What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the third most common kind of cancer of the female reproductive system and is one of the leading causes of death in women today.

While the specific cause of cervical cancer is unknown, there are many predisposing factors that have been identified. Having intercourse prior to the age of 16 is one known predisposing factor. Other risk factors are having multiple sexual partners and/or multiple pregnancies. The human papilloma virus has also been identified as a risk factor for having cervical cancer. Additionally, smoking has also been identified as a predisposing factor. The cancer causing agents that occur when one smokes, are deposited in the cervical area in addition to other areas of the body.

In a mild case of the disease, abnormal cervical cells may be identified during an annual pap smear. These cells are located on the lower third of the skin of the cervix. If the cancer is more advanced the abnormal cells will be have consumed the full thickness of the cervical area. Pre-invasive disease, if detected early, is curable in 75% to 90% of women. If the disease is more advanced, depending on the type of cells that appear, the prognosis will be less positive and death can occur from cervical cancer. Invasive cervical cancer is rare in women under 20 and is usually found in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

In the early stages of cervical cancer there are often no signs and symptoms to alert one to the disease. As the disease progresses abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent vaginal discharge and post coital pain and bleeding may be present. As the disease advances pelvic pain may be present. Also the cancer can eat away a hole between the vaginal and the anal canal that can produce vaginal or fecal leakage. Anorexia, weight loss and anemia may also be a result of advanced cervical cancer.

Having an annual pap smear is considered the most proactive approach in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. If abnormal cells are detected a colposcopy may be performed. Staining with an iodine based solution to identify areas for biopsy when the Pap smear shows abnormal cells but no lesions can also be performed when abnormal cells are identified. Lymphangiography, cystography and scans will be performed to detect metastasis (cancer that has moved to other places in the body) if cancer has advanced.

When found early, precancerous cells can be removed by several methods. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) can be performed. Cryosurgery, which is freezing and scraping of the cells of the cervix, can also, be performed. Laser destruction is yet another method to rid the body of precancerous cells. Frequent pap smears will be required after each of the before mentioned procedures to ensure that all abnormal cells were evacuated from the cervix. Sometimes a hysterectomy will be performed if there is extreme abnormal cell formation.

If the cervical cancer is more advanced a radical hysterectomy may be performed. Radiation therapy by either internal, external or a combination of therapies may also be used. Any combination of the above procedures may also be used to ensure total evacuation of all cancerous cells.

I know that having a pap smear is one of the least favorite things that we as women are asked to do. But since early detection is the key to successful treatment of cervical cancer, I advise each and every woman to schedule an appointment with their health care provider when it's appropriate then make sure and follow up if the test comes back positive or inconclusive.