Definition

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus, also known as the womb. It connects the uterus with the vagina.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. With cervical cancer, epithelial cervix cells that line the cervical canal divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a controlled manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

Cervical Cancer Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Research suggests that some sexually transmitted viruses like human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause cervical cells to begin the changes that can lead to cancer.

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that may increase your risk of cervical cancer include:

• Infection of the cervix with HPV—the main risk factor for cervical cancer
• History of cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition
• Being a woman whose mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES)during pregnancy
• HIV/AIDS
• Age: over 25 years old
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexual activity prior to age 18
• First pregnancy prior to age 20
• Smoking

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms usually do not appear until the abnormal cells become cancerous. Then, they invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may include:

• Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
• Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and is heavier than usual
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Increased vaginal discharge that is not blood

These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor.

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will need to examine your vagina and cervix. Tissue may need to be tested. This can be done with:

• Colposcopy
• Biopsy

Treatment    TOP

After cervical cancer is found, more tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix, and, if so, to what extent. This process is called staging. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer.

Treatments include:

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention    TOP

Finding and treating precancerous tissue in the cervix is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should have pelvic exams and Pap tests done. Another good approach is to reduce your risk of exposure to the HPV virus. There are currently two methods to do this:

• Safe sexual practice—Limit the number of sexual partners and use latex condoms.
• HPV vaccines—The vaccines protect you against some types of HPV. One vaccine, called Gardasil, is used to prevent cervical cancer by protecting against four types of HPV. Another vaccine, called Cervarix, is also approved for prevention by protecting against two HPV types. The vaccines are routinely given to girls aged 11-12 years old. A catch-up vaccine is given to young women who haven't been vaccinated.