Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix when the cells change in a woman’s cervix, which connects the uterus (the upper part where the fetus grows in the womb) and vagina (birth canal). Cancer starts when cells in the body grow uncontrollably.
When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system usually stops the virus from harming us. However, in a less no. of people, the virus survives for years, causing some cervical cells to become cancerous.
A person can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by getting a screening test and a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.
A cervix is covered with two different types of cells.
- The endocervix is the inner part of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells that make mucus.
- The ectocervix (also called exocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by gynecologists during the speculum exam. It is covered with squamous cells.
The place where the cell endocervix and ectocervix meet is called the Transformation Zone. Most cervical cancers start to develop in the transformation zone.
Cervical cancers types:
Two types of cervical cancer are :
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Most (up to 9 out of 10) cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers develop in the cells of the exocervix. It most often begins in the transformation zone.
- Adenocarcinoma: This is developed from glandular cells. It is also called clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma. It is a rare type of cervical adenocarcinoma.
Less commonly, cervical cancer has features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas known as adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas.
Symptoms of cervical cancers:
Early on, women with pre-cancers or early cancers usually have no symptoms, making it hard to detect at an early stage. Symptoms begin when the cancer becomes larger or has spread.
The most common symptoms of early-stage cancer are:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding after douching may also occur.
- Bleeding between periods or periods is heavier and longer than usual.
- An unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong odor or that contains blood.
- Pain during sex
Common symptoms of advanced cervical cancer:
- Painful bowel movements or rectum bleeding during bowel movement
- Urination that is painful or has blood in it
- Dull backache
- Swelling of legs
- Feeling exhausted
- Abdominal discomfort
These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions other than cervical cancer. Still, if you have these signs or symptoms, see a health professional as soon as possible. Ignoring these symptoms can delay your treatment and lower your chances of a successful outcome.
Diagnosis of cervical cancer:
If you have these symptoms or your screening test result shows the possibility of cervical cancer, the doctor will do follow-up tests, ask about your family’s medical history, and do some physical exams, such as pelvic exams and rectovaginal exams.
The following procedures to diagnose cervical cancer are
- Colposcopy: It is a procedure in which a health professional inserts a speculum to gently open the vagina and view the cervix. A vinegar solution was applied to the cervix to see the abnormal areas. Then the health professional places an instrument called a colposcope close to the vagina. It has a magnifying lens and a bright light that allows the health professional to look closely at the cervix. A colposcopy also includes a biopsy.
- Biopsy: In this procedure, a sample of tissue is removed from the cervix so that a pathologist can view it under a microscope and check for signs of cancer.
The following types of biopsies are used to check for cancer.
- Endocervical curettage: In this procedure, tissue or cells from the cervical canal are collected using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curettage.
- A punch biopsy is a procedure in which a small round of tissue is removed using a sharp, hollow, circular instrument. Many times, different areas of the cervix will be checked with a punch biopsy.
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): In this procedure, tissue from the cervix is removed using a thin wire loop, passing an electrical current. This is also used to remove early-stage cancer or pre-cancer. To numb the area doctor usually gives anesthesia.
- Cone biopsy is a procedure to remove a larger, cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervical canal or cervix. It is also used to treat precancer or early-stage cancer. This procedure is called conization.
Always consult your healthcare provider to learn about what to expect during and after the biopsy procedure.
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