Table of Contents
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix plays a crucial role in childbirth by allowing the passage of a baby from the uterus to the vagina.
Cervical cancer is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Persistent infection with certain high-risk types of HPV can lead to changes in the cervical cells, increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer over time. However, not all HPV infections lead to cancer, and in many cases, the immune system can clear the virus on its own.
Types of cervical cancer:
The vast majority of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas. These types differ based on the types of cells in the cervix where the cancer originates. Here are the main types of cervical cancer:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
- This is the most common type, accounting for about 70-90% of all cervical cancers.
- It originates in the squamous epithelial cells lining the cervix.
- Squamous cell carcinoma often develops in the transformation zone of the cervix, where most precancerous and cancerous changes occur.
- Adenocarcinoma:
- This type accounts for about 10-25% of cervical cancers.
- Adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular cells that produce mucus in the endocervix.
- It tends to occur higher in the cervix and may be more difficult to detect early through Pap smears.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma:
- This is a less common type, representing about 3-8% of cervical cancers.
- Adenosquamous carcinoma has features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Small Cell Carcinoma:
- This is a rare and aggressive type, accounting for less than 5% of cervical cancers.
- It is composed of small, round cells and tends to grow and spread quickly.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
In its early stages, cervical cancer may cause very minor symptoms or none at all.
Common symptoms of early cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding when you do not expect it — for example, between periods, after menopause or after sex
- heavier or longer periods than usual
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain
- pain during sex
Symptoms of more advanced cancer are uncommon, but include:
- feeling very tired
- leg pain or swelling
- lower back pain
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that can be transmitted through sexual contact, and it is the most common sexually transmitted infection. However, not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer, and most infections are cleared by the immune system without causing any health problems.
The high-risk types of HPV, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to be strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. The virus can infect the cells of the cervix, leading to changes in the DNA of the infected cells. If the immune system is unable to clear the infection, these changes can progress to precancerous lesions and, eventually, to cervical cancer.
Other factors that may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer include:
- Smoking: Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Tobacco byproducts have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke, and this may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive drugs, can increase the risk of persistent HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer.
- Long-term Use of Birth Control Pills: Some studies suggest that long-term use of oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer.
- Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in sexual activity at a young age increases the risk of HPV exposure.
- Lack of Screening: Lack of regular Pap smears (Pap tests) or HPV tests for cervical cancer screening can contribute to late detection and diagnosis.
What are the stages of cervical cancer?
- Stage I: Cancer is found only in your cervix. It hasn’t spread and is small.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond your cervix and uterus but hasn’t yet spread to your pelvic wall (the tissues that line the part of the body between your hips) or your vagina.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower part of your vagina and may have spread to your pelvic wall, ureters (tubes that carry urine) and nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to your bladder, rectum or other parts of the body like your bones or lungs.
How is cervical cancer treated?
The cervical cancer treatment team includes a gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in cancers of female reproductive organs). Recommended treatment for cervical cancer is based on many factors including the stage of the disease, your age and general health, and if you want children in the future.
The treatments for cervical cancer are radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses energy beams to kill cancer cells on your cervix. There are two types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Aims high-powered radiation at cancer from a machine outside your body.
- Brachytherapy: Puts the radiation in or just near cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (chemo) uses drugs that are injected through your veins or taken by mouth to kill cancer cells. It enters your blood and is effective for killing cells anywhere in your body. There are several drugs used for chemo and they can be combined. Chemo is often given in cycles. The length of the cycle and the schedule or frequency of chemotherapy varies depending on the drug used and where cancer is located.
Surgery
Different kinds of surgery are used to treat cervical cancer. Some of the most common kinds of surgery for cervical cancer include:
- Laser surgery: This surgery uses a laser beam to burn off cancer cells.
- Cryosurgery: This surgery freezes cancer cells.
- Cone biopsy: A surgery in which a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from your cervix.
- Simple hysterectomy: This surgery involves the removal of your uterus but not the tissue next to your uterus. Your vagina and pelvic lymph nodes aren’t removed.
- Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection: With this surgery, your uterus, surrounding tissue called the parametrium, your cervix, a small portion of the upper part of your vagina and lymph nodes from your pelvis are removed.
