Image displaying cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. It is the 4th most common cancer in women.
Cervical cancer is abnormal growth of cells that starts in the cervix.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Most cervical cancers are caused by the Human papilloma virus( HPV).
HPV is a common virus that’s passed through sexual contact. For most people, the virus never causes problems. It usually goes away on its own. For some, though, the virus can cause changes in the cells that may lead to cancer
HPV commonly affects the skin, genital areas and the throat. High risk types are type 16 and 18.
When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years. This contributes to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.
Symptoms
When it starts, it might not cause symptoms. As it grows, it might cause signs and symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual.
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor.
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
Types of cervical cancer
It is divided into types based on the type of cell in which the cancer begins. The main types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma. This type begins in thin, flat cells, called squamous cells. The squamous cells line the outer part of the cervix. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
- Adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal.
Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.
Risk factors
The risk factors include:
- Smoking tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of this disease. When HPV infections happen in people who smoke, the infections tend to last longer and are less likely to go away.
- Increasing number of sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners, and the greater your partner’s number of sexual partners, the greater your chance of getting HPV.
- Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
- Other sexually transmitted infections. Having other sexually transmitted infections, also called STIs, increases the risk of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. Other STIs that increase the risk include herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS.
- 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.
- Exposure to miscarriage prevention medicine. If your parent took a medicine called diethylstilbestrol, also known as DES, while pregnant, your risk might be increased. This medicine was used in the 1950s to prevent miscarriage.
Diagnosis and Management
Screening tests can help detect cervical cancer and pre cancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer.
If you might have cervical cancer, testing is likely to start with:
A thorough exam of your cervix
Pap smear
Biopsy
Blood and urine tests
X-rays
The above tests will help in making a diagnosis as well as staging of the cervical cancer.
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Management entails radiation, chemotherapy, surgery depending on the staging of the cervical cancer.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of cervical cancer:
- Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination at 9-14 years helps to prevent HPV infection and may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your health care team if an HPV vaccine is right for you.
- Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix. These conditions can be monitored or treated in order to prevent it.
- HIV negative women should be screened every 5-10years from age 30
- HIV positive women should be screened every 3years.
- Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of the disease by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections. This may include using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
- Don’t smoke. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, talk to a health care professional about ways to help you quit.