Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (sometimes also called as the uterine cervix) is malignant cancer in the cervical area (the lower, narrow part of the womb) where a fetus grows. This kind of cancerous ailment occurs in women only as only the women have cervix. This disease affects the female reproductive system but can often be cured if diagnosed early. Unlike other cancer, cervical cancer also takes form through two types of tumor- benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are not life threatening but malignant tumors are very harmful. When malignant cells in the cervix begin to grow unusually and take form as a tumor and affecting harmfully nearby tissues spread to other parts of the body, it is called cervical cancer. More often cervical cancer is caused due to a virus called human papilloma virus or HPV (HPV is sexually transmitted virus that is passed from person to person through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex). Unsafe sex without condom with more than one partner or unfaithful sexual relations is some other cause to generate this disease.

The common symptoms of cervical cancer are- bleeding from the vagina that is not normal change in menstrual cycle, bleeding after sexual intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge (may be foul smelling), pelvic or back pain on urination blood in the stool or urine. There are mainly three kinds of cervical cancer which are Squamous cell carcinoma (a most common cervical cancer which occurs in the surface of the cervix), Aden carcinoma (in which cancerous cell grows in the glands of the cervix) and Adenosquamous carcinomas (carrying characteristics of both the above).

Treatment of cervical cancer can be performed through various methods depending on the type of cervical cancer and the stage of the disease. Initially surgeon observes for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix through a microscope. After examining the cells, doctor prepares treatment procedure. It can be treated either through surgery (such as a hysterectomy) or chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Sometimes more than one procedure is performed in combined. Oncologist or surgeon refers the treatment according to the nature of the cells. It is advised to the patients that avoid intercourse for several weeks after the treatment. At the end of treatment of cervical cancer, Pap tests are advised in every 2 months in initial first year, every 4 months during the next year, every 6 months in the third and fourth year after surgery, and once a year thereafter.