Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
Introduction
Cervical cancer is a cancer of the female reproductive organ. It occur when abnormal cells around the cervix begins to grows uncontrollably. The cervix is a loop-like structure that demarcates the vagina from the womb. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancers in women worldwide. All women aged 25+ need regular pap smears until they are age 70. Cervical can be effectively treated if detected early.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina
Symptoms
- Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- Increased vaginal discharge,
- Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding after menopause
- bleeding between menstrual periods,
- bleeding during and after douching
- Pain in the lower belly or pelvis.
- Pain during sex,
- Sciatica
- Pelvic or lower back pains
- Weight loss and
- Bowel or bladder fistula
Causes and Risk factors:
- Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) infection,
- Sexual intercourse with an infected person
- Smoking,
- Having many sexual partners,
- Taking birth control pills, and
- Young females who began sexual intercourse at earlier age
Effects:
- HPV infection may cause cervical dysplasia,
- Abnormal growth of cervical cells.
Diagnosis
- Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.
- Chest X-rays,CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan may be used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment options for cervical cancer include:
- Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment than cancer that begins in other parts of the uterus.
- Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery.
- Radiation Therapy, and
- Chemotherapy.
Recommendation:
- Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix.
- You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.
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