CERVICAL CANCER - WARNING TO WOMEN
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women in our country.
Cervical cancer is malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area, the lower part of the uterus that enters the vagina. Normal cervical cells may gradually undergo changes to become precancerous and then cancerous. It may be present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages.
Cervix :
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The upper part, or body, of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina.
Cervical cancer is malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area, the lower part of the uterus that enters the vagina. Normal cervical cells may gradually undergo changes to become precancerous and then cancerous. It may be present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages.
Cervix :
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The upper part, or body, of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina.
FIG 1: Transverse section of the genital organs
Cervical Cancer :
Cervical cancer (fig 2) develops in the lining of the cervix. This condition usually develops over time. Normal cervical cells may gradually undergo changes to become precancerous and then cancerous.
FIG 2 : Showing cervical cancer
Types of Cervical Cancers :
Cervical cancers and Cervical pre-cancers are classified by how they look under a microscope. There are two main types of cervical cancers:
Squamous cell carcinoma: These cancers are from the squamous cells that
cover the surface of the exocervix (part next to vagina).
Adenocarcinomas: These develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of
the endocervix (part close to the body of uterus).
Less commonly, cervical cancers have features of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. These are called adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas. About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. The remaining 10% to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas.
Causes :
Cervical cancer is more common in women middle aged women and in women of poor socioeconomic status
The cause of scervical cancer is unknown. But usually two types of infections namely Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are known to cause cervical cancer.
Risk Factors :
Following women have more risk of getting cervical cancer than their counterparts.
· Women with multiple sexual partners.
· Women suffering from sexually transmitted disease (STD)
· Smokers.
Signs and Symptoms : Symptoms that may occur includes:
· Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting after sexual intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, increased menstrual bleeding) .
· Abnormal (yellow, odorous) vaginal discharge.
Painful sexual intercourse
Low back pain
Cervical cancer that has spread to other organs may cause constipation. It may also cause blood in the urine, abnormal opening in the cervix(fistula) & urinary obustruction.
Diagnosis :
The diagnosis are based on the results of the physical exam and biopsy. Many of the diagnostic tests described below are not necessary for every patient. Some of the diagnostics tests for cervical cancer are:
· Medical history and physical exam done to examine the cervix and cervical cells.
· Cystoscopy, protoscopy and examination under anesthesia- examination of bladder and rectum.
· Imaging studies- Chest x-ray, ultrasound scanning, Computed tomography (CT),
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Intravenous urography and Positron
emission tomography.
Prevention :
Following measures may deduce the chances of getting cervical cancer in a women.
Not smoking
· Having regular Pap smears
· Using condoms
· Limiting the number of sexual partners
Treatment :
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Some of them are:
Surgical treatment involves removal of entire uterus and adjoining affected organs
Radiation: After surgery, radiation may be used to decrease the risk for recurrence.
Chemotherapy uses toxic drugs, tablets or injections to destroy cancer cells.
Conclusion :
Cancer of the cervix often can be cured, if it is detected and treated early.It is very important to every women especially after the age of 30 years to undergo annual medical check up which should include a pap smear.
Cervical cancers and Cervical pre-cancers are classified by how they look under a microscope. There are two main types of cervical cancers:
Squamous cell carcinoma: These cancers are from the squamous cells that
cover the surface of the exocervix (part next to vagina).
Adenocarcinomas: These develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of
the endocervix (part close to the body of uterus).
Less commonly, cervical cancers have features of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. These are called adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas. About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. The remaining 10% to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas.
Causes :
Cervical cancer is more common in women middle aged women and in women of poor socioeconomic status
The cause of scervical cancer is unknown. But usually two types of infections namely Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are known to cause cervical cancer.
Risk Factors :
Following women have more risk of getting cervical cancer than their counterparts.
· Women with multiple sexual partners.
· Women suffering from sexually transmitted disease (STD)
· Smokers.
Signs and Symptoms : Symptoms that may occur includes:
· Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting after sexual intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, increased menstrual bleeding) .
· Abnormal (yellow, odorous) vaginal discharge.
Painful sexual intercourse
Low back pain
Cervical cancer that has spread to other organs may cause constipation. It may also cause blood in the urine, abnormal opening in the cervix(fistula) & urinary obustruction.
Diagnosis :
The diagnosis are based on the results of the physical exam and biopsy. Many of the diagnostic tests described below are not necessary for every patient. Some of the diagnostics tests for cervical cancer are:
· Medical history and physical exam done to examine the cervix and cervical cells.
· Cystoscopy, protoscopy and examination under anesthesia- examination of bladder and rectum.
· Imaging studies- Chest x-ray, ultrasound scanning, Computed tomography (CT),
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Intravenous urography and Positron
emission tomography.
Prevention :
Following measures may deduce the chances of getting cervical cancer in a women.
Not smoking
· Having regular Pap smears
· Using condoms
· Limiting the number of sexual partners
Treatment :
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Some of them are:
Surgical treatment involves removal of entire uterus and adjoining affected organs
Radiation: After surgery, radiation may be used to decrease the risk for recurrence.
Chemotherapy uses toxic drugs, tablets or injections to destroy cancer cells.
Conclusion :
Cancer of the cervix often can be cured, if it is detected and treated early.It is very important to every women especially after the age of 30 years to undergo annual medical check up which should include a pap smear.
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