Cervical cancer is an extremely common type of cancer among women. In fact, it is the second leading cause of gynecological cancer today. This type of cancer is almost always caused by a sexually transmitted disease known as human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is slow in its development. Yearly screenings with your gynecologist can catch cervical cancer in its early stages through a test called a pap smear. During a pap smear your doctor can detect abnormal cells growing in the cervical area. These cells are commonly referred to as dysplasia. It does not matter what your age, all women are potential candidates for this disease.
Who Is At Risk for Cervical Cancer?
- Women exposed through sexual intercourse to the HPV virus
- Women with multiple sex partners
- Smokers
- Lower socio-economic groups
- If you already have a compromised immune system
- Becoming sexually active at an early age ( before the age of 15)
- Having sex with a high risk partner, such as someone with multiple partners or an active past sexual history
- After contracting other sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, syphillis, chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Organ transplant patients
- Hodgkin’s disease patients
- Engaging in sex with uncircumcised partners slightly increased risk
Cervical Cancer Prevention
The best way to prevent this disease, is to take the precautions listed above. Make sure that you get your annual screening. The American Cancer Society recommends screening begin at age 18 or younger if you are sexually active. Any time you switch sexual partners, you should follow up with a pap smear as a precaution. Women who smoke greatly increase their risk, so if you smoke you would do well to quit.
Currently, a vaccine is being developed that would guard against the HPV virus. This type of vaccine could and would cut down on cases of cervical cancer dramatically.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical cancer
As in so many types of cancer, the early stages can go unnoticed. Here is a list of signs that you may experience with cervical cancer. These signs are also common to other disorders. if you find that you have several of these signs and are not screening for cervical cancer yearly, please see your doctor.
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause or premenopause
- Bleeding in between your cycle
- Heavier and longer lasting bleeding during menstruation
- Painful urination
- Blood in stool or urine
- Pelvic or back pain
- Painful intercourse
- Vagina warts
Diagnosis
The best way to get diagnosed is through a pap smear and pelvic exam. A pap smear is a simple test performed in the doctor’s office. The doctor will take a small smear of cells from the vagina and cervix area to be sent to a lab for examination. If a test shows abnormal cells, your doctor may perform a biopsy and advise you on treatment options.
Classifications of Pap Smears
- Normal
- Mild changes
- Pre-cancerous cells present
- Invasive cancer
Pre-Cancerous Lesions
If a woman has a low grade lesion, the doctor may choose to watch it carefully.
In some instances the biopsy can remove the entire lesion. Another option is cryosurgery, a surgery that freezes the cells. A second type of minor surgery is called a leep. This is similar to a biopsy. A conization is similar except it cuts at a thicker piece to remove the affected area. Sometimes this is referred to as a wedge. Finally, laser surgery may be performed in certain instances.
Cervical Cancer Treatments
Treatment will depend on a variety of things; Patients age, health, how advanced the cancer is, tumor size, patients desire for children in the future. You will want to discuss your options with your doctor. Cervical dysplasia/HPV/cancer can be scary. Be sure to ask your doctor for as much updated information on the subject as possible.
Surgery
Surgery is preferred when lesions are small. This type of surgery is called a cone biopsy. More drastic surgeries, such as a hysterectomy may be advised if the surgeon feels that your life is in danger. You will want to discuss your options with your doctor.
If a woman is past her child bearing age, she may opt for a hysterectomy if she has had reoccurring cases and or the doctor feels it is warranted.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy cuts down on reoccurrence. Most often it is used in advanced stages, but not always.
Radiation
Radiation or radiotherapy is very effective with cervical cancer. If a patient is not well enough to undergo surgery this may be the best option.
Two Different Schools of Thought on Cervical Cancer
I would like to point out that because not enough is known about this virus, doctors are divided on theory.
Group 1- Believes that you can never get rid of the HPV virus. It may stay dormant for years and then rise up again.
Group 2- Believes that once HPV is gone you can’t get the same strain again. If you do get infected, it is because it is a new strain. In fact, some doctors believe there are anywhere between 100- 300 strains of this one virus called HPV. Some of these strains are more dangerous than others.
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment.
