Cervical Cancer Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer that develops in the lining of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. An estimated 12,200 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010 and four,210 died from it in the course of that year. Fifty-eight percent of those 12,100 ladies had been between the ages of 45 and 74. The five year survival rate from 1999 to 2006 was 70 percent. New early screening tests and a new vaccine are contributing to improved outcomes for this form of cancer.

There are two major kinds of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form, occurring in about 80 to 90 percent of all instances. It develops in the thin, flat cells, called squamous cells, that cover the surface of the endocervix, the portion of the cervix closest to the uterus. Adenocarcinoma is a lot more typical in younger females and forms in the gland cells within the endocervix.

Despite the fact that scientists are not 100 percent confident on how cervical cancer develops, they have been able to identify a number of risk factors which can lead to the illness. The chief risk factor is related with sexually transmitted viruses such as some types of the human papillomavirus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The bacterial based Chlamydia, also transmitted in the course of sexual activity, is one more risk factor for cancer of the cervix. Other aspects which can lead to an increased risk of include: smoking, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, obesity, lengthy-term use of oral contraceptives, and numerous pregnancies. A loved ones history of cervical cancer is yet another high risk consideration.

However, the symptoms of cervical cancer are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) in the early stages. It is not until it has reached the later sub-stages and stages that it becomes noticeable. The most popular symptoms consist of:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with light blood spots or light bleeding between periods.
  
• A higher quantity of blood loss than normal for the duration of menstruation.
  
• Bleeding following intercourse, pelvic exam, or douching.
  
• Pain during intercourse.
  
• Common pelvic discomfort.

A diagnosis of cervical cancer can be produced with the aid of quite a few instruments and imaging devices. The two most prevalent instruments incorporate a cystoscope, (a thin, tube-shaped instrument with a light and optical device at one end which is inserted into the vagina) and a proctoscope (similar to a cystocope but is inserted into the anal cavity to examine invasive forms of cervical cancer). The most common imaging tests include an x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and intravenous urography. Doctors may also perform a PAP smear, and a biopsy is taken in a large number of cases.

While regular cancer therapy methods of chemotherapy and radiation are typically utilized in cervical cancer, there are eight distinctive types of surgical procedures used which incorporate:

1. Cryosurgery: A kind of surgery which utilizes liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells.
   
2. Laser Surgery: A sort of surgery which uses a laser beam as a sort of knife to cut away tumors without causing bleeding.
   
3. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Sort of surgery which uses a thin wire loop positioned around the tumor and delivers a low intense electric present.
   
4. Conization: Type of surgery exactly where a cone shape mass of tissue is removed from the cervix with the aid of a laser or LEEP.
   
5. Straight forward hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus with out adjacent tissues.
   
6. Total hysterectomy: Type of surgery where the uterus is removed together with adjacent structures or organs (parametria and uterosacral ligaments, the upper component of the vagina located subsequent to the cervix, the lymph node, and at times the fallopian tubes and ovaries).
   
7. Trachelectomy: A new sort of surgery exactly where the cervix is removed although attempting to preserve as much wholesome tissue as doable. The lymph nodes are also removed. A "purse-string" stitch is also designed which will act as the opening to the cervix. Early trials show that females that have this type of surgery have fewer relapses of cervical cancer.
   
8. Pelvic exenteration: Similar to a total hysterectomy but significantly more organs are removed which contain: uterus, parametria and uterosacral ligaments, upper portion of the vagina closest to the cervix, lymph node, fallopian tubes, ovaries, rectum, and component of the colon and urine bladder.

Cervical cancer can be prevented with modifications to those risk factors related with the disease. These alterations consist of:

• Delaying sexual intercourse until marriage
  
• Limiting the number of sexual partners.
  
• Avoiding sexual get in touch with with promiscuous partners.
  
• Quitting smoking.
  
• Consuming even more fruits and vegetables, and foods high in vitamins and minerals.
  
• Exercising.
  
• Losing weight if obese.

Females can also obtain Gardasil, a new vaccine aimed at HPV viruses 6,11, 16, and 18, which can all lead to cervical cancer. This vaccine prevents infection of HPV and can not be employed to treat an existing infection. Gardasil requires a series of 3 injections more than a six month period. Gardasil only works on these four kinds of HPV and does not avoid other HPV sorts from causing to cervical cancer, despite the fact that these occurrences are particularly uncommon.