cervical

[ser´vĭ-k'l]

1. pertaining to the neck.

2. pertaining to the neck or cervix of any organ or structure.

cervical cancer cancer of the cervix uteri, the third most common cause of cancer deaths in American women (after lung cancer and breast cancer). Its victims are usually women over 40. One of the first warning signs of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, after coitus, or after menopause is established. There may also be increased vaginal discharge. The papanicolaou test should be done routinely every year in women over 40 to rule out the possibility of cervical malignancy. This test identifies cancer in its earliest stages while the malignancy can still be eradicated with relative ease.

Traditionally, a positive finding of abnormal cells from the cervix was an indication for cervical biopsy, which, if positive for malignancy, was an indication for total hysterectomy. Currently, this sequence is giving way to more selective methods of diagnosis and treatment. Special stains and colposcopy are used to define more clearly the nature and extent of abnormal changes in cervical cells. These techniques have permitted a greater use of localized excision of cervical tissues (conization) and cryosurgery of early cancer zones, thereby avoiding total removal of the uterus.

cervical mucus method a type of natural family planning; see contraception.

cervical rib syndrome pain over the shoulder, often extending down the upper limb or radiating up the back of the neck, due to compression of the nerves and vessels between a cervical rib and the anterior scalene muscle.

cer·vi·cal rib syn·drome

indefinite term, equally applicable to two different syndromes: 1) arterial thoracic outlet syndrome, in which the subclavian artery is compromised by a fully formed cervical rib, and 2) true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, in which the proximal lower trunk of the brachial plexus is compromised by a translucent band extending from a rudimentary cervical rib to the first rib.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

cer·vi·cal rib syn·drome

(sĕr'vi-kăl rib sin'drōm)

1. Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome, in which the subclavian artery is compromised by a fully formed cervical rib.

2. True neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, in which the proximal lower trunk of the brachial plexus is compromised by a radiolucent band extending from a rudimentary cervical rib to the first rib.