Recognizing Early Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention of Cervical Cancer.

Cervical Cancer

 Introduction

This disease only occurs in women and arises in the lower part of the uterus which is a part of the female reproductive organ. It is a type of cancer that forms due to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix connects the uterus (womb) to the outer part of the female reproductive organ i.e. the vagina or the birth canal.

 Symptoms

Cervical cancer develops slowly and it is very difficult to notice the early stage. so it is important to make sure that regular screening for early detection. As it increases individuals experience some symptoms such as

1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding:

•  Having a longer menstrual cycle or period.

•  Bleeding after menopause.

•  Bleeding after intercourse.

•  Discontinuous bleeding between periods.

2. Pelvic Pain:

•  There is continuous pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, not any relation to the

menstrual cycle.

3. Pain During Sexual Intercourse:

•  The changes or abnormalities in the cervix may lead to pain and discomfort

during sexual activity.

4. Unusual Vginal Discharge:

•  Due to the infection in the cervix increase the discharge of bloody and watery substances through the vagina.

Cause and risk factors of cervical cancer

Sexually transmitted infections are the main cause of cervical cancer. The infection that causes this disease is HPV (Human papillomavirus) a certain type of virus. Most of the HPV virus do not cause cancer.

1. Infection: The most significant risk factor for cervical cancer is the infection caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18 type of virus.

2. Immune system: The immune system that helps the body to fight against any infection or disease. A weakened immune system by any disease such as HIV/AIDS or the use of any immunosuppressive agent can cause a high risk of developing cervical cancer.

3. Smoking: Smoking tobacco or the use of any harmful substance that damages the cells of the cervix increases abnormal change and leads to the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Use of birth control pills: The long-term use of birth control pills can lead to the risk of cervical cancer and can be decreased when stopped or discontinued.

5. Sexual activity: Having sexual activity with multiple partners can increase the risk of HPV infection thus leading to cervical cancer.

6. Family history: Having cervical cancer in a family history may increase the risk of cervical cancer due to genetic exchange or predisposition.

Prevention

Using such methods can decrease the risk of cervical cancer.

• HPV Vaccination.

•  HPV Testing.

•  Regular check-ups or screening.

•  Quit smoking.

• Less use of birth control pills.

• Having safe sex.

• Healthy lifestyle.

•  Education and awareness.

Treatment

The primary treatment depends on the condition of the individual health or the stage of cervical cancer. Some of the treatments are given below

1. Surgery: Surgery is the process of removing the abnormal cells or the cancerous cell.

•  Conization: This process is performed in the early stage of the cancer.

•  Hysterectomy: This process is performed in the advanced stage which includes the removal of the entire uterus with surrounding tissue such as ovaries and lymph nodes.

2. Radiation Therapy: A source of high energy beam is directed on the cancerous cell or
radioactive source is directly placed near the cancer or tumor.

3. Chemotherapy: A drug is used to kill or suppress the growth of cancerous cells. It is used intravenously or orally with radiation therapy.

4. Immunotherapy: In this patient body's immune system is stimulated by using a drug or other substance to destroy the cancerous cell.

Read More: Skin Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and its Treatment.

Tags: Cervical polyp, papillomavirus vaccine, cervical tumor.