Cells that begin to proliferate in the cervix might develop into cervical cancer. The lowest portion of the uterus that joins the vagina is called the cervix.
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is responsible for most cervical malignancies and comes in different strains.A frequent infection spread during intercourse is HPV. The immune system of the body usually stops HPV from causing harm when it is exposed.
Surgery to remove the cancer is frequently used as the initial treatment for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy and medications for targeted therapy are possible options. Strong energy beam radiation therapy is another option. Radiation therapy is occasionally used with low-dose chemotherapy.
How to identify?
Cervical cancer may not show any signs at first. Cervical cancer may exhibit the following symptoms and indicators as it progresses:
- Bleeding from the vagina after having sex, in between cycles, or during menopause.
- Menstrual bleeding that is thicker and lasts longer than usual.
- Vaginal discharge that is red, watery, smells bad, and may be heavy.
- Pain in the pelvis or during sexual activity.
How does it develop?
When healthy cells in the cervix experience alterations in their DNA, cervical cancer starts. The instructions that inform a cell what to do are encoded in its DNA. The alterations instruct the cells to proliferate rapidly. When healthy cells would naturally perish as a part of their life cycle, the cells survive. There are too many cells as a result. The cells may aggregate into a mass known as a tumor. Healthy bodily tissue can be invaded by the cells and destroyed. The cells may eventually separate and disperse to other areas of the body.
HPV is the primary cause of most cervical malignancies. A frequent virus that is spread through intercourse is HPV. However, in certain cases, the virus can alter cells in a way that could result in cancer.
Classification of cervical cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma- Thin, flat cells known as squamous cells are the first to develop in this kind of cervical cancer. The outside of the cervix is lined with squamous cells. Sclerotic cervical malignancies account for the majority of cases.
Adenocarcinoma- The columnar gland cells lining the cervical canal are where this particular type of cervical cancer starts.
Vulnerable factors
- The likelihood of cervical cancer is higher in smokers.
- Your risk of contracting HPV increases with the number of sexual partners you have and your partner’s number of partners.
- Early sexual experience raises your risk of HPV.
- HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and chlamydia are among the STIs that raise the risk.
- If you have HPV plus another medical condition that weakens your immune system, you may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- You may have a higher risk of cervical cancer if your parent used diethylstilbestrol, or DES, during their pregnancy or miscarriage.
Remedial measures
- Getting vaccinated against HPV can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer and other diseases linked to HPV.
- Cervical precancerous diseases can be identified by Pap testing. Cervical cancer can be avoided by treating or monitoring certain disorders. The majority of medical associations advise starting routine Pap tests at age 21 and doing them again every few years.
- By taking precautions against sexually transmitted illnesses, you can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer. This can entail limiting the number of sexual partners you have and using a contraception every time you have sex.
- Don’t start if you don’t smoke. If you currently smoke, discuss quitting with a medical practitioner.