- Trachelectomy: This procedure removes your cervix and the upper part of your vagina but not your uterus.
- Pelvic exenteration: This is the same as a radical hysterectomy but includes your bladder, vagina, rectum and part of your colon, depending on where cancer has spread.
In its earliest stages, the disease is curable by removing the cancerous tissue. In other cases, your provider may perform a simple hysterectomy or a radical hysterectomy.
Some people may have a combination of treatments. Your provider may use radiation or chemotherapy to treat cancer that has spread or come back (recurred). Sometimes your provider will use radiation and chemotherapy before or after surgery.
Targeted therapy
Targeted drug treatment destroys specific cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. It works by targeting proteins that control how cancer cells grow and spread. As scientists learn more about cancer cells, they’re able to design better-targeted treatments that destroy these proteins.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medicine to stimulate your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells can also avoid being attacked by your immune system by sending off a signal. Immunotherapy helps to target these signals so the cancer cells can’t trick your body into thinking it’s a healthy cell.
Clinical trials are another treatment option. They’re controlled research studies to test new treatments for cancer. Talk to your oncologist if you’d like to participate in a clinical trial.
Some people use alternative treatments like diet, herbs, acupuncture and other methods to supplement their cancer treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative methods that claim to relieve cancer symptoms. Some may help, but others could be harmful.
Prevention of cervical cancer :
Preventing cervical cancer involves a combination of vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular screenings. Here are some key measures to help prevent cervical cancer:
- HPV Vaccination:
- The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil 9 and Cervarix, are designed to protect against the most common high-risk HPV types, including those associated with cervical cancer.
- Vaccination is recommended for both males and females, typically starting in adolescence. It is most effective when administered before sexual activity begins.
- Safe Sexual Practices:
- Practice safe sex by using barrier methods such as condoms, which can reduce the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Limit the number of sexual partners to decrease the risk of exposure to HPV.
- Regular Screenings:
- Undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap smears (Pap tests) and HPV tests, as recommended by healthcare professionals.
- Pap smears can detect abnormal changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous, while HPV tests can identify high-risk HPV infections.
- Early detection allows for prompt intervention and treatment.
- Quit Smoking:
- Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can contribute to overall health and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
- Limit Birth Control Pill Use:
- Long-term use of birth control pills has been associated with a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer. Discuss contraceptive options with your healthcare provider.
- Maintain a Healthy Immune System:
- A healthy immune system is better able to clear HPV infections. Maintain overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Education and Awareness:
- Stay informed about cervical cancer risks, prevention methods, and the importance of early detection.
- Encourage others, including friends and family, to prioritize cervical cancer prevention and screening.
FAQs on Cervical Cancer:
Q1: What is cervical cancer?
A1: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is often caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Q2: What causes cervical cancer?
A2: The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV. Other factors, such as smoking, weakened immune system, long-term use of birth control pills, and multiple sexual partners, can also contribute to the risk.
Q3: How can cervical cancer be prevented?
A3: Cervical cancer prevention involves HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices, regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests), quitting smoking, limiting birth control pill use, maintaining a healthy immune system, and staying informed about risks and prevention methods.
Q4: At what age should HPV vaccination be administered?
A4: HPV vaccination is typically recommended for both males and females starting in adolescence. It is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity.
Q5: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
A5: Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge. However, early-stage cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.
Q6: How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
A6: Cervical cancer is often diagnosed through Pap smears (Pap tests), HPV tests, and further diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and biopsy. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Q7: What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
A7: Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination depending on the stage and extent of the cancer. The specific treatment plan is determined by healthcare professionals.
Q8: Is cervical cancer curable?
A8: Yes, cervical cancer is often curable, especially when detected early. Regular screenings, vaccination, and prompt medical intervention contribute to successful outcomes.
Q9: How often should women undergo cervical cancer screenings?
A9: The frequency of screenings may vary based on age, risk factors, and individual health. Healthcare professionals typically recommend regular screenings starting in the late teens or early twenties.
Q10: Can cervical cancer be inherited?
A10: No, cervical cancer is not typically inherited. It is primarily caused by environmental factors, especially persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, along with other risk factors. However, a family history of cervical cancer may warrant closer monitoring and preventive measures.