Initial Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the Cervix multiply rapidly and become abnormal.
The Cervix connects the body of the uterus (the upper part where a fetus grows) to the vagina (birth canal).
Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. This cancer can be alarming if neglected and undetected. The primary cause of cervical cancer is a specific type of virus called human papillomavirus.
Causes Of Cervical Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with causing cervical cancer in most cases. It is sexually transmitted. Certain strains of the virus cause typical cervical cancer to become abnormal. Not all types of HPV causes cervical cancer as more than 200 types of HPV exist.
Doctors have classified HPV broadly into two categories: HPV types 6 and 11 causes genital warts. They are low risk and not associated with causing cancer.
In contrast, HPV types 16 and 18 are considered as high-risk types, and they are related to the majority of cancer types, including cervical cancer. HPV and initial cervical cancer are usually asymptomatic; however, if a doctor diagnoses the presence of abnormal cells during regular checkups, in that case, you should be tested for HPV.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
An HPV test is similar to a pap test, in pap test doctors diagnose the presence of abnormal cells and mainly cancer cells. The doctors start with a thorough examination of your Cervix. A colposcope is used to check the presence of those abnormal cells. The process involves collecting a sample from the Cervix as in an HPV test, for laboratory testing to check the presence of genetic material associated with HPV. Regular checkups are a must even if you are vaccinated against HPV. Women should consult their doctors regarding pap tests and getting tested and those women who have suppressed the immune system due to HIV, an organ transplant, and the use of the long-term steroid.
Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer
Generally, there are no signs or symptoms of Cervical Cancer at an early stage. As a result, women should visit their doctor for regular pap tests. A pap test aims to reveal any changes in the possible development of cancer so that a person can take early action.
The most common symptoms of this cancer are-
- Pelvic pain
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal discharge tinged with blood
- Painful urination that is discomfort during urination
- Urinating more frequently.
- Abnormal bleeding such as bleeding after menopause, after a pelvic exam or between menstrual periods
- Watery vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul discharge
According to National Guidelines, all women must go for regular screening of Cervical Cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a doctor now!
Risk Factors
Risk factors for this cancer include-
- Sexually transmitted infections can risk your risk of HPV.
- Smoking can cause or develop cervical cancer.
- Intercourse at an early age can increase the chances of HPV.
- Women with a suppressed immune system are at a higher risk.
- Taking vital medicines during pregnancy can increase the risk of the child being diagnosed with a specific type of cancer.
- More number of your sexual partners and partner’s number of sexual partners can increase your chance of acquiring HPV.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of cervical cancer –
- Ask your doctor that an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
- Pap test is vital in diagnosing or treating cervical cancer. Most medical organizations advise beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.
- Quit smoking as it can lead to cervical cancer.
- Practice safe sex and reduce the risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections.