Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer Articles
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Cervical Cancer
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection from certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus that affects an estimated 5o to 80% of all adults. In almost all HPV infections, the immune system is able to fight off infection and the cervix remains healthy. Rarely, the body cannot eliminate the infection and the risk of cervical cancer increases. It can take years for an HPV infection to develop into cervical cancer. If cervical caner is left untreated, the cancer cells can eventually spread to the vagina, bladder, bowel, lungs, bones, and other organs.
Cervical cancer overview
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While the frequency of cervical cancer has decreased significantly in the last 50 years, in part due to effective early screening programs, it is still one of the leading causes of cancer in women
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
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Nearly 100% of all cervical cancers are caused by a lingering HPV infection. HPV is transmitted sexually or by skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer
What are the causes of cervical cancer?
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Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal changes in cells due to HPV infection. HPV infections are the cause of 99.7% of all cervical cancers. There are over 100 typ...
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
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Early stage cervical cancer usually has no visible physical symptoms. Inside of the cervix, the cells undergo abnormal, microscopic change in shape.
What tests are available to diagnose cervical cancer?
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Pap smear test - Diagnosis of cervical cancer is made by microscopic examination of a swab sample called a Pap smear. A Pap smear can detect if abnormal cells are found on the cervix.
What are the various stages of cervical cancer?
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If cancerous cells are detected in a biopsy, the next step involves grading the stage of cancer to determine the size and spread of cancer cells.
What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
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Treatment for early stage (stages 0,1,2) cervical cancer usually involves surgery and/or radiotherapy. Surgery for early stage cervical cancer usually involves removing the entire cervix.
