Cervical Cancer:
Cervical Cancer:
Cervical Cancer:Cervical cancer is a type of cancer found in the cervix of women. This cancer can be particularly dangerous, as it generally shows no symptoms in the early onset stages. Due to this factor it is extremely important for women to get yearly pap smears. Most cervical cancer is detected through pap smears. As with any cancer, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the prognosis for treatment.
The cervix is the organ that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer happens when cells mutate. In later stages of cervical cancer, the cancer can spread throughout the vagina into other areas of the body including the bladder, rectum, lungs and more.
Pap smears are recommended for women who are sexually active. If women are not sexually active, a gynecologist can advise the appropriate age to have a first pap smear.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is more commonly known as genital warts. HPV is a virus that stays in the body even when there are no physical symptoms. HPV cannot be cured. Some people may carry HPV without ever experiencing symptoms, while others may have warts appear in or around the genital area. HPV can show up years after contraction. Most adults have been infected with HPV at some time in their life. Most outbreaks will clear up on their own.
The Cancer Institute estimates there will be 12,200 cases of cervical cancer in 2010 with 4,210 deaths as a result.
There are several factors that may increase the odds of developing cervical cancer. These factors include smoking, a weak immune system caused by an illness such as HIV or AIDS, birth control taken in excess of five years (risk decreases when birth control is discontinued). The more children a woman has may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
In later stages of cervical cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding may occur. This bleeding may happen between periods, during or after sex, or after menopause. A woman may also experience pain in her pelvis and pain during sexual intercourse.
If a pap smear shows irregular cells, then more thorough testing may be required. This can include a colposcopy or biopsy. There are several means for taking a biopsy, so consult with a gynecologist to find out which method will be the best for you. The biopsy removes a portion of the growth to test for cancer.
There are several stages of cervical cancer. The increase in number reflects the increase in severity of the condition. Stage One reflects cancer that is limited to the cervix. In Stage Two, the cancer has moved to the upper portion of the vagina. In Stage Three the cancer has moved to the lower portion of the vagina and possibly the pelvic wall. In Stage Four, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It is important to get more than one opinion before undergoing surgery. Pap smears are not 100% effective. If your pap smear is irregular you may ask for another one to be done. If you do have cervical cancer, you may want to consult with more than one gynecologist to best determine your course of treatment.
Post treatment, be sure to visit a gynecologist regularly to ensure the cancer doesn't return.