Cervical cancer-Cancer occurs in the cervix cells

Cervical cancer

It is a type of cancer occurs in the cervix cells. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Causes: human papillomavirus (HPV strains).

When exposed to HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women, however, the virus survives for years to become cancer cells on the surface of the cervix.

Symptoms:

·        Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause

·        Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

·        Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor

Types of cervical cancer

·        Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

·        Squamous cell carcinoma:  Cancer begins in the squamous cells, (flat cells) thin lining the outer part of the cervix

Stages of cervical cancer:

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix.
• Stage II: Cancer is present in the upper portion of the vagina and cervix.
• Stage III: Cancer has moved to the lower portion of the vagina or internally to the pelvic side wall.
• Stage IV: Cancer spread to the rectum or bladder, liver, lungs or bones.

Risk factors

·        Early sexual activity: Having sex at an early age increases risk of HPV.

·        Many sexual partners: The greater the number of sexual partners the greater the chance of acquiring HPV.

·        Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Having other STIs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis and AIDS / HIV increases risk of HPV.

·        A weak immune system: If immune system is weakened by another health condition and the person have HPV.

·        Smoking:  Squamous cell cervical cancer associated with smoking.

Diagnosis:

Pap test: A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including the cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer and cancer cells.

During a Pap test, the doctor scrapes and brushes cells from cervix, which are then examined abnormalities in a lab.

• Cone biopsy: A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells.

Endocervical curettage, which uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curet) or a thin brush to scrape a tissue sample from the cervix.

Punch biopsy, which involves using a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue.

• HPV DNA test:  Testing the cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV leads to the cervical cancer.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as CT scans, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether cancer has spread beyond cervix.
• Visual examination of your bladder and rectum: The doctor may use special scopes to see inside bladder and rectum.

Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used.

Surgery: Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). This surgery can be used to cure the cervical cancer at early-stages and prevents the cancer recurrence.

·       Simple hysterectomy: It is usually an option only in very early-stage cervical cancer. The cervix and uterus are removed along with the cancer.

• Radical hysterectomy: The uterus, cervix, lymph nodes and the part of the vagina in the area are removed with the cancer.

Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given:

• Internally, by placing a device filled with radioactive material inside your vagina, usually for only a few minutes (brachytherapy)
• Externally, by directing a radiation beam at the affected area of the body (external beam radiation therapy)
• Both internally and externally  

Chemotherapy: Usually the medications injected into a vein, to kill cancer cells. Low doses of medications can be combined with radiation therapy; hence the effects of the radiation may enhance the chemotherapy.

Prevention: To reduce the risk of cervical cancer:

·        Have routine Pap tests: This test used to detect the cervix precancerous conditions; this can be treated or monitored in to prevent cervical cancer.

·        Get vaccinated against HPV: The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active. Vaccination is available for women and girls ages 9 to 26.

·        Practice safe sex: Using a condom, having fewer sexual partners and delaying intercourse may reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

·        Don't smoke

Cancer, cervix, vagina, lower part of uterus, human papillomavirus