WOMEN – Be Careful from Cervical Cancer. Take a Peek Why It Loves You More?

Cervical cancer is common among women; an estimated figure of 15,000 women in the US suffers from cervical cancer every other year. Cancer of the cervix is among the cancer that attacks the reproductive organs of women; and it is usually caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Cancer of the cervix is of two types: they are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. The former is the one that is common.

Cervical cancer is preceded by dysplasia (a precancerous process undergone by the cervical cells).  As the cells of the cervix undergo precancerous changes, abnormal cells start appearing in the tissues of the cervix. These abnormal cells might vanish without treatment in some women; but it is better to treat them to avoid any chance of cancer sprouting up from them. The annual Pap test is specifically meant to test the precancerous changes. This test has contributed immensely in reducing the case of death of women in US as a result of cancer of the cervix; this is because early detection through this test is followed up by treatment successfully.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Virtually every case of cervical cancer is caused by papillomavirus (HPV); a virus that is transmitted sexually. Sometimes, those with papillomavirus are not aware of its presence in their reproductive system because it goes away on its own most of the times. But it is better to treat it if noticed, so that it will not lead to a bigger problem. HPV is of two types – low and high risk. The growth of cancer is usually stimulated by the high risk type of HPV.

The Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Like several other types of cancer, cervical cancer might have no obvious symptom. However, checkups carried out yearly can help in early detection of the disease. This test should include checks for abnormal cells growth in the cervix using a Pap test. Also watch out for symptoms such as watery vaginal discharge that is not usual, pelvic discharge or pain, vaginal bleeding and similar symptoms. Remember that a visit to the doctor will confirm what the symptoms are signifying through test; as some of these symptoms might not signify the presence of cancer in the cervix.

Cervical Cancer Test

Once a Pap test detects cancer of the cervix; one of the first steps for diagnosis is close examination of the cervix by the doctor using a colposcopy. For closer examination of the cervical cells, another common test that is carried out is biopsy. When cancer is detected in the cervix through the biopsy, the doctor will refer the individual to a gynecologic oncologist whose specialty is cervix cancer treatment. The gynecologic oncologist might carry out further tests to determine the coverage of the cancer. There are other types of test that might be carried out too; as the doctor specifies.

Preventive Measures

Regular Pap test is a way of preventing the disease. Also a HPV test which can be performed alongside with a Pap test is important. Other preventive measures will help in avoiding risk factors and they include; avoidance of multiple sex partners and a sexual partner who have had intercourse with many partners, having safe sex, delay sex until at an older age.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

Three methods of treatment are used in treating cancer of the cervix; they are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The doctor will determine which method is appropriate for each person’s case. There’s much to know about treatment for cancer of the cervix