Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman's pregnancy. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina (birth canal), which leads to the outside of the body.

Types of Cervical Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma - About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are composed of cells that resemble the flat, thin cells called squamous cells that cover the surface of the endocervix. Squamous cell carcinomas most often begin where the ectocervix joins the endocervix.

Adenocarcinoma - The remaining 10% to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are becoming more common in women born in the last 20 to 30 years. Cervical adenocarcinoma develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. Less commonly, cervical cancers have features of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. These are called adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas.

Causes and Risk factors of Cervical cancer

Sexual activity - Increase in HPV by having sexual activity before the age of 18 years.

Weak immune system - Cervical cancer may be developing by the weak immune system and infection with HPV.

Multiple sexual partners - If a person has many sexual partners, this is very risky of getting the HPV.

Smoking - smoking is not good for health. Cervical cancer can be developed by using tobacco.

Other serious diseases - If a patient who has gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, syphilis and Chlamydia like diseases, then there is a chance to get cervical cancer.

Symptoms of Cervical cancer

Early cervical cancer is often asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms). In women who receive regular screening, the first sign of the disease is usually an abnormal Pap test result. Symptoms that may occur include the following:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting after sexual intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, increased menstrual bleeding)
Abnormal (yellow, odorous) vaginal discharge
Low back pain
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Painful urination (dysuria)

Diagnosis of Cervical cancer

A number of special tests are usually necessary to confirm a cervical cancer diagnosis. They include:

Biopsy - A biopsy is usually necessary to make a definite diagnosis of cancer. Cells or tissues are removed from the cervix and checked under a microscope. If the cells are cancerous, they may be studied further to see how fast they are growing. There are many ways to do a biopsy.

Colposcopy - During this procedure, the cells of the cervix are viewed closely and a sample of tissue is removed from the cervix. The doctor inserts a speculum and an instrument with a built-in microscope (colposcope) into the vagina to see the tissue on the surface of the cervix more clearly. A sample of the tissue is removed with a scalpel, a fine heated wire (LEEP or LLETZ), or a laser.

Cone biopsy - During this procedure a cone-shaped piece of tissues is removed from the cervix. It is a surgical procedure that may be done with a local or general anesthetic.

Imaging studies - X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans (computerized axial tomography), MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and bone scans allow organs, tissues and bones to be examined in more detail. They may be uncomfortable but are usually painless. Blood tests - Blood is taken and studied to see if the different types of blood cells are normal in number and appearance. The results will show how well your organs are working if you have anemia from cervical bleeding.

Treatment of Cervical cancer

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Surgery and radiation are the most common treatments for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy may also be used to treat cervical cancer.

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy

Surgical - Is radical hysterectomy , which is the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, adjacent lymph nodes, and part of the vagina. If cancer has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes in the abdomen, lymphadenectomy (surgical removal of lymph nodes) may also be performed.

Radiation therapy - High-energy rays shrink tumors by killing the cancer cells. The radiation destroys the ability of cancer cells to reproduce. Premenopausal women will experience menopause because their ovarian functions are destroyed by the radiation.

Chemotherapy - These anti-cancer drugs enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your entire body. Chemotherapy enhances the effects of radiation in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Prevention Tips of Cervical cancer

The best ways to prevent cervical cancer are to:

Wearing condoms during sexual activities.
Have fewer sexual partners.
Avoid smoking.
Have a pap test according to the age and sexual activities.

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