It does not recognize old and young cancers, and if left unattended, it can spread very quickly. There are many types of cancer in the female genital area, and cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. But it is not common in the United States and other countries where cervical cancer screening is performed. See more details about this below.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that ends in the vagina. Cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed early, and most can be detected by early Pap smear.
Most cases of cervical cancer are due to human papillomavirus ( HPV ) it happens. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is infected with the virus.
Virus HPV There are different types. All kinds HPV It does not cause cervical cancer. Some types can cause genital herpes, but others may be asymptomatic.
Most adults have the virus HPV They are infected and the infection usually resolves on its own. But sometimes it causes genital herpes or cervical cancer.
Regular Pap smears are necessary for women. Pap smears can detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous. If these abnormal cells are treated, cervical cancer may be prevented.
Abnormal changes in cervical cells rarely cause clinical symptoms, but there may be clinical signs if cervical cancer develops.
Clinical signs of cervical cancer may include the following:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Like intermenstrual bleeding after sexual intercourse and after menopause
- Pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
You should have a Pap smear as a routine test. During a Pap smear, your doctor collects small amounts of cells from the surface of your cervix to check for changes.
If the Pap smear shows abnormal changes, your doctor may perform other tests to diagnose cervical cancer.
If you have clinical signs of cervical cancer, such as bleeding after sexual intercourse, your doctor may order a biopsy.
Treatment of different stages of cervical cancer:
- Surgery. Like surgery to remove the uterus and pelvic lymph nodes with or without removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Depending on how advanced the cancer is, one or more treatments may be considered or a combination therapy may be used.
If the patient’s uterus is removed, she will no longer be able to conceive, but there is not always a need to remove the uterus, especially when the cancer is diagnosed early.
Cancer can change your life. You may lose control.
Talking to family and friends or a counselor can be helpful.
Pap smear is the best way to diagnose cellular changes that lead to cervical cancer.
Regular Pap smears can help detect these cells before they become cancerous.
If the Pap smear result is abnormal, it is important to follow up. This helps prevent cervical cancer.
You can be vaccinated if you are under 26 years old HPV Tap to fight against two types of viruses HPV Be safe from cervical cancer.
The virus that causes cervical cancer is transmitted through sexual contact.
The best way to prevent getting the virus is to not have sex or to have safe and unprotected sex using a condom and to avoid having sex with different people (not having multiple sexual partners).
Read more: What are colposcopy and cervical biopsy?
