|
Cervical cancer occurs in the lining of the cervix and slowly, over time, forms a malignant tumor. A number of factors can lead to the development of cervical cancer, although certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) are the leading cause. When a woman becomes infected with certain types of HPV and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop. If these abnormal cells aren't discovered early and treated, they can become cervical pre-cancers and then cancer.
Cervical cancer can be divided into two types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most prevalent type, occurring in about 80% to 90% of patients. The remaining percentage of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas and mixed carcinomas, which exhibit cells of both types.
Mutations of cervical cells, which can lead to cervical cancer, generally do not cause any symptoms. Therefore it is important that a woman be examined by her doctor. If the disease progresses without being diagnosed, women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain and/or bleeding after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam, longer than normal menstrual bleeding, or increased vaginal discharge. Other health problems may also cause these symptoms, but any woman experiencing these symptoms should see a physician.
Diagnosing cervical cancer starts with regular pap tests, followed by colposcopy, biopsy, cystoscopy, and/or proctoscopy to determine the stage and location of each tumor.
Treatment options for cervical cancer are based upon the severity of the cancer and the degree to which it has spread throughout a patient's body. The three types of treatment for cervical cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Sometimes two or more of these methods are needed to treat the cancer.
|
