America.... / ...nduced, but sweating to any great degree does not take place except from large doses. Then it is an almost constant symptom. Temperature is reduced, but the more readily during pyrexia, when the pulse... / ...approaching from the extremities to the body. Excessive sweating comes on, rapidly lowering the body temperature, dimness of vision, 1
The dried tuberous root of Aconitum Napellus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Mountains of Europe and Asia, and northwestern North America.... / ...nduced, but sweating to any great degree does not take place except from large doses. Then it is an almost constant symptom. Temperature is reduced, but the more readily during pyrexia, when the pulse... / ...approaching from the extremities to the body. Excessive sweating comes on, rapidly lowering the body temperature, dimness of vision, 1
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...d be brought into service when there is deficient nervous response, sluggish vascular power, and in almost all conditions in which prevails the triad-torpor, debility, and depressed function. In the a...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...d be brought into service when there is deficient nervous response, sluggish vascular power, and in almost all conditions in which prevails the triad-torpor, debility, and depressed function. In the a...1
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA
... a true diaphoresis, including the elimination of both solids and liquids, the latter sparingly and almost insensibly. Its regulation of the true secretion of the skin more nearly resembles that of no......en indicated in diseases of infants and children. While it acts best when strictly indicated, it is almost never contraindicated in acute respiratory affections. In acute chest diseases asclepias is u...1
... a true diaphoresis, including the elimination of both solids and liquids, the latter sparingly and almost insensibly. Its regulation of the true secretion of the skin more nearly resembles that of no......en indicated in diseases of infants and children. While it acts best when strictly indicated, it is almost never contraindicated in acute respiratory affections. In acute chest diseases asclepias is u...1
AURANTII DULCIS CORTEX
The outer rind of the ripe, fresh fruit of Citrus Aurantium. sinensis, Gallesio (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae) Common Names: Sweet Orange Peel (of Sweet... / ...lack coating; scurvy. Therapy.Sweet Orange Peel. Slightly stimulant, carminative, and tonic. Used almost wholly as a flavoring agent. It makes an elegant addition to acid solution of iron dispensed ...1
The outer rind of the ripe, fresh fruit of Citrus Aurantium. sinensis, Gallesio (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae) Common Names: Sweet Orange Peel (of Sweet... / ...lack coating; scurvy. Therapy.Sweet Orange Peel. Slightly stimulant, carminative, and tonic. Used almost wholly as a flavoring agent. It makes an elegant addition to acid solution of iron dispensed ...1
BRYONIA
The root of Bryonia dioica, Jacquin, and Bryonia alba, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Europe. Common Names: Bryony, Bastard Turnip, Devil's Turnip,... / ...ing, rasping or explosive, showing its origin in irritation or erethism. Tensive or sharp pains are almost always present, and the secretion, if there is any, is small in quantit1
The root of Bryonia dioica, Jacquin, and Bryonia alba, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Europe. Common Names: Bryony, Bastard Turnip, Devil's Turnip,... / ...ing, rasping or explosive, showing its origin in irritation or erethism. Tensive or sharp pains are almost always present, and the secretion, if there is any, is small in quantit1
CACTUS (Selenicereus spp.)
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ...is way may benefit cases with structural lesions. The influence of cactus is believed to be exerted almost wholly upon the sympathetic nervous system, through the superior cervical ganglia, expending ... / ...organ were held with a strong band, it is often the most prompt of all cardiac remedies. It is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ...is way may benefit cases with structural lesions. The influence of cactus is believed to be exerted almost wholly upon the sympathetic nervous system, through the superior cervical ganglia, expending ... / ...organ were held with a strong band, it is often the most prompt of all cardiac remedies. It is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
CANNABIS
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...s vary greatly with the temperament and the peculiarities of the patient, and with his environment. Almost invariably they are pleasurable. An emotional state of happiness even to ecstacy is experienc... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...s vary greatly with the temperament and the peculiarities of the patient, and with his environment. Almost invariably they are pleasurable. An emotional state of happiness even to ecstacy is experienc... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
CANTHARIS
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...of powdered cantharides is the smallest amount known to have produced death. Cases of poisoning are almost always confined to those who take cantharis to produce abortion. There is no known chemical o...1
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...of powdered cantharides is the smallest amount known to have produced death. Cases of poisoning are almost always confined to those who take cantharis to produce abortion. There is no known chemical o...1
CAPSELLACAPSE
