Cervical cancer ?causes and symptoms

The second most common malignancy in women worldwide is cervical cancer. This is also a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries. It usually affects middle aged women and may be either of preinvasive or invasive types. In the preinvasive kind, the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells whereas in the invasive kind the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells.

The lining of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that enters the vagina can be affected by cervical cancer. Those this type of cancer don’t always spread, in cases where it is seen to spread, the first parts that are affected are the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Cause
Cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes the development of cervical cancer, which is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Women who smoke often face the problem of cervical carcinoma. Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner, a history of sexually transmitted disease, sexual intercourse at a young age also triggers cervical cancer.

Signs and Symptoms
There will be absolutely no symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer. Advanced stage of the disease in patients may lead to symptoms such loss of appetite, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, weight loss, leg pain, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

Diagnosis
The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test has been used to screen for the prevalence of this condition in women. Confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. A precursor to cervical cancer is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia that is often diagnosed on examination of cervical biopsies by a pathologist.

Other Risk Factors
Those women who eat less of fruits and vegetables, and who have used oral contraceptives for a long time may be at increased risk for cervical cancer. Women who have had many full term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Prevention
There is a vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer and screening tests are also available. The vaccine known as Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV. Studies also show that new cervical tumors may eventually be reduced by as much as 97% in those areas where vaccination is introduced.

Treatment
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor and the age and general health of the woman. Total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery or laser destruction will help treat preinvasive type. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma therapy may include hysterectomy and radiation therapy.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but there may be some unintentional omission of information. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on within this article.

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