Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by an overgrowth of abnormal cells on the small canal connecting the uterus and vagina, called the cervix. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Typically, there are no symptoms until the cancer spreads, which is why Pap smear testing is crucial for detection of cervical cancer while it is still in the earliest and most treatable stages.
Types of Cervical Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
This is a cancer that grows on the cervix's outer surface. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type, accounting for between 80–90% of all cervical cancers.
Adenocarcinomas
This is a cancer that develops on the gland cells that produce mucus for the inner lining of the cervix, causing between 10–20% of all cervical cancers.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Initial Cervical Cancer Symptoms
- Bloody or watery discharge, sometimes heavy or foul-smelling
- Abnormal bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause
- Pain during sex
Symptoms of Spreading Cervical Cancer
- Weight loss
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue or general feeling of illness
- Dull backache
- Swelling in the legs
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty or pain during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Diarrhea, pain, or rectal bleeding during defecation
Cervical Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
90% or more of all cervical cancers are caused by long-term HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, a sexually transmitted infection with over 200 strains, about a dozen of which can lead to cancer. HPV often causes no symptoms, which is why it's so important to get regular Pap exams. Abnormal cervical cells change to cancer slowly, over 3–7 years, but once they become cancerous, the progress can be fast. Pap smear tests detect these changes before they turn into cancer.
HPV Risk Factors
- Sexual activity before age 18
- Having many sexual partners
- Having a weakened immune system
- Smoking
- HIV infection
Other Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
- DES (diethylstilbestrol), a medication used from 1938–1971 to prevent miscarriage — if your mother took DES, you may be more likely to get clear cell adenocarcinoma
- Family history
Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Pap smear exams detect most cases of cervical cancer. If results are abnormal, an HPV test will be used to check for the strains most likely to cause cancer. If those strains are detected, a colposcopy will be performed, and typically a small biopsy to remove some abnormal tissue for testing. Tissue samples may be obtained through either punch biopsy, cone biopsy, endocervical curettage, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
Cervical Cancer Treatments
Treatments for cervical cancer are based on the cancer stage, the patient's age and general health, and whether or not the patient wants biological children. Treatments include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, or sometimes more tissue including the entire cervix (trachelectomy), the uterus and cervix (hysterectomy), or sometimes even other pelvic organs (pelvic exenteration). Other treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted pharmaceutical therapies, and immunotherapy.
Cervical Cancer Prognosis
In almost half of all cases of cervical cancer, the cancer hasn't spread. In these cases, there is a 91% five-year relative survival rate. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues, the five-year relative survival rate is 60%, whereas if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and distant organs, the rate drops to 19%.
Why Choose UsTrusted Providers of Gynecologic Oncology in the Phoenix, AZ Metro Area
Women's Cancer Institute of Arizona offers top quality gynecologic oncology treatments in the metro Phoenix area. Our gynecologic oncology specialists offer the latest and most effective cervical cancer treatments, ensuring the best outcome for your cancer care.