What is Adenoid Basal Carcinoma of the Cervix?
Adenoid basal carcinoma of the cervix is a rare type of cancer that arises from the epithelial layer of the cervix. It has a rare tendency to metastasize. Metastasis is the term used to describe the spread of a tumour from its site of origin to other distant parts of the body.What is the Cervix?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus; it is cylinder-shaped and connects the uterus with the vagina in the female body.Disease Epidemiology
It accounts for approximately 1% of all cervical adenocarcinomas. It usually affects women after menopause (permanent cessation of the tumour). It usually develops in postmenopausal women of African American or Asian descent.Disease Causes
Adenoid basal carcinoma of the cervix originates from the basal layer or epithelial layer of the cervix.Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages of cervical adenocarcinoma, the patient usually does not have any signs or symptoms. The common signs and symptoms are:- Bleeding from the vagina after sexual intercourse
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina between the two menstrual cycles
Diagnosis
Following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make the diagnosis. These are- Complete blood count ( CBC)
- Imaging techniques like ultrasonography (USG), CT-scan, MRI, and X-Ray to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Pelvic examination through per-speculum examination of the vagina, cervix, and ovaries. A speculum is a gynecological instrument used to visualize the vaginal wall, cervix, uterus, and ovaries to detect any abnormality.
- Pap-smear
- Serum tumour markers