What is Cervical Cancer?
When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. Receiving the HPV vaccine for girls between 9 and 45 years old can also be helpful. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
Cervical cancer Signs & Symptoms
Generally, early-stage cervical cancer does not generate any signs or symptoms. However, during the advanced stage of cervical cancer, there are some signs and symptoms including: After intercourse, vaginal bleeding Heavy vaginal discharge which has a smelly odor Bleeding after menopause Pain during intercourse Pelvic pain
Cervical cancer causes
When healthy cells in the cervix changes start to exist (mutations) in the DNA, cervical cancer begins. A cell’s DNA carries the directions that inform a cell what to do.
Healthy cells start to grow and multiply at an adjusted rate, in the end, die at a set time. The mutations inform the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, and they continue to live. Increasing abnormal cells form a tumor. Cancer cells occupy nearby tissues and can separate from a tumor to spread (metastasize) in other parts of the body.
There is no clear view on what causes cervical cancer, but it is definite that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in causing cervical cancer. HPV’s very common, and people who get infected with this virus generates a chance of developing cancer. Other factors such as your environment or your lifestyle also decide whether you will get cervical cancer.
Types of cervical cancer
Two main types of cervical cancer help you to determine the course of a disease and the treatment requirements are:
Squamous cell carcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) edging the outer part of the cervix (exocervix), which extends into the vagina. Nearly 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the glandular cells (column-shaped) that edge the cervical canal. In some cases, both types of cells get involved in cervical cancer. Exceptionally, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.
Cervical cancer risk factors
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Having sex with various partners Smoking Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) used for a long time Having given birth to three or more children Getting involved in early sexual contact
Complications of cervical cancer
Early Menopause – Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones. Narrowing of the vagina – Radiotherapy used to treat cervical cancer causes the vagina to become narrow which makes sex painful or difficult. Lymphoedema – If the lymph nodes in your pelvis are removed, the normal functioning of your lymphatic system gets disrupted.
When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. Receiving the HPV vaccine for girls between 9 and 45 years old can also be helpful. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
Cervical cancer Signs & Symptoms
Generally, early-stage cervical cancer does not generate any signs or symptoms. However, during the advanced stage of cervical cancer, there are some signs and symptoms including: After intercourse, vaginal bleeding Heavy vaginal discharge which has a smelly odor Bleeding after menopause Pain during intercourse Pelvic pain
Cervical cancer causes
When healthy cells in the cervix changes start to exist (mutations) in the DNA, cervical cancer begins. A cell’s DNA carries the directions that inform a cell what to do.
Healthy cells start to grow and multiply at an adjusted rate, in the end, die at a set time. The mutations inform the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, and they continue to live. Increasing abnormal cells form a tumor. Cancer cells occupy nearby tissues and can separate from a tumor to spread (metastasize) in other parts of the body.
There is no clear view on what causes cervical cancer, but it is definite that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in causing cervical cancer. HPV’s very common, and people who get infected with this virus generates a chance of developing cancer. Other factors such as your environment or your lifestyle also decide whether you will get cervical cancer.
Types of cervical cancer
Two main types of cervical cancer help you to determine the course of a disease and the treatment requirements are:
Squamous cell carcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) edging the outer part of the cervix (exocervix), which extends into the vagina. Nearly 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the glandular cells (column-shaped) that edge the cervical canal. In some cases, both types of cells get involved in cervical cancer. Exceptionally, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.
Cervical cancer risk factors
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Having sex with various partners Smoking Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) used for a long time Having given birth to three or more children Getting involved in early sexual contact
Complications of cervical cancer
Early Menopause – Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones. Narrowing of the vagina – Radiotherapy used to treat cervical cancer causes the vagina to become narrow which makes sex painful or difficult. Lymphoedema – If the lymph nodes in your pelvis are removed, the normal functioning of your lymphatic system gets disrupted.