About Cervical Cancer
By Wefayo on
Condition Name and Other Names
Cervical Cancer
Cervical Carcinoma
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It begins when normal cells in the cervix change and grow out of control, forming a tumor. These changes usually happen slowly over time. The main cause is a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity.
There are two main types of cervical cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma: The most common type (about 80-90% of cases), starting in the flat, thin cells lining the outer cervix.
Adenocarcinoma: Develops in the glandular cells lining the cervix's inner part (about 10-20% of cases).
Sometimes, it can have features of both, called adenosquamous carcinoma or mixed carcinoma.
Before cancer develops, cells go through a precancerous stage called dysplasia, which is often found during routine Pap tests.
Risk Factors
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
Symptoms of early cervical cancer are often not noticeable, which is why regular screenings are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain during sex
Pelvic pain
Diagnosis
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
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Statistics and Trends
The amount of new cases has been declining due to improved prevention and early detection methods.
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.
History
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the United States.
The widespread use of the Pap test for screening starting in the 1950s 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.
Sources of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.