Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Cervical Cancer

• Cervical Carcinoma

 

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It happens when normal cells in the cervix begin to change and grow out of control, forming a tumor. These changes usually happen slowly over time.

 

There are two main types of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type, making up about 80-90% of cervical cancers. It starts in the flat, thin cells (called squamous cells) that line the outer part of the cervix.

• Adenocarcinoma: This type develops in the glandular cells lining the cervix's inner part. It's less common, accounting for about 10-20% of cervical cancers.

• Sometimes, cervical cancer can have features of both types, which is called adenosquamous carcinoma or mixed carcinoma.

 

Before cancer develops, the cells go through a stage called dysplasia, where abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. These precancerous changes are often found during routine Pap tests. If not treated, these abnormal cells can eventually become cancer cells and spread deeper into the cervix and surrounding areas.

 

The main cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. While most people with HPV never develop cervical cancer, it's important to get regular screenings and practice safe sex to reduce the risk.

 

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Smoking

• Having a weakened immune system

• Having multiple sexual partners

• Starting sexual activity at a young age

• Taking birth control pills for a long time

• Having given birth to many children

 

Symptoms of early cervical cancer are often not noticeable, which is why regular screenings are so important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Pain during sex

• Pelvic pain

 

Cervical cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:

• Pap test

• HPV test

• Colposcopy (a procedure to closely examine the cervix)

• Biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope)

 

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:

• Surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

 

Trend
• In the United States, about 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023.

• Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with around 660,000 new cases in 2022.

• The highest rates of cervical cancer are found in low- and middle-income countries.

• The amount of new cases has been declining due to improved prevention and early detection methods.

 

History
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the United States. However, the widespread use of the Pap test for cervical cancer screening starting in the 1950s has significantly reduced the number of cases and deaths.

 

In the 1980s, researchers discovered the link between HPV and cervical cancer, leading to the development of HPV vaccines. The first HPV vaccine was approved in 2006, providing another powerful tool for prevention.

 

Today, cervical cancer is often caught early and is more treatable than ever before, thanks to advances in screening, vaccination, and treatment methods.

 

Source of Information

• National Cancer Institute

• World Health Organization

• Mayo Clinic

 

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.