...irritation of urinary organs with phosphatic deposits; prolonged and oft-recurring menorrhagia with almost colorless flow. Action and Therapy.Capsella acts chiefly upon the urinary tract, being a mi......ple measures are desired in amenorrhea. In chronic menorrhagia, with a too long or too frequent and almost colorless flow, it is said to have given positive benefit. Its chief value is to relieve irri...1
...irritation of urinary organs with phosphatic deposits; prolonged and oft-recurring menorrhagia with almost colorless flow. Action and Therapy.Capsella acts chiefly upon the urinary tract, being a mi......ple measures are desired in amenorrhea. In chronic menorrhagia, with a too long or too frequent and almost colorless flow, it is said to have given positive benefit. Its chief value is to relieve irri...1
CAPSICUM
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ant desideratum during fevers and in convalescence therefrom. In grave cases of typhoid fever, with almost complete suppression of natural secretions, we would be at a loss without capsicum. It someti...1
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ant desideratum during fevers and in convalescence therefrom. In grave cases of typhoid fever, with almost complete suppression of natural secretions, we would be at a loss without capsicum. It someti...1
CHELIDONIUM
The whole plant of Chelidonium majus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae). Europe naturalized in waste places in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...ough reputed to be of some value locally as a stimulant and vulnerary, its present use is confined almost wholly to disorders hinging on imperfect or faulty hepatic function. It also appears to act s... / ...they are proportionately relieved by the action of chelidonium upon the latter. The greatest drawback to chelidonium is its horribly nasty taste.1
The whole plant of Chelidonium majus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae). Europe naturalized in waste places in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...ough reputed to be of some value locally as a stimulant and vulnerary, its present use is confined almost wholly to disorders hinging on imperfect or faulty hepatic function. It also appears to act s... / ...they are proportionately relieved by the action of chelidonium upon the latter. The greatest drawback to chelidonium is its horribly nasty taste.1
CINCHONACINCH
...ion of Cinchona is that of its chief alkaloid, quinine, which has completely supplanted the bark in almost all conditions in which the former was once used. While cinchona will accomplish the same res...... advantageously in malarial fevers than quinine itself, in most instances the alkaloidal salts have almost entirely supplanted cinchona in these disorders. Cinchona may be used in preference to its al...1
...ion of Cinchona is that of its chief alkaloid, quinine, which has completely supplanted the bark in almost all conditions in which the former was once used. While cinchona will accomplish the same res...... advantageously in malarial fevers than quinine itself, in most instances the alkaloidal salts have almost entirely supplanted cinchona in these disorders. Cinchona may be used in preference to its al...1
COLCHICUMCOLCH
...ot bloody evacuations of heavy mucus and serum, thready pulse, collapse, and death. Toxic doses are almost sure to kill in spite of efforts to save life, the patient dying a slow, painful, and agonizi......tion. For some unknown reason attacks recur more frequently when colchicum has been used, though it almost magically relieves the paroxysms. It is useful for disorders depending upon a gouty diathesis...1
...ot bloody evacuations of heavy mucus and serum, thready pulse, collapse, and death. Toxic doses are almost sure to kill in spite of efforts to save life, the patient dying a slow, painful, and agonizi......tion. For some unknown reason attacks recur more frequently when colchicum has been used, though it almost magically relieves the paroxysms. It is useful for disorders depending upon a gouty diathesis...1
CORALLORHIZA
The rhizome of Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae.) Rich woods in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 1 drachm. Common Names: Coral Root, Chicken Toe,... / ...ve to use for these purposes. It is to be regretted that its extreme scarcity makes corallorhiza an almost unobtainable drug.1
The rhizome of Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae.) Rich woods in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 1 drachm. Common Names: Coral Root, Chicken Toe,... / ...ve to use for these purposes. It is to be regretted that its extreme scarcity makes corallorhiza an almost unobtainable drug.1
CRATAEGUSCRAN6
The ripe fruit and bark of (1) Crataegus Oxyacantha, Linné, and (2) other species of Crataegus. (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae) 1. England and other parts... / ...t recently introduced medicinal agents of plant origin. Furthermore, it is distinctive in occupying almost wholly a position in cardiac therapy, though recognized to some extent as a general tonic. In... / ...trial; and as yet with no rational explanation of its reputed powers. The smaller doses are suggested as more likely to succeed than full doses.1
The ripe fruit and bark of (1) Crataegus Oxyacantha, Linné, and (2) other species of Crataegus. (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae) 1. England and other parts... / ...t recently introduced medicinal agents of plant origin. Furthermore, it is distinctive in occupying almost wholly a position in cardiac therapy, though recognized to some extent as a general tonic. In... / ...trial; and as yet with no rational explanation of its reputed powers. The smaller doses are suggested as more likely to succeed than full doses.1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Almost
ARNICAARNIC
