What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer begins in cells of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. When cells in the cervix begin to grow abnormally, it is called dysplasia. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it can lead to cancer if not treated. Once cancer forms, there are three possible types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This cancer starts in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the cervix and is by far the most common form of cervical cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the gland cells of the endocervix, the opening of the uterus
- Mixed carcinoma: This is cancer in both types of cells
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer are often mild and may be overlooked. Precancerous cells in the cervix usually cause no symptoms until the cells turn into cancerous cells, which grow and invade the deepest parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs. Symptoms of cervical cancer often appear like symptoms of other conditions. Symptoms may include:
Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. It is important to see your primary care physician if you have any of these symptoms.
- Vaginal discharge: You may have a watery or unusual discharge
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Your may have bleeding between your periods or after sex. Blood flow during your period may be heavier and last longer than usual. Or you may have bleeding after menopause
- Pain: You may have pain during sex or pain in the pelvic area not from sex or other activities
Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. It is important to see your primary care physician if you have any of these symptoms.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV includes a group of 150 related viruses, some of which cause genital warts. HPV is very common and often goes away on its own. When other risk factors are present, HPV may lead to cervical cancer. Talk to your primary care physician about your risk for cervical cancer.
Diagnoses
Regular visits to your gynecologist should help identify early signs of cervical cancer. During your pelvic exam, your physician will look for masses and irregularities on the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva. A Pap test will check for the presence of cancer cells on the cervix. If cancer is suspected, you may receive diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s advancement. Tests include:
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of interior organs
- CT scan: A CT scan is an imaging procedure that creates detailed or three-dimensional images
- MRI: MRIs make detailed images using a magnetic field instead of radiation
- Colposcopy: Your physician views the cervix and vagina with a lighted, magnifying lens
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): The cervix is dilated so abnormal tissue can be removed from the cervical canal and uterine lining
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): This procedure uses a heated wire loop to remove cells and tissue
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed for examination under a microscope
- Laparoscopy: A thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen sends images to a video monitor
- Blood tests: A sample of your blood is taken for examination