Thesis
The Role of Human Papillomavirus in Screening for Cervical Cancer
Washington State University
Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
12/2000
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/3954
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women worldwide. It is the leading form of cancer death in most developing countries. In 1998, over 12,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with uterine cervical cancer, and 4,800 women died of the disease. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease caused by certain forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Current screening protocols center on the use of the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, which was developed in the 1940's. In areas where this test is routine and available, morbidity and mortality rates have dropped dramatically. Many women throughout the world and in underserved regions ofthe United States do not have adequate access to the Pap smear technology. As long as women worldwide and in the U.S. continue to die needlessly of cervical cancer, more comprehensive and accessible screening methods must be explored. Because the Pap smear is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool, further studies must be done to identify the actual nature of discovered abnormalities. Of particular concern is the classification of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), which may simply indicate inflammation, or may be the first indicator of serious pathology. The follow-up of ASCUS Pap smears with HPV screening will allow for a clarification of the best approach to treatment. This article will explore the options for effectively screening for cervical cancer. Screening options include HPV identification, cytological screening, or a combination approach, including the use of visual examination with the use of colposcopy. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these three approaches have been analyzed, including their accuracy, cost, and benefit. Current pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and patient preparation and education related to cervical cancer screening and prevention are also included. A screening algorithm, supported by a review of the literature, has been proposed.
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Details
- Title
- The Role of Human Papillomavirus in Screening for Cervical Cancer
- Creators
- Susan E. McFadden
- Contributors
- Lorna Schumann (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Research Projects, College of Nursing
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Spokane, Washington
- Identifiers
- 99900591036801842
- Copyright
- http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us; Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis