Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer?

Cancer of the cervix occurs when abnormal cells of the cervix Click here to see an illustration. grow uncontrollably. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cancer of the cervix can often be cured when found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test.

What causes cervical cancer?

Most cervical cancers are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact with a person who has it. There are several types of HPV. Not all types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause symptoms.

For HPV for years and not know it. It remains in the body and can lead to cervical cancer years after you are infected. Therefore, it is important that you have regular Pap tests. Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous. If you work with these cell changes can prevent cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms?

abnormal changes in cervical cells rarely cause symptoms. But you may have symptoms if these changes in cell growth in cancer of the cervix. The symptoms of cervical cancer of the uterus can be:

• inside the vagina is not normal, or a change in your menstrual cycle can not be explained.
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sex or when a diaphragm pain during intercourse.
• Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood.

How are diagnosed with cervical cancer?

As part of the normal pelvic exam, you should have a Pap test. During the Pap test the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface to find cervical cell changes. If the Pap test shows abnormal cell changes, your doctor may do other tests to look for cancer cells or cancer in your cervix.
Your doctor may also do a Pap test and take a tissue sample (biopsy) if you have symptoms of cervical cancer, such as bleeding after intercourse.

How is it treated?

Cervical cancer is caught early can usually be cured. If cancer is detected early, you may still be able to have children after treatment.
Treatment for most stages of cervical cancer, to remove the cancer and makes you incapable of having children. These treatments include:

• hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes, with or without the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.

Depending on the number of cancer has increased, may have one or more treatments. And you can have a combination of treatments.
It is not uncommon to feel scared, sad or angry when he discovers he has cancer of the cervix. Talking with others who have had the disease can help you feel better. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. You can also find people online who will share their experiences with you.

Perhaps prevented cervical cancer?

The Pap test is the best way to find changes in cervical cells that can lead to cervical cancer. Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they become cancer. It is important to follow your doctor after an abnormal Pap test to treat abnormal cell changes. This can help prevent cervical cancer.
A vaccine called Gardasil protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. You get three shots over 6 months. The vaccine is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years. It is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years who have not received the vaccine when they were young.

The virus that causes cervical cancer is spread by sexual contact. The best way to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease is not sex. If you have sex, safer sex practices, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.