Malignant (cancerous) cells growing in the tissue of the cervix are known as cervical cancer. The cancerous cells grow slowly over time; as the malignant cells expand, they can spread to surrounding tissue. Only women can get cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that leads into the vagina.
Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells go through changes known as dysplasia — the appearance of abnormal cells. Cervical cancer does not usually have any noticeable signs in the early stages. However, the abnormal cells can be detected with a yearly check up, including a Pap smear. A Pap smear collects cells from the cervix and vagina during a pelvic exam; the cells are then viewed under a microscope.
Other tests to detect cervical cancer include a colposcopy — using a thin, lighted tube or scope to look inside the vagina and cervix — or a biopsy.
What puts a woman at risk for cervical cancer? The biggest risk for developing cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Not all women with HPV infection develop cervical cancer, but many do. Other risk factors include giving birth to many children, having many sexual partners, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and having a weakened immune system.
The sooner you discover the cervical cancer, the better your chance of recovery is. All women should have a yearly check-up, including a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix and the HPV virus. Annual testing is the best way to determine whether or not you have cervical cancer. There are a few symptoms you may develop — like vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain — but they could also be caused by something other than cervical cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, your treatment options and prognosis depend on several things. The stage of the cancer — how early it has been detected, and how much of the cervix and surrounding tissue has been affected — is key in determining a treatment plan. The size of the tumor and type of cancer also impact the treatment plan. The patient’s age and desire to have children is also taken into consideration.
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