What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Arias-Stella Effect of Cervix during Pregnancy
• Arias-Stella Phenomenon of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy
• Cervical Arias-Stella Reaction in Normal Pregnancy

What is Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is a benign tumor-like condition caused due to a change in the cervix. The condition is a normal physiological process of the body, caused due to hormonal response. It is mostly observed in pregnant women
• It is an incidental finding during a microscopic examination by the pathologist. Arias-Stella reaction of cervix is similar to Arias-Stella reaction of the endometrium
• There are no clearly established risk factors for Cervical Arias-Stella Reaction in Normal Pregnancy and the cause of tumor formation is unknown. However, it may be influenced by hormonal changes
• No significant signs and symptoms or complications are typically noted. However, it is important to undertake a differential diagnosis to rule out any carcinomas or precancers
• There is no treatment necessary for the condition, since it is asymptomatic and benign. In general, the prognosis of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is excellent

Who gets Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is observed in pregnant women
• There is no known ethnic or racial preference

What are the Risk Factors for Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy? (Predisposing Factors)

• No definitive risk factors have been identified for Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy
• In general, Arias-Stella reaction may be also observed in women undergoing hormone therapy (non-pregnancy associated factor), or having gestational trophoblastic disease (a group of rare, pregnancy-related tumors), or in women with ectopic pregnancy

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause and mechanism of formation of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is unknown
• However, the condition may be due to hormonal changes in women, since it is mostly seen during pregnancy

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy?

• In a majority of cases, Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is asymptomatic, presenting no significant signs and symptoms
• The condition may develop within a polyp in the cervix, and may cause a tumor mass
• Arias-Stella reaction or Arias-Stella phenomenon may also be observed in the endometrium (within the uterus)

How is Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy may involve the following steps:

• Evaluation of the individual’s medical history
• A thorough physical (pelvic) examination
• Arias-Stella reaction occurring in the cervix is often diagnosed as an incidental finding on a pelvic exam, which forms part of routine prenatal care of pregnant women
• Pap smear: In some women, a screening Pap smear may show atypical cells due to Arias-Stella reaction. This often requires a follow-up biopsy
• Colposcopy: The cervix is examined with an instrument, called a colposcope. This helps the physician get a magnified view of the cervix

Cervical biopsy: It is the process of removing tissue for examination. In the case of Arias-Stella Reaction of Cervix, a complete excision and removal of the tumor can help in the process of a biopsy, as well as be a means for treating the condition.

A pathologist looks at the tissue sample under a microscope, to detect any evidence of cancer. Types of cervical biopsies include:

• Colposcopic biopsy: The abnormal areas of the cervix are visualized with a colposcope. After numbing the cervix with a local anesthetic, an instrument, called a biopsy forceps, is used to get a tissue sample.  Mild cramps, pain, and some light bleeding, may occur following the procedure
• Endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping): The curette is an instrument that can be used to scrape out tissue. Using a curette, cells are scraped out from the endocervix (the inner part of the cervix, close to the uterus/womb) and examined under a microscope. Mild pain and bleeding maybe present following the procedure.

Note: The cells of Arias-Stella reaction may appear atypical when examined under a microscope. Hence, a careful microscopic examination should be performed, to rule out the possibility of clear cell adenocarcinoma of cervix and endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy?

• No significant complications of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy are noted, because in the context of normal pregnancy, Arias-Stella reaction is a benign and harmless condition
• Also, study reports indicate that no malignant transformations have been observed in the context of normal pregnancy

How is Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy Treated?

• Generally, no treatment measures are necessary for Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy be Prevented?

• Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix during Pregnancy is a normal physiological process and no prevention is necessary
• During pregnancy, regular prenatal checkups are necessary to monitor the health of the expectant mother and baby in the womb

What is the Prognosis of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy is excellent, since it is a benign condition
• No unfavorable outcomes or complications are noted during pregnancy, due to the presence of Arias-Stella reaction involving the uterine cervix

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Arias-Stella Reaction of Uterine Cervix in Normal Pregnancy:

• Gestational trophoblastic tumors generally affect women who are in their childbearing age. It occurs very rarely in postmenopausal women

The following link is a useful resource for gestational trophoblastic tumors:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/gestational-trophoblastic-tumors/