Cervical Cancer

Overview

Cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix, is an abnormal growth of malignant (cancer) cellsin the cervix. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect the reproductive organs in a woman's body. One of the most common causes of cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted infection of HPV, or the human papillomavirus. Cervical cancer cases usually occur in women between the ages of 35 and 55 years. The death rate from cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the past five decades, because Pap test screening has allowed for more instances of the cancer to be caught early.

Types

The types of cervical cancer, based on the abnormality of the cells are:

• ASCUS - Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.
• LSIL - Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.
• HSIL - High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

Symptoms

Early stages of the cancer do not produce any signs or symptoms at all. As the cancer progresses, there are a number of signs and symptoms that may eventually appear. Those symptoms include: vaginal bleeding that occurs after intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause, watery and bloody vaginal discharge that may have a heavy consistency and an odor and pelvic pain or pain that exists during sexual intercourse.

Causes/Risk Factors

Nearly 80 percent of the cervical cancers are squamous cell cancers, but cervical cancer can also occur in the glandular cells which are present in the cervix's upper portion. The exact cause for cervical cancer is not yet known, but this form of cancer has been linked with the human papillomavirus, which is a sexually transmitted infection. Some of the causes for cervical cancer include having many sexual partners or early sexual activity, possessing other sexually transmitted infections or diseases, smoking cigarettes or having a weak immune system. Using birth control pills for a long time or having many children may also lead to cervical cancer.

Tests/Diagnosis

Cervical cancer can be detected through regular screenings. It is recommended for all women, especially for those above the age of 21. Screenings should include Pap test and HPV-DNA testing, which can detect abnormal cells in the cervix. A colonoscopy is another method for diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Treatment

Treatments for cervical cancer depend on tumor size and location, disease stage and the patient's age and overall health. Limited and non-invasive forms of the cancer treatment may include a cone biopsy, laser surgery, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cryosurgery or a hysterectomy. For invasive forms of cervical cancer on the other hand, surgery and radiation are the most preferred methods of treatment. In early stages, cervical cancer can be completely cured by a hysterectomy. Chemotherapy is another suitable treatment for this form of cancer in some circumstances.