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Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer observed in women, with over 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year. About 95% of cervical cancer cases develop due to a virus called HPV.
The cervix, the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, is also known as the cervix or cervical neck. The cervix, a strong muscle, opens and expands during childbirth.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. Various types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection, cause cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system fights the virus and prevents it from causing damage. However, in a small percentage of individuals, the virus does not disappear and contributes to the process that leads some cervical cells to become cancerous. You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by getting screened and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection. However, since the vaccine only works against specific types of HPV, it cannot completely eliminate the risk of cervical cancer.
“What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?” is one of the most commonly asked questions. Additionally, early-stage cervical cancer symptoms may not be noticeable by the individual. The following are symptoms of more advanced cervical cancer:
Symptoms of cervical cancer may not cause skin formations like warts. Warts arise from other types of HPV. However, if an individual has been diagnosed with genital warts, they should be closely monitored.
Even if the early signs of cervical cancer are not noticed by the individual, they may become evident during screening tests such as a smear test and during a doctor’s examination.
“What is a smear test or Pap smear?” is another frequently asked question. The Pap smear test is a painless procedure. While the patient is lying down during a gynecological exam, a special tool resembling a brush is used to take a sample from the cervix. This sample is sent to a laboratory, where pathologists examine the cells under a microscope to determine whether they are normal. The smear test is not solely a test for cervical cancer; it also identifies pre-cancerous cells or tissues that may lead to cancer. The Pap smear test should be routinely performed on women over 21 years of age. It can detect cervical cancer early and potentially save lives. Patients should not engage in sexual intercourse, wash the vagina, or use medications such as suppositories or creams vaginally for 48 hours prior to the smear test.
Cervical cancer begins when changes (mutations) occur in the DNA of healthy cells in the cervix. The DNA of a cell contains instructions that tell the cell what it should do.
Healthy cells grow and divide over a certain period, and eventually, they die. Mutations that lead to cancer cause cells to continue dividing uncontrollably. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can detach from a tumor to spread to any part of the body (metastasis).
HPV plays a significant role in cervical cancer. HPV is a very common virus, but most people with the virus may never develop cancer. In addition to the presence of the virus, environmental factors may also play a role in whether or not an individual develops cervical cancer.
The type of cervical cancer you have helps determine the prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are:
Sometimes, both cell types may be present in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer can occur in other cells of the cervix.
The treatment for cervical cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, any other health issues you may have, and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three may be used.
Surgery: Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with surgery. Which operation is best for you depends on the size and stage of your cancer and whether you wish to become pregnant in the future. Some surgical options can be summarized as follows:
Instead of a large incision, a minimal invasive hysterectomy, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen, may be an option for early-stage cervical cancer. Individuals undergoing minimally invasive surgery often heal faster and stay in the hospital for less time. However, some studies have shown that minimally invasive hysterectomy may be less effective than traditional hysterectomy.
Radiation: Radiation therapy is frequently combined with chemotherapy as the primary treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. It may also be used after surgery if there is an increased risk of cancer recurrence.
Radiation therapy can be delivered in various ways:
If you have not yet gone through menopause, radiation therapy can cause menopause.
Chemotherapy is a medication treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. It can be administered through a vein or taken in pill form. Sometimes both methods are used. Low-dose chemotherapy is generally combined with radiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer, as chemotherapy can enhance the effects of radiation. Higher doses of chemotherapy may be recommended to help control symptoms of advanced cancer.
Targeted drug therapies focus on specific weaknesses found in cancer cells with certain mutations. By exploiting these weaknesses, targeted therapies can lead to the death of cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy is usually combined with chemotherapy and may also be an option for advanced cervical cancer.
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Your body’s immune system, which fights diseases, may not attack cancer because cancer cells produce proteins that are not recognized by immune system cells. Immunotherapy works by intervening in this process. For cervical cancer, immunotherapy may be considered when the cancer has progressed and other treatments have failed.
Palliative care is a specialized medical care focused on relieving pain and other symptoms of serious illness. When used alongside all other appropriate treatments, palliative care can help cancer patients feel better and live longer.
Most people diagnosed with cervical cancer ask questions like “how many years does cervical cancer take to kill?” The prognosis for cervical cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer when the patient is diagnosed, the type of cancer cells found, and other factors. Each cancer is categorized into stages. Generally, it may take 10 to 15 years for changes in the cervix to progress to advanced-stage cancer.
For all your questions regarding cervical cancer and its symptoms, you can reach us at 444 39 49.
Let us call you as soon as possible regarding the issues you want to consult.
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