Overview of cervical caner
If the cancer cells, in the form of tumors, begin in the cells of cervix then this condition is termed as cervical cancer.
Cervix: It is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) and is a part of a woman’s reproduction system . The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the lower abdomen. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. The vagina leads to the outside of the body. During a woman’s menstrual period, the blood flows from the uterus via this passage of cervical canal. Cervix also produces mucus that helps the sperm cells in semen to move from the vagina into the uterus to fuse with the egg cells. Cervix plays an important role during pregnancy as it is tightly closed to help keep the baby inside the uterus. It dilates during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through the vagina.Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Based on the reports of various tests and examinations that a doctor/physician conducts cervical cancer can be staged as follows:
Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the top layer of cells in the tissue that lines the cervix. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ, which means the cancer cells are “in place” of their origin only
Stage I: The cancer has invaded the cervix beneath the top layer of cells. It is found only in the cervix.
Stage II: The cancer extends beyond the cervix into nearby tissues. It extends to the upper part of the vagina. The cancer does not invade the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic wall (the lining of the part of the body between the hips).
Stage III: The cancer extends to the lower part of the vagina. It also may have spread to the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or other parts of the body.
Recurrent cancer: The cancer was treated, but has returned after a period of time during which it could not be detected. The cancer may show up again in the cervix or in other parts of the body.
Risk factors/causes of cervical cancer
There are certain risk factors that are mentioned below and females with these risk factors have a higher chance of developing cervical cancer. But it can’t be said for sure that these risk factors will ultimately lead to a cancerous situation. If there are more than a few risk factors involved then there is a higher probability that a female is at risk of cervical cancer. These factors are:
Weakened immune system or HIV infection
Age: Cancer of the cervix occurs most often in women over the age of 40.
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infection
Having more than one sexual partner as the risk of HPV infection increases
Smoking cigarettes: Women with an HPV infection who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of cervical cancer than women with HPV infection who do not smoke.
Using birth control pills for a long time: Using birth control pills for a long time (5 or more years) may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
Having many children: Studies suggest that giving birth to many children may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
Women who think they may be at risk for cancer of the cervix should discuss this concern with their doctor.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Precancerous changes and early cancers of the cervix generally do not cause pain or other symptoms. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.
When the disease gets worse, women may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before
Bleeding after menopause
Increased vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A woman with any of these symptoms should tell her doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Diagnosis of cervical cancerTo diagnose cervical cancer, a physician may advice the following tests:
Colposcopy
Biopsy
Chest X-ray
CT/CAT scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Treatment of cervical cancer
Treatment of cervical cancer can be overlooked by a gynecologist, a gynecologic, an oncologist, a medical oncologist, or a radiation oncologist
Methods of treatment
The following treatment methods are available to treat cervical cancer and a physician may use a combination of the following methods:
Surgery: Surgery includes hysterectomy or just removal of cancerous tissue and some tissue surrounding the tumor
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Source
Visitors' count
