About Cervix Cancer

Overview

The cervix is located at the lowest part of the uterus in the female anatomy. Cervix cancer, also known as "cervical cancer," takes place when cells that are normally healthy mutate and do not die off like they are supposed to. The end result is the formation of tumors in the cervix that can spread to other parts of the body, which is called "metastasizing."

Significance

According to the Mayo Clinic, cervix cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman's reproductive organs. This type of cancer can cause infertility, which can be hard to deal with if you are young and have not started a family yet.

Symptoms

Women over 30 are the most likely to get cervical cancer. When it first appears, it can come with few or no symptoms. But as it progresses, signs and symptoms can be seen such as a watery, bloody vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvis during intercourse and vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between periods.

Identification

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted sexually and it is a big factor in cervix cancer. In almost all cases of cervical cancers, the HPV virus is present, but it is not the only reason cancer can develop.

Risks

Risk factors that can increase your chances of contracting cervix cancer include having multiple sex partners, having sex before the age of 18, having a weak immune system and smoking. Other types of sexually transmitted diseases can also increase your risk such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

Types

According to the American Cancer Society, squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 80 to 90 percent of cervical cancers. These are the cells that are in the bottom lining of the cervix and they are flat and thin. The other type of cervix cancer is adenocarcinomas. This type takes place in the glandular cells that are found in the upper portion.

Treatment

Removal of cancerous cells in the cervix is the first line of defense when treating the cancer. This is done through a cone biopsy, cryosurgery or laser surgery, or a hysterectomy is performed in which the uterus, cervix and precancerous surrounding areas are all removed. Radiation and chemotherapy can also be administered to kill cancer cells and to keep the cancer from spreading.

Prevention/Solution

Preventive measures can be taken to avoid getting cervical cancer. Examples of these include having only one sexual partner, avoiding smoking, getting routine Pap tests and getting a vaccination to avoid HPV infection.