Important Things to Know About This Often-Preventable Condition
What is cervical cancer?
In the lower, narrow end of the uterus, abnormal cells can slowly begin to appear in the cervical tissue, an occurrence known as dysplasia. Over time, these cells can become cancerous, growing and spreading throughout the surrounding areas, unless they are noticed, removed or destroyed.
There are three main types of cervical cancers, named for the cells where they appear.
- Squamous cell carcinoma. Up to 90% of diagnoses develop from cells in the ectocervix.
- Adenocarcinoma. This type develops in the glandular cells of the endocervix.
- Mixed (or adenosquamous) carcinoma. Features both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
It’s rare for cancer to develop in other cells in the cervix. However, it’s possible for cervical cancer to develop from human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Luckily, there are ways to help prevent this from happening.
Cervical cancer causes, risk factors and prevention
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can clear up on its own. Typically, the body can overcome the condition in about a year or two, unless you have a weakened immune system. An HPV infection that lasts over a few years is more likely to impact the cervical cells and cause a precancerous lesion. If the lesion is not addressed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
There are several factors that increase the risk of this happening, including:
- Becoming sexually active at a young age (before 18)
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Being immunocompromised or taking medicine to suppress your immune response
- Smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke
- Using oral contraceptives
- Giving birth to many children
- Obesity
Even if you have these risk factors, you can still decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer. The key is being proactive and taking the following actions:
- Routine cervical cancer screening. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist usually include an HPV and pap smear test. The frequency of these tests depends on the results.
- Follow-up treatment when needed. If a test comes back showing abnormal cells, additional appointments for further testing and procedures may be recommended.
- HPV vaccination. This vaccine offers the most protection before a person becomes sexually active. While it can help prevent cancer caused by different types of HPV, it is not effective for preventing all types or for treating an existing infection.
To help increase your chances of preventing and treating cervical cancer, pay attention to any symptoms and contact your doctor at the first signs.
Cervical cancer symptoms
Early cervical cancer stages are often hard to detect since symptoms usually begin after the cancer has already spread. Some cervical cancer signs also accompany other less serious conditions, yet these are the warnings you shouldn’t ignore:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause, sex or between periods
- Heavier periods that last longer than normal
- Watery discharge with a strong odor or signs of blood
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
Once the cancer has spread beyond the cervix, patients may also experience the following:
- Difficult or painful urination or bowel movements with signs of blood
- Backache
- Swollen legs
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
Since many of these symptoms could also be caused by other conditions, it’s important to discuss any concerns with a health professional and get properly screened. Ignoring the signs can increase the chances of the cancer spreading, delaying treatment and decreasing its effectiveness.
What comes after a cervical cancer diagnosis?
If HPV and pap smear test results come back abnormal, additional imaging and lab tests could be ordered to further evaluate the cells. A colposcopy and cervical biopsy are two procedures used to help assess any abnormalities. There’s still a chance abnormal cervical cells are not cancerous and do not require treatment. However, any high-grade cell changes have a greater chance of becoming cancerous and need to be removed or destroyed. These treatment options include:
- Conization: removing a cone-shaped piece of abnormal tissue from the cervix and cervical canal
- Laser Therapy: a narrow beam of light destroys the abnormal tissue
- Cryotherapy: a cold probe freezes the abnormal tissue
These procedures are usually done in a doctor’s office or as an outpatient procedure and may only require general anesthesia.
Depending on the patient and stage, chemotherapy and radiation may also be recommended treatment options for cervical cancer. Targeted therapy can help block the spread of abnormal cells and immunotherapy can be used to help strengthen the immune system.
A total hysterectomy is another option used to treat advanced lesions that have spread through the uterus and cervix. Infertility can be a long-term effect of cancer treatment. It’s crucial to discuss all your options with your doctor and care team.
Because of the way it’s contracted, cervical cancer can come with additional stigma and guilt. It’s important to remember that HPV infections are common and most do not cause cancer. Any cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but it can also be treatable. Having support is paramount. Talk with your doctor about counseling groups and other resources that can help you cope.
Source: National Cancer Institute