Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the cervix, which is the end of the uterus. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The most common type of cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells lining the cervix. Adenocarcinoma, which begins in the glandular cells, is the second most common type of cervical cancer.
While cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screenings and vaccines, it is still one of the leading causes of death among women around the world. In this blog post, we will take a look at cervical cancer - its symptoms, diagnosis methods, and cervical cancer treatment options.
How is Cervical Cancer Caused? Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many types of HPV, and some can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cancer.
HPV risk factors include:
Early onset of sexual activity: risk is double with onset below 18yrs.
Multiple sexual partners: triple risk for 6+ sexual partners
High-risk sexual partner: partner with HPV
History of STIs
Early age at first birth/multiple births: likely due to sexual exposure to HPV
Immunosuppression (for example from HIV infection)
Non-HPV risk factors for cervical cancer are as follows:
Low socio-economic status
Oral contraceptive use: associated with OCP use greater than 5 years, risk increase goes away after 10 years of no OCP use.
Cigarette smoking: increases risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 50%
Family history of cervical cancer: this may suggest a genetic component, but could also be due to similar environmental exposures
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. This may include:
Unusual bleeding, such as in between periods, after sex, or after menopause
Vaginal discharge that looks or smells different than usual
Pain in the pelvis
Urge to urinate more often
Pain during urination
If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bone pain
How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
There are a few different ways that cervical cancer can be diagnosed. A Pap test, which is also called a Pap smear, is the most common way to find cervical cancer early. During a Pap test, your doctor will take a small sample of cells from your cervix and look at them under a microscope.
If the results of your Pap test are abnormal, you may need to have another test called a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, your doctor will use a magnifying instrument to look at your cervix more closely. If abnormal cells are found, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken.
Your doctor may also do tests to find out how far it has spread and what type it is. These tests include:
• X-rays
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
• CT (computed tomography) scans
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans
What are the Treatment options for Cervical Cancer?
There are a few different ways for cervical cancer treatment, and the method used will depend on how far along the cancer is.
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)
If the cancer is caught early, a cone biopsy or LEEP procedure may be all that is needed to remove the cancerous tissue.
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
A hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus surgically, may be required if cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy
For ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is typically delivered orally (by mouth), intravenously (through a vein) or directly into the abdomen through a catheter, in a treatment called intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy deprives ovarian cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow, including estrogen.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy drugs called PARP inhibitors, which are designed to stop tumor cells from repairing themselves, are often used to treat ovarian cancer. Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a serious health concern, but with early detection and the right treatments, individuals can fight back against the disease. With proper screening, women and their healthcare providers can catch cervical cancer in its earliest stages and work together to develop an effective treatment plan that will give them the best possible outcome. Using world-class equipment and an expert team, HCG provides one of the best cancer treatments.
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