Cervical Cancer (Cervix) – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Posterior half of uterus and upper part of vagina. Figure 1167 from Gray’s Anatomy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cervix in Female Reproductive System:

‘Cervix’ is an important organ of the female reproductive system of the women. Externally it opens into the vagina and internally into the uterus. It secretes cervical mucus and helps in the passage of spermatozoa into the uterus and helps in fertility. In non pregnant women it is smaller and expands at the time of delivery and allows passage of the new born.

Cancer cervix is a common cancer affecting women in the age group of 45- 65 years. In spite of its frequency it is one of the cancers in women which can be diagnosed early and prevented or cured. It develops slowly and if screened at regular intervals the changes in the cells of cervix can be detected early and treated. A simple PAP smear test is usually sufficient for its detection. Because of the early detection of the cancer it is declining slowly in many of the developed countries. However it is a major cause of death in women in developing countries. If neglected it spreads to other areas of the body like lungs, liver, vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum.

Causes of Cervical Cancer:

• The cause of cervical cancer is not clear but “Human Papillomavirus” is reported to be associated in the cause of the cancer. The virus is transmitted through
• Unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Engaging in sex with multiple partners increases the risk of exposure to Virus.
• Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for development of the cancer.
• Use of oral contraceptives for prolonged periods is also reported to be a causative factor for development of cervical cancer.
• A lowered level of immunity in the body is also influence the attack of the virus HPV.
• The risk of cervical cancer is more in women having more children if exposed to HPV infection.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:

• In the early stages of cancer the symptoms are not evident except for pain after intercourse.
• In some women there may be some abnormal discharges or bleeding will be seen after sexual contact.
• As the disease progresses the discharges increase with offensive smell with blood.
• Pelvic pain is also seen.
• These symptoms should be confirmed with other laboratory tests before the confirmation of cervical cancer.

How Cervical Cancer is diagnosed?

• The cervical cancer can easily be diagnosed by simple ‘PAP’ test. Abnormal cells or precancerous cells can be detected by histo pathological examination of sample cells scraped from the cervix. PAP test is a simple in expensive and useful test and if done regularly in women of 45 years the cancer can be prevented.
• Colposcopy: It is also a non invasive test to detect the abnormality of the cervix by an instrument called ‘Colposcope‘. Using this instrument the cervix is viewed to study the condition of the cervix. Normal and abnormal areas are viewed and a sample of the cervix will be taken to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Blood tests, X rays, and scanning etc will also be done in advanced cases of cervical cancer and when metastasis is suspected.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer:

• The treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage and the extent of spreading of the cancer.
• Surgical removal of the affected part of the cervix is usually done if the affected part is limited to the cervix. Hysterectomy or total hysterectomy will be done if it has extended into the uterus. If the woman is young the ovaries will be retained to maintain the oestrogen production in the body.
• Radiation and chemotherapy will be done if the cancer has spread to other parts like lymph glands, and other organs of the body.

Prognosis of Cervical Cancer:

The prognosis is generally good if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread to other areas. Routine PAP smear test if done regularly helps to detect the cancer at an early stage.

Vaccination against HPV infection:

A vaccine is now available to protect against HPV infection. Vaccination offers protection against cervical cancer. The vaccine is indicated for adolescent girls to protect against cervical cancer. The vaccine is safe and given in three doses over a period of six months.

Related articles

• Cervical Cancer Awareness: Latinas at greater risk
• 8 things you need to know about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Young women and cervical cancer: Pap smear is key
• New cervical cancer screening guideline says start Pap tests later, screen less often
• ‘It’s tough to get cervical cancer without a cervix.’