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Cervical Conization - Surgical removal of the conical portion of the uterine cervix up to the lower portion of the cervical canal with a scalpel, cautery, laser or electrocautery procedure. The procedure is usually performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis or to treat small lacerations.
Cervical Crypts - Pockets that are found in the lining of the cervix. These pockets are responsible for producing cervical fluid. During the reproductive years, there are approximately 600 - 800 mature crypts in the cervix at any given time.
Cervical Dilator - Any device or instrument that is used to expand the cervical canal.
Cervical Dysplasia - Abnormal changes within the cells of the uterine cervix, which may be detected by a Pap smear. Changes may involve size, shape and/or growth pattern. Often times the condition will resolve on its own with no medical treatment, but not always. The condition is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is capable of progressing to cervical cancer, if not diagnosed and treated properly.
Cervical Dystocia - A complication of labor and delivery in which labor is difficult becuase of an obstruction at the cervix.
Cervical Ectropion - A shallow ulceration of the cervix. The cervix appears red, eroded, and infected upon examination. The condition may be caused by trauma to the cervix, infection or chemical exposure. Examples may include rough sexual intercourse, the use of tampons, foreign objects in the vagina (speculum), herpes, syphilis, severe vaginal infections, contraceptive pills, contraceptive creams or douches.
Cervical Erosion - A shallow ulceration of the cervix. The cervix appears red, eroded, and infected upon examination. The condition may be caused by trauma to the cervix, infection or chemical exposure. Examples may include rough sexual intercourse, the use of tampons, foreign objects in the vagina (speculum), herpes, syphilis, severe vaginal infections, contraceptive pills, contraceptive creams or douches.
Cervical Fluid - Fluid that is secreted by the cervix. Changes in the amount, color and consistency are normal at various times of the menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus enables the sperm to live inside of the uterus for several days in order for conception to occur.
Cervical Insufficiency - A weak cervix that opens prematurely during pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing fetus. The condition is a common cause of second trimester miscarriages, but can be treated with a cerclage.
Cervical Mucorrhea - Excessive discharge of clear or slightly cloudy mucus from the uterine cervix.
Cervical Mucus - Fluid that is secreted by the cervix. Changes in the amount, color and consistency are normal at various times of the menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus enables the sperm to live inside of the uterus for several days in order for conception to occur.
Cervical Mucus Rhythm Method - A contraceptive method of periodic abstinence in which the time of ovulation is determined by observing changes in the amount, consistency, and elasticity of cervical mucus secretions during the intervals between two menstrual periods.
Cervical Neoplasm - Cancer of the cervix, which is a common cancer found in women. Although there are no common symptoms in the early stages of the disease, latter symptoms include vaginal discharge, vaginal odor or a bloody discharge from the vagina. Cancer of the cervix generally spreads slowly and treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Cervical OS - The small opening of the cervix that dilates during the first stage of labor.
Cervical Perforation - Perforation of the uterine cervix that may be a result of abnormal placement of an intrauterine device (IUD), instruments used during an illegal abortion or during cervical dilation.
Cervical Polyp - A relatively common, usually benign polyp, most frequently seen in women over the age of 20. Some polyps may cause intermenstrual bleeding or bleeding following sexual intercourse.
Cervical Position - The position in which the cerix is located in relation to the menstrual cycle. During the beginning of the cycle, the cervix is low, firm and open slightly to allow the menstrual blood to flow out of the vagina. Once menstruation stops, the cervix will be low, hard and closed. The cervix will gradually become higher. During peak fertility, the cervix is high, soft and wet. Once ovulation occurs the cervix becomes low and firm again.
If conception occurs, the cervix will rise up and become soft. Many women chart their cervical position while trying to conceive.
Cervical Ripening - Softening of the cervix to prepare for vaginal birth. The cervix will thin out and soften as labor progresses.
Cervical Smear - Specimens that are obtaiend from the uterine cervix or cervical canal. Healthcare providers use cervical smears to indicate the presence of an infection or cancer, as well as evaluate hormone levels and possible causes of infertility.
Cervical Stenosis - A blockage or narrowing of the cervical canal from a congenital defect, complication of cancer, menopause or from complications of surgical procedures. The narrowing hinders the sperm from swimming through to the uterus, which could complicate conception. Common symptoms in premenopausal women include amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abnormal bleeding and infertility.
Cervical Stitch - A procedure that is performed to stitch the cervical opening in a pregnant woman that experiences an incompetent cervix, which could lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Cervical Teratoma - A birth defect that consists of a large tumor that is found in the neck and can be disfiguring.
If the tumor grows large enough, it can come out of the baby's mouth which will displace the ears and jaw line. The mass is part solid and part liquid. It surrounds the espophagus, thyroid and trachea and the infant will not be able to breathe on its own when it is born.
A fetus can be diagnosed with a cervical teratoma during a routine ultrasound. On ultrasound, a doctor will notice the fetus has an empty stomach, a hyperextended neck and may see the actual tumor. Once the diagnosis has been made, the mother will be placed into a high risk category and the fetus will be monitored closely by ultrasound.
When a fetus is diagnosed with this condition in utero, the chance of survival is good. Most doctors prefer a cesarean section delivery so that doctors are given sufficient time to safely deliver the baby. A doctor will make an airway by placing a breathing tube which will bypass the tumor. After the breathing tube is in place, the umbilical cord will be cute and the cesarean will be finished. The infant will then be taken to surgery to remove the tumor.
Cervicitis - Inflammation of the cervix that is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection, a sexually transmitted disease or trauma to the cervix, as with vaginal childbirth. Symptoms include an abonormal discharge, pain, or spotting. Treatment will vary depending upon the cause.
Cervidil - A medication that is commonly used by healthcare providers to ripen the cervix before an induction is begun. The medication is shaped similar to that of a tampon and is inserted into the vagina.