Cervical Cancer FAQs

Cervical cancer is a common cancer amongst women. According to the Mayo Clinic, cervical cancer is prevalent amongst half of the women between the ages of 35 and 55. In many cases, the human papillomavirus plays a pivotal role in the development of cervical cancer. Most women, when infected with HPV, can combat the infection with their immune system. However, some women can harbor HPV in their body for years, until the virus converts itself into cancerous cells. Pap smear tests and a preventative vaccine can help combat cervical cancer.

Causes

• Within your body are normal cells that grow and eventually die. If these healthy cells become cancerous, the cancerous cells begin to multiply at a rapid rate. Cancer cells never die. Eventually the cancerous cells accumulate and form a large mass which becomes a tumor. According to the Mayo Clinic, HPV is involved in the development of cervical cancer, as most cases of diagnosed cervical cancer are caused by the virus. Other causes of cervical cancer can include genetics, environment and lifestyle choices.

Types

• Cervical cancer falls under two main types. Squamous cell carcinomas initially form as thin, flat cells. These cells line the bottom of your cervix. Adenocarcinomas appear in the upper part of your cervix. According to the Mayo Clinic, squamous carcinomas make up to more than 80 percent of cervical cancers, while adenocarcinomas make up nearly 20 percent.

Symptoms

• When you initially develop cervical cancer, symptoms are not apparent. As the disease progresses, cervical cancer symptoms are pronounced. You will have bleeding after intercourse or in between your periods. If you've gone through menopause, you will bleed if you develop cervical cancer. Intercourse may be painful, or you may hurt after having intercourse. You may also experience a watery, blood discharge, accompanied by a foul odor. It is important that if you develop any of these symptoms, to get evaluated by a physician.

Diagnosis

• If you get a pap smear, and the results come back abnormal, your physician will want to conduct a procedure known as a colpscopy. Your cervix is examined under a special microscope called a colpscope. If abnormal cells are detected, a biopsy is taken. If it is discovered that you have cervical caner, your physician will then stage the severity of your disease.

Stages

• There are five stages of cervical cancer, with the last stage being the worst. Stage O, is minimal, with the cancer being maintained within the cervix surface. Stage I cervical cancer is maintained within the cervix. Stage II is identified by the cancer spreading from your cervix to your uterus. Stage III is where the cancer is now located within your cervix, uterus, and lower regions of your vagina. Stage IV is considered to be aggressive. At this staging, the cancer has metastasized, and spread to your surrounding organs or bones.

Treatment Options

• Depending on the severity of your cervical cancer, treatments can range from noninvasive to invasive surgery procedures. Laser surgery can be used to kill off any cancerous or precancerous cells. Cells can be removed from the mouth of your cervix with a procedure known as LEEP, or electrosurgical excision procedure. Cryosurgery is a procedure where cancer or precancerous cells are frozen and killed. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be done to remove all parts of your sexual organs (i.e., cervix, uterus). Radiation or chemotherapy may also be considered in order to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Prevention/Solution

• Since cervical cancer is attributed to HPV, always use a condom when having intercourse. Also limit your amount of sexual partners, avoid smoking and get vaccinated. According to the Mayo Clinic, Gardisil is most effective in women who have not yet had sexual intercourse. This is due to not being exposed to HPV prior to being vaccinated. It is recommended that girls between the ages of 11 and 12 get vaccinated, as well as women between the ages of 13 and 26 (if not yet vaccinated). Regular pap tests are also necessary in order to screen for any abnormal cells.