CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, which links the uterus to the vagina.
Most cervical cancers are caused by different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
When the body is exposed to HPV, the immune system usually stops the virus from causing harm. However, in a tiny number of people, the virus lives for years, contributing to the process by which certain cervical cells develop into cancer cells.
You can lower your chance of acquiring cervical cancer by getting screening tests and getting vaccinated against HPV infection.
Symptoms
Cervical cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms.
The following are signs and symptoms of advanced cervical cancer:
Vaginal bleeding after a sexual encounter, between cycles, or after menopause
Vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody, and has a bad odor.
Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse
When to see a doctor
If you see any signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
Cervical cancer develops when healthy cells in the cervix have DNA abnormalities (mutations). The DNA of a cell includes the instructions that inform the cell what to do.
Healthy cells develop and replicate at a predictable pace before dying at a predictable period. The mutations cause the cells to proliferate and replicate uncontrollably, and they do not perish. The aberrant cells that are accumulating create a bulk (tumor). Cancer cells infiltrate neighboring tissues and can break out from a tumor to spread (metastasize) elsewhere in the body.
It is unknown what causes cervical cancer, however, HPV is known to have a role. HPV is quite widespread, and the majority of persons infected with the virus do not develop cancer. This indicates that other variables, such as your environment or lifestyle choices, influence whether you acquire cervical cancer.
Types of cervical cancer
The type of cervical cancer you have influenced your prognosis and therapy. Cervical cancer is classified into three types:
Squamous cell carcinoma Cervical cancer of this sort originates in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the outer section of the cervix and protrude into the vagina.
Squamous cell carcinomas account for the majority of cervical malignancies.
Adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancer of this kind originates in the column-shaped glandular cells that border the cervical canal.
Cervical cancer can involve both types of cells at times. Cancer in other cells of the cervix occurs very rarely.
Risk factors
Cervical cancer risk factors include:
Having several sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have — and the more sexual partners your partner has — the more likely you are to get HPV.
Early sexual activity. Having intercourse at a young age raises your risk of HPV.
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.
A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
Smoking. Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.
Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.
Prevention
To lower your chances of developing cervical cancer, do the following:
Read also about Ovarian CystsDiscuss with your doctor about the HPV vaccination. Getting vaccinated against HPV may lower your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related malignancies. Consult your doctor to see if an HPV vaccination is right for you.
Have regular Pap testing. Pap tests can detect precancerous cervix disorders, allowing them to be monitored or treated in order to avoid cervical cancer. The majority of medical organizations recommend starting routine Pap tests at the age of 21 and repeating them every few years.
Sex should be done safely. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
Don't smoke Don't start smoking if you don't already. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting methods.
