Cervical Cancer Warning Signs

Cervical cancer is a very common cancer that affects woman. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually occurs in women over the age of 30 and affects the reproductive organs. The best way to detect cervical cancer early on is to have regular Pap tests as scheduled by your doctor. Beyond regular Pap smears, you should also reduce the risks associated with developing cervical cancer. Recognizing the signs and symptoms and seeking medical evaluation and treatment immediately can help produce a favorable outcome.

Types

• There are two types of cervical cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas begins in flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix. The majority, 80 to 90 percent, of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, according to the Mayo Clinic. The other type of cervical cancer is adenocarcinoma, which forms in the glandular cells of the upper part of the cervix. The cause of squamous and glandular cells developing into cancer still isn't clear. Researchers do know that human papillomavirus is involved. In nearly all cervical cancers, HPV is found.

Risk Factors

• You are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer if you have a weakened immune system. If you develop an HPV infection and have a weakened immune system your chances of developing cervical cancer increases. There is now a vaccine, Gardasil, which prevents HPV and reduces the occurrence of cervical cancer. This is recommended for those 11 to 12 years of age and also for those 13 to 26 years of age if they haven't already received the vaccine.

  There are also lifestyle choices that can increase your risk. If you have a large number of sexual partners, had early sexual activity and have other sexually transmitted diseases you have a greater risk of acquiring HPV. This increases your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Warning Signs

• The symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the cancer has progressed. Early on, there are generally no signs or symptoms of the cancer. Once the cancer has progressed there are several warning signs that you need to pay attention to. If you notice vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause, this can be a warning sign and you will want to notify your doctor right away. Also, you may experience watery, bloody discharge that has a foul odor or pelvic pain with or without intercourse. Any of these are warning signs that need to be taken seriously.

Diagnosis

• Upon telling your doctor of any signs you have been experiencing that may indicate cervical cancer, your doctor will want to run some tests. First she will examine your cervix for any abnormalities. If there are any found your doctor will take a sample of cells for a biopsy. Your doctor may perform what is known as a cone biopsy. This will allow him to obtain deeper layers of tissue for better testing. If the biopsy comes back and it is indeed cervical cancer, more tests will need to be done. These tests include imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray. This will help your doctor identify if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.

Treatment

• Treatment for non-invasive cancer can be as simple as removing the abnormal cells from the cervix. This can be done by laser surgery or cryosurgery. Cryosurgery freezes and kills the cancerous cells. If the cancer is found to be invasive, other treatment may be required. This can include a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus. This will leave the patient unable to get pregnant but prevents the cancer from coming back. Other options include radiation and chemotherapy.