Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The most common cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The development of cervical cancer is a gradual process that typically begins with pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.
What is cervix?
The cervix is the bottom section of the uterus (womb) that connects it to the vagina. It is cylindrical and is often described as a narrow passage or canal. It is covered with cell-based tissues. These healthy cells can develop into precancerous cells.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of related viruses, and some strains are considered high-risk because they are associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the long-term infection of the cervix with high-risk HPV types.
Here are key factors related to the development of cervical cancer:
HPV infection: Persistent infection with high-risk HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and most sexually active individuals will be exposed to the virus at some point in their lives.
Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system, which can result from conditions such as HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive medications, may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Smoking: Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers. Smoking may contribute to the progression of HPV-related cervical lesions.
Long-term usage of birth control tablets may increase the risk of cervical cancer, according to studies. However, the increased risk appears to diminish after discontinuing the use of birth control pills.
Is cervical cancer common?
Cervical cancer is considered common globally, but its prevalence varies widely between different regions and countries. It is more prevalent in less developed areas where access to healthcare, cervical cancer screening, and HPV vaccination may be limited. In more developed countries with effective screening programs, the incidence of cervical cancer tends to be lower.
Nowadays, cervical cancer is a significant health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. However, it is important to note that the implementation of cervical cancer prevention strategies, such as HPV vaccination and regular screenings, has contributed to a decline in the incidence of cervical cancer in some regions.
Cervical cancer symptoms
The initial stages of cervical cancer are frequently symptomless and difficult to diagnose. Cervical cancer symptoms may not appear for several years. Detecting abnormal cells during cervical cancer screenings is the most effective strategy to prevent cervical cancer.
Watery or bloody vaginal discharge can be thick and have an unpleasant odor.
Vaginal bleeding occurs after sexual activity, throughout menstrual periods, or during menopause.
Menstrual periods may be longer and more frequent than usual.
Urination can be challenging or painful, and there may be blood in the pee.
Diarrhea, soreness, or bleeding from the rectum during urinating.
Tiredness, losing weight, and decreased appetite.
An overall sense of disease.
Pelvic or abdominal pain.
You should know that these symptoms can also be caused by various other conditions unrelated to cancer. If you have irregular bleeding, vaginal discharge, or any other unexplained symptoms, you should undergo a full gynecological exam.
How to diagnose cervical cancer
Diagnosing cervical cancer involves a combination of screening tests, diagnostic procedures, and clinical evaluation. Regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and intervention. The two primary screening methods are the Pap smear and HPV test.
The Pap smear, or Pap test, involves collecting cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam. These cells are then examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal changes. If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic tests may be recommended.
The HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. It can be performed with a Pap smear or as a standalone test. A positive result may indicate the need for additional testing.
If screening tests suggest abnormalities, additional diagnostic procedures may be performed. One common diagnostic procedure is a colposcopy, where a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix for abnormal areas closely. During a colposcopy, a biopsy may be taken to obtain a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis.
If the biopsy confirms the presence of cervical cancer, further imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI, may be conducted to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas. These diagnostic steps collectively guide healthcare professionals in formulating an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the specific characteristics of the cancer.
People need to discuss their screening history, symptoms, and any concerns with their healthcare provider. Early diagnosis through regular screenings and prompt follow-up on any abnormal results significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery from cervical cancer.
Treatment solutions
Cervical cancer can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Radiation:
Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to damage or destroy cancer cells. It is a localized treatment aimed at shrinking tumors and preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. It is a systemic treatment that circulates throughout the body, targeting both cancer cells and normal cells that divide quickly.
Surgery:
Surgery is a medical procedure in which a surgeon removes tumors or cancerous tissues from the body. Some surgeries for cervical cancer:
Conization (or Cone Biopsy)
Hysterectomy
Radical Hysterectomy
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that specifically target molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy aims to interfere with specific cancer-related molecules while causing minimal harm to normal cells.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural immune response to recognize and attack cancer cells. It includes various approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies, to boost the immune system’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells.