About Cervical Cancer

Almost all cases of cervical cancer (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Persistent infection with specific types of HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer. This type of cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 35 to 44, with the average age at diagnosis being around 50. Additionally, women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those without HIV. Regular screenings and HPV vaccinations are essential in preventing cervical cancer and ensuring early detection.

Types Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer treatment encompasses various types, with the majority being classified as squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Understanding these types is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s an overview of the primary types of cervical cancer:

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for about 70-90% of cases. It originates in the squamous cells lining the cervix. It often develops from precancerous changes in the cervix due to persistent HPV infection.
2. Adenocarcinoma: This type arises from the glandular cells in the cervix and makes up about 10-20% of cervical cancer cases. Adenocarcinomas can be more challenging to detect through Pap tests compared to squamous cell carcinomas.
3. Mixed Carcinoma: In some cases, cervical cancer can be a combination of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. This mixed type may require a more tailored treatment approach.
4. Other Rare Types: Although less common, there are other types of cervical cancer, such as small cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors, which may require specific treatment strategies due to their unique characteristics.

Understanding these types is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV vaccinations, critical for early detection. As the cancer progresses, it may manifest various symptoms, which can be subtle and easily overlooked. Common symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This can occur between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
• Unusual Discharge: A watery, blood-stained, or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina may indicate cervical cancer.
• Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic area, especially during intercourse, can be a sign of cervical cancer.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity may arise as the cancer progresses.
• Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, such as heavier or longer periods, may occur.
• Swelling of the Legs: Lymphedema or swelling in the legs can result from the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and is primarily caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with cervical cancer is crucial for prevention and early detection. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV Infection: Most cervical cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. While there are numerous types of HPV, high-risk strains, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are most commonly associated with cervical cancer. HPV infections are prevalent, but in most cases, the body clears them naturally. However, when the virus persists over time, it can result in cellular changes that may lead to the development of cancer.

2. Chronic HPV Infection

• Long-term Infection: When an HPV infection persists for several years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells. These changes are known as precancerous lesions, which, if left untreated, have the potential to progress to cervical cancer. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears, are crucial for detecting these precancerous changes early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment to prevent cancer development.

3. Smoking

• Tobacco Use: Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the DNA in cervical cells and make it easier for HPV infections to lead to cancer.

4. Weakened Immune System

• Immune System Issues: A weakened immune system, such as from HIV or certain medications, can make it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections and other diseases, increasing cancer risk.

5. Early Sexual Activity

• Early Sexual Activity: Having sex at a young age or having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of HPV infection.

6. Lack of Regular Screening

• Not Getting Pap Smears: Regular Pap smears and HPV tests can find precancerous changes early. Not having these screenings increases the risk of developing advanced cervical cancer.

Complications of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can lead to several complications, especially if it is not diagnosed and treated early. Here are some common complications:

1. Spread to Other Organs

• Metastasis: Cancer of the cervical region has the potential to travel to distant organs like the liver, lungs, or bones, as well as to adjacent organs like the bladder and rectum. This may result in new symptoms and complicate the treatment of cervical cancer.

2. Pain and Discomfort

• Pelvic Pain: As the cancer spreads, it may result in excruciating pelvic pain. This pain could worsen and get in the way of everyday tasks.

3. Urinary and Bowel Problems

• Bladder and Rectal Problems: Prostate and rectum can be impacted by advanced cervical cancer, which can result in issues including intestinal obstruction, blood in the urine, trouble peeing, or frequent urination.

4. Vaginal Bleeding and Discharge

• Abnormal Bleeding: Women with cervical cancer may experience abnormal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause. There might also be unusual vaginal discharge that can be watery, bloody, or have a bad odor.

5. Lymphedema

• Swelling in the Legs: If cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and they are removed or damaged, it can cause swelling in the legs or groin area, known as lymphedema.

Procedure of Cervical Cancer

The course of treatment for cervical cancer varies according to the patient’s general health, the type of treatment chosen, and the disease’s stage. A variety of therapies are often used in treatment, and the medical staff will customize the plan to fit the unique needs of each patient. An outline of the typical cervical cancer treatment protocols is provided below:

• Surgery:

Conization (Cone Biopsy): A cone-shaped piece of aberrant cervical tissue is removed during this surgery. It is frequently used to identify and treat precancerous lesions or cervical cancer in its very early stages.

Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy may be necessary if the malignancy is confined to the cervix. A total (removal of the uterus and cervix) or radical (removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues) hysterectomy may be necessary, depending on the severity of the disease.

Lymph Node Dissection: To look for signs of cancer spread, it is occasionally necessary to remove lymph nodes from the abdomen and pelvis.

• Radiation Therapy:

External Beam Radiation: To target and eliminate cancer cells, high-energy X-rays are aimed from outside the body towards the pelvis.

Brachytherapy: To more accurately treat the malignancy, this method entails putting a radiation source right inside the cervix. It can be utilized with external beam radiation or without it.

• Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is a medication used to treat cervical cancer that uses potent chemicals to destroy your body’s rapidly proliferating cells. Since cancer cells proliferate and expand far more swiftly than most other cells in the body, chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for cancer. Drugs are used in chemotherapy to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be taken orally or intravenously, and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments as well as in advance of them.

• Targeted Therapy:

Medication known as “targeted therapy” focuses on the precise proteins and biological pathways that contribute to the development of cancer. One example of a targeted treatment for advanced cervical cancer is bevacizumab. There are various kinds. Biological therapies may also be used to describe certain of them. They could be taken alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Some are administered as injections, pills, or by drip into a vein.

• Immunotherapy:

Some patients may receive immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system’s response against the cancer.