Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the
cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb)
that connects the uterus with the vagina. The cause of cervical
cancer is unknown. Research suggests that some sexually transmitted
viruses can cause cells in the cervix to begin the series of changes
that can lead to cancer.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of
getting a disease or condition. Scientists believe that cervical
cancer develops when several risk factors act together.
- infection of the cervix with the human papillomavirus (HPV),
a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the primary risk factor
for cervical cancer
- sex: female
- age: over 25 years old
- multiple sexual partners
- sexual activity prior to age 18
- first pregnancy prior to age 20
- history of not having Pap tests
- smoking
- history of cervical dysplasia (a precancerous condition)
- being a woman whose mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol
(DES) during pregnancy
- history of AIDS or infection with HIV
Symptoms
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually do not appear until the abnormal
cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens,
the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may include:
- bleeding between regular menstrual periods
- bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
(most common)
- menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and is heavier than usual
- bleeding after menopause
- increased vaginal discharge that is not blood
Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious
health conditions. A woman experiencing these symptoms should see
her doctor.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and
perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. You may be referred
to a doctor who specializes in women’s health (a gynaecologist).
Tests may include:
- Pap test—scraping and testing tissue from the inside of
the cervix and upper vagina
- colposcopy—using a lighted, magnifying instrument used
to examine the vagina and cervix in great detail
- biopsy—removal of a sample of vaginal tissue for testing
If cancer is found, additional tests are usually performed to
determine whether or not it has spread to other parts of the pelvis
or elsewhere in the body. Imaging studies, such as computed tomography
and magnetic resonance, are often used for this purpose.
Prevention
While a Pap smear is an effective screening tool for cervical cancer,
it cannot be relied upon to detect vaginal cancer. However, regular
gynaecologic examinations may reduce the mortality from vaginal
cancer by providing your physician with the opportunity to detect
it earlier rather than later. Moreover, informing your physician
that you may have been exposed to DES in the womb should induce
him or her to provide even closer surveillance.
Treatment at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
There are numerous approaches to vaginal cancer treatment, including
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The health care
and oncology professionals practicing at UPMC Whitfield Cancer
Centre specialize in radiotherapy, and will work with you,
your doctor, and other specialists to design the most effective
radiation treatment and recovery plans for your particular needs,
including:
Cervical Cancer In-Depth: Information from UPMC Cancer
Centers
UPMC
Cancer Centers, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one
of the largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians
and health care specialists in the United States. Working with
the University
of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the academic and research
partner, UPMC Cancer Centers strives to offer patients the
latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis,
and innovative treatment. With the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre,
UPMC is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring world-class
cancer treatment to patients right in their own communities.
- Learn more about cervical
cancer from the experts at UPMC Cancer Centers
(This link will take you to the website for UPMC
Cancer Centers.)
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