The flowers, also the root of ARNICA MONTANA, Lin. The flowers are stimulant, irritant and vulnerary; used almost exclusively in form of tincture externally applied for sprains, bruises, etc. The root is used internally as a stimulant to the arterial and nervous systems, prescribed especially in typhoid conditions.2
The flowers, also the root of ARNICA MONTANA, Lin. The flowers are stimulant, irritant and vulnerary; used almost exclusively in form of tincture externally applied for sprains, bruises, etc. The root is used internally as a stimulant to the arterial and nervous systems, prescribed especially in typhoid conditions.2
HYOSCINE
Alkaloid obtained from HYOSCYAMUS NIGER, Lin. Identified by some with Scopolamine, cbtained from Scopola atropoides, which is at least isomeric with it. and is now almost universally substituted for it as it is in the following preparations. Mydriatic like atropine, but quite different in its medicinal action, which is that of a sedative and hypnotic. Dose, 0.00015 to 0.0012 (1-400 to 1-50 gr.).2
Alkaloid obtained from HYOSCYAMUS NIGER, Lin. Identified by some with Scopolamine, cbtained from Scopola atropoides, which is at least isomeric with it. and is now almost universally substituted for it as it is in the following preparations. Mydriatic like atropine, but quite different in its medicinal action, which is that of a sedative and hypnotic. Dose, 0.00015 to 0.0012 (1-400 to 1-50 gr.).2
POMEGRANATE (Granatum)PUNIC
The bark of the root of PUNICA GRANATUM, Lin. Astringent. anthelmintic. tenicide. Formerly used in diarrhea and colliquative sweats. Now almost exclusively employed as a remedy for tape worm. preferably in the form of a salt of Pelletierine, q. v.2
The bark of the root of PUNICA GRANATUM, Lin. Astringent. anthelmintic. tenicide. Formerly used in diarrhea and colliquative sweats. Now almost exclusively employed as a remedy for tape worm. preferably in the form of a salt of Pelletierine, q. v.2
SANDALWOODSANTA
The wood oi SANTALUM ALBUM, Lin. The active constituent is the volatile oil, whose therapeutic properties are almost identical with those of Balsam Copaiba, q. v. Prescribed in' diseases of the genito-urinary organs. Dose of the oil, 0.3 to 1.3 c. c. (5 to 20 M).2
The wood oi SANTALUM ALBUM, Lin. The active constituent is the volatile oil, whose therapeutic properties are almost identical with those of Balsam Copaiba, q. v. Prescribed in' diseases of the genito-urinary organs. Dose of the oil, 0.3 to 1.3 c. c. (5 to 20 M).2
SCAMMONYCOSC10
Resinous exudate from the root of CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONIA, Lin. Hydragogue cathartic, notoriously uncertain in its action, and almost invariably combined with other cathartics. A constituent of Extract Colocynth Compound.2
Resinous exudate from the root of CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONIA, Lin. Hydragogue cathartic, notoriously uncertain in its action, and almost invariably combined with other cathartics. A constituent of Extract Colocynth Compound.2
STRYCHNINESTTO6
Alkaloid obtained from STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA, L. and other species of Strychnos. Properties of Nux Vomica, q. v. The Sulphate and the Nitrate are the salts most used. The alkaloid itself is almost insoluble in water and so should not be prescribed. Dose of the salts, 0.0006 to 0.004 Grm. (1-100 to 1-16 gr.).2
Alkaloid obtained from STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA, L. and other species of Strychnos. Properties of Nux Vomica, q. v. The Sulphate and the Nitrate are the salts most used. The alkaloid itself is almost insoluble in water and so should not be prescribed. Dose of the salts, 0.0006 to 0.004 Grm. (1-100 to 1-16 gr.).2
WORMSEED, AMERICAN (Chenopodium)
The fruit of CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM, Lin. Anthelmintic, antispasmodic. An eflicient remedy for lumbricoid worms. The essential oil is the anthelmintic principle and is now almost exclusively used. Dose of the oil, 0.2 to 0.5 c. c. (3 to 8 M).2
The fruit of CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM, Lin. Anthelmintic, antispasmodic. An eflicient remedy for lumbricoid worms. The essential oil is the anthelmintic principle and is now almost exclusively used. Dose of the oil, 0.2 to 0.5 c. c. (3 to 8 M).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Almost
FEVER
The remedies commonly resorted to include; 1st cardiac or ar terial sedatives, particularly... / ...of temperature, to be used always with due caution and wholly avoided in typhoid conditions, 3d applications of cold water which constitute a measure almost always serviceable, 4th sedatives and anodynes, which may well be combined with diaphoretics. These several classes of remedies must be suited ...2
The remedies commonly resorted to include; 1st cardiac or ar terial sedatives, particularly... / ...of temperature, to be used always with due caution and wholly avoided in typhoid conditions, 3d applications of cold water which constitute a measure almost always serviceable, 4th sedatives and anodynes, which may well be combined with diaphoretics. These several classes of remedies must be suited ...2
GASTRIC CATARRH
At first withhold all food, later give milk and lime water. Cleanse stomach of irritating matters by lavage with warm water, washing out finally with a solution... / ...cs as needed; silver nitrate combined with ext. henbane. Let the diet be simple, and regulate the bowels by use of non-irritant laxatives. Tonics are almost always indicated.2
At first withhold all food, later give milk and lime water. Cleanse stomach of irritating matters by lavage with warm water, washing out finally with a solution... / ...cs as needed; silver nitrate combined with ext. henbane. Let the diet be simple, and regulate the bowels by use of non-irritant laxatives. Tonics are almost always indicated.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.