Cervical cancer
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Typically, cervical cancer is diagnosed in women aged older than 30 years. Peak incidence is in the late 40s. The vast majority of women have no symptoms, and the first sign of an abnormality is noted on routine screening. If symptoms are present, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or postcoital bleeding. Symptoms of advanced disease are typically from mass effect leading to low back or pelvic pain, obstructive renal failure, or leg edema.
Codes
ICD10CM:C53.9 – Malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
363354003 – Malignant tumor of cervix
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Cervical polyp
- Pelvic inflammatory disease / cervicitis – STI testing should be completed; cervical motion tenderness is not typically seen with cervical cancer.
- Condyloma acuminata (genital warts)
- Nabothian cyst – Small yellow / white "pearly"-appearing cysts on the cervix; these are normal and need no intervention.
- Cervical ectropion
- Prolapsing uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) – Fleshy, tan-colored mass, typically mobile; a stalk is often seen in the cervical os.
- Prolapsing uterine polyp – Similar to prolapsed fibroid except more friable.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:08/09/2017
Last Updated:01/21/2021
Last Updated:01/21/2021