Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus with the vagina. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case cervix cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

The cause of Cervical Cancer is unknown. Research suggests that some sexually transmitted viruses can cause cells in the cervix to begin the series of changes that can lead to cancer.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Scientists believe that cervical cancer develops when several risk factors act together.

• Infection of the cervix with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the primary risk factor for cervical cancer
• Sex: Female
• Age: over 25 years old
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexual activity prior to age 18
• First pregnancy prior to age 20
• History of not having Pap tests
• Smoking
• History or cervical dysplasia (a precancerous condition)
• Being a woman whose mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer usually do not appear until the abnormal cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may include:

• Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
• Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and is heavier than usual
• Bleeding after menopause
• Increased vaginal discharge that is not blood

Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. A woman experiencing these symptoms should see her doctor.

Tests to diagnose Cervical Cancer include: Pap Test – detects cervical cancer as well as precancerous tissues in the cervix, called cervical dysplasia. The doctor collects a sample of cells from the cervix to be tested.

Colposcopy – examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope

Biopsy – removal a sample of tissue from the cervix to be tested for cancer cells

Once Cervical Cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatments for Cervical Cancer depend on the stage of the cancer.

Treatments include:

Surgery – surgical removal of a cancerous tumor and nearby tissues, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. If the cancer has reached deeper layers of the cervix but has not spread beyond the cervix, the doctor may remove only the tumor. In some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus) is necessary; sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are removed.

Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy) – the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:

External Radiation Therapy - radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body.

Internal Radiation Therapy - radioactive materials placed into the cervix in or near the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells.

Biological Therapy – the use of medications or substances made by the body to increase or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer. Also called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

Finding and treating precancerous tissue in the cervix is the most effective way to prevent Cervical Cancer. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate schedule of check-ups.