About Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer and HPV

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Cervical cancer is a rapid developing cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably but fourtunely if caught early cervical cancer is very curable. Pap test screenings, when done regularly, are helpful in preventing cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous.

Symptoms

Symptoms are very rare in cervical cancer tand so it is important to get regualr pap tests. However some symptoms include:

abnormal vaginal bleeding
change in menstral cycle
vaginal bleeding during intercourse or when a diaphragm
vaginal discharge containing mucus and blood
pain during sexual intercourse

The picture above is of the development of cervical cancer.

Treatment Treatment is very dependant on what stage your cancer is in. If caught early, a cone biopsy is usally performed so that the patient is still able to have children. A cone biopsy involved removing a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix. Both normal and abnormal cells are removed. If your cervical cancer is caught late, treatment is more extensive and you most likely will not being able to have children. A modified radical hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes is a form of treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also effective treaments. A combination of these treatments may be recommended as the most effective treatment for the best possible outcome.