A cancer that begins in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that links to the vagina) is called cervical cancer. There are multiple strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that contribute to most diagnosed cervical cancers. Normally, HPV is a common infection that often passes through sexual contact. In most cases, the immunity successfully prevents the virus from doing harm, but in some people, the virus may live for years. Thus, HPV plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer.
To reduce the risk of developing this cancer type, it is advised to have regular screening tests and vaccination against HPV infection.
Commonly, physicians recommend surgery for people with cervical cancer. However, other treatments also may be needed including targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and others.
Symptoms
In the early stages, cervical cancer often does not cause any symptoms, but then, the symptoms may include the following ones. Examples include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts commonly longer than usual
- Bloody and watery vaginal discharge that may have a foul odor
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual activity or between periods
- Painful sexual intercourse
If any of the symptoms listed above occur, immediately contact your doctor.
Causes
Like other cancer types, cervical cancer appears when cells in the cervix develop DNA mutations (changes). In normal circumstances, DNA holds instructions that tell cells when to grow, multiply, and die. For those who develop DNA mutations, cells receive different instructions that make them grow and multiply abnormally. Moreover, cancerous cells live much longer than healthy ones. When the abnormal cells become too much, they can form a mass called a tumor that usually invades healthy tissue and destroys it. In addition, large tumors may break and spread throughout the body negatively affecting other body structures and organs (such as the heart, lungs, brain, and others). In such cases, it is called metastatic cancer.
Most diagnosed cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus. However, some people with the virus will never experience health problems because it goes away on its own.
Cervical Cancer Types
Healthcare providers divided this cancer type according to the cell that is affected. Check below the primary cervical cancer types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma – In such cases, the cancer begins in the thin and flat cells known as squamous cells. They are located in the outer part of the cervix. In addition, this is the most common type of cervical cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma – This type starts in the column-shaped gland cells that are located in the cervical canal.
Sometimes, both cells develop DNA changes that lead to cancer. Moreover, some people may develop cervical cancer that negatively affects other cells, but it happens very rarely.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that may increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. These include:
- Smoking – People who smoke are at increased risk of developing this cancer type. Moreover, smoking may cause HPV infections to last longer.
- Number of sexual partners – People who have multiple sexual partners are at increased risk of getting HPV.
- Early sexual activity – The risk of human papillomavirus also increases significantly when sex begins at an early age.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – The following STIs also may increase the risk of getting HPV. For example herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.
- Weakened immune systems – The risks of getting HPV also increase in people with weakened immunity.
- Diethylstilbestrol (also called DES) – This is a medicine used previously to prevent miscarriages and it is linked with a cervical cancer type called clear cell adenocarcinoma.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent this cancer type but the following tips may help reduce the risk. Examples include:
- HPV vaccine – It is advised to get a vaccine against this infection because it helps reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and other cancers associated with human papillomavirus.
- Regular Pap tests – It helps detect precancerous conditions of the cervix. Generally, it is advised to begin Pap tests at 21 years old and repeat them every few years.
- Safe sexual activity – It is advised to use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity to reduce the risk of getting HPV, which is the most common cause of cervical cancer.
- Quit smoking or never begin
Diagnosis
Regular screening tests can identify precancerous conditions and cervical cancer in its early stages. Check below some screening tests:
- Pap test – During this test, doctors scrape and brush cells from the cervix and then examine them in the laboratory for abnormal cells. It helps identify cancer cells in the cervix and certain changes that increase the risk of developing this cancer type.
- HPV DNA test – It involves testing cervix cells for infection with any HPV types that lead to cervical cancer.
If doctors suspect you may have cervical cancer, they may perform a cervical examination. It involves a special tool called a colposcope used to check for abnormalities linked with the cancer. During the examination, doctors may also use punch biopsy and endocervical curettage to get a small sample of the cervix cells for testing. When the results are concerning, doctors may perform additional tests. For example:
- Electrical wire loop – This test involves a small and low-voltage wire to get a tissue sample. In some cases, this test is called a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
- Cone biopsy (also known as conization) – This test involves samples of deep cervical layers for testing. It usually is performed in the hospital.
In addition, once you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, doctors will perform additional tests to determine the stage (extent) of the cancer. These include imaging tests such as a CT (computerized tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, PET (positron emission tomography) scan, X-ray, and others. Identifying the extent of the cancer may help make the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment
Healthcare professionals usually recommend different treatments for people with cervical cancers because it depends on multiple factors. For example, the stage, size, and location of the tumor, your age and preferences, plans about future pregnancies, and others.
Surgery
This treatment is effective for people with localized cancers. It means the tumor has not spread to other body parts. Check below some surgeries usually recommended by doctors:
- Tumor removal – This surgery involves the removal of a tumor that is usually small. In some cases, it is possible to remove the tumor completely with a cone biopsy.
- Trachelectomy (a procedure to remove the cervix) – This procedure is used to remove the cancer, cervix, and some healthy tissue around. However, the uterus remains, which makes it possible to become pregnant. After surgery, doctors may recommend additional treatments to destroy cancer cells that may remain.
- Hysterectomy (surgery to remove the cervix and uterus) – In most cases, this cancer type does not spread beyond the cervix. This procedure is used to treat more advanced cancers and involves the removal of the cervix, uterus, a part of the vagina, and some nearby lymph nodes. Unfortunately, after a hysterectomy, it is not possible to become pregnant. This treatment also helps prevent cancer recurrence.
In some cases, doctors may recommend a minimally invasive hysterectomy to remove the tumor. It usually is effective for people with small cancers (also called microinvasive cancers). Furthermore, people who choose this treatment tend to recover faster.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells. This energy usually comes from X-rays, protons, and other sources. In most cases, this treatment is combined with chemotherapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment for people with advanced-stage cancer. This therapy can be given to patients in different ways. For example:
- External beam radiation therapy (it involves machinery that delivers radiation exactly to the tumor)
- Brachytherapy (this type involves a radioactive material that is placed in the vagina for several minutes)
- Sometimes, people require both radiation therapy types.
Chemotherapy
This treatment involves strong drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Healthcare professionals often prescribe chemotherapy for people with metastatic cancers. It also helps lessen the symptoms and shrink the tumor. These drugs are usually given to the patients intravenously (IV), but a pill form also is available.
Targeted Therapy
This treatment also involves medications that block certain chemicals in the cancer cells, causing them to die. Targeted therapy is usually prescribed by doctors when other treatments do not work or for advanced-stage cancers. However, doctors may perform some tests on the cancer cells to determine whether this therapy will be effective for you or not.
Immunotherapy
Generally, cancerous cells produce some substances that help them hide from the immune system. Immunotherapy uses medicines that boost the immunity that helps find and destroy cancer cells. This treatment also is prescribed for people with advanced cancer stages and when other treatments do not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cervical cancer be cured?
Yes, especially if it is found in the early stages. Commonly, for people with small tumors surgery or radiation therapy is enough to cure the cancer. For more details, discuss it with your physician.
What is the biggest indicator of cancer?
However, there are multiple symptoms that may indicate cancer. These include lumps, unusual weight changes, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and pain. However, previous symptoms can happen due to other health problems. That’s why if you experience symptoms that cause concerns, you should visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What is the survival rate for cervical cancer?
In the early stages, the 5-year survival rate for people with cervical cancer is 90%. However, if the cancer advances this survival rate decreases gradually. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
