The cervix, the lowest portion of the uterus that links to the vagina, is where cervical cancer, a potentially fatal illness, begins to grow in the cells. Typically, cervical cancer progresses gradually over time. Before cervical cancer develops, dysplasia—a condition in which aberrant cells start to increase in the cervical tissue—occurs in the cervix’s cells. The abnormal cells may eventually become cancer cells and expand and spread more into the cervix and surrounding tissues if not eliminated. Although it is a common cancer in women, it is fortunately very curable with early diagnosis and care.
Causes of cervical cancer
The majority of cervical malignancies are primarily caused by infection with specific high-risk HPV strains. Most people who are sexually active will eventually come into touch with HPV, which is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted illness. Fortunately, the body’s immune system typically eliminates the virus, and the risk of developing cancer from an infection is rather low. Of all HPV strains, HPV 16 and 18 account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. Diseases like HIV/AIDS might make it more difficult for the body to fight against HPV infection, which raises the possibility of developing cancer.
Cervical cancer risk may be elevated by other STDs such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, potentially because of persistent inflammation.
Smoking can also cause cervical cells and accelerate the development of cancer. A family history of cervical cancer may point to a genetic susceptibility to particular HPV strains although it doesn’t directly cause it.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer can show no symptoms at all, which is why routine pelvic examinations and Pap screenings are essential for early identification. However, when the cancer grows more serious, the following possible symptoms might appear
· vaginal bleeding after menopause
· vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
· vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odour or that contains blood
· pelvic pain or pain during sex
· difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine
· swelling of the legs
· Fatigue
Screening for Cervical Cancer
In most cases, the development of cervical cancer starts from a pre-invasive condition like dysplasia which then develops into carcinoma in situ and eventually into a cancer. This can take many years. A Pap smear is a routine test that a gynaecologist can perform to pick up these lesions early and treat them so that the cancer does not develop. Any woman above the age of 21 is a candidate to undergo a Pap smear, even if there are no symptoms, once every three years. For those women who are more than 30 a Pap smear can be combined with HPV testing with a frequency of once in five years.
Risk factors of cervical cancer
· Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – HPV is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. One prevalent infection is HPV. There are more than a hundred varieties of HPV but they’re not all connected to cancer. HPV16 and HPV18 are the strains of HPV that are most commonly linked to cervical cancer.
· Immune system deficiency – Individuals who have weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to cervical cancer.
· Age – Cervical cancer rarely affects anyone under the age of 20. The late teens and mid-30s are the riskiest age range. Individuals beyond this age range should have routine cervical cancer screenings, which may involve an HPV or Pap test.
· Smoking – Compared to non-smokers, tobacco users have a roughly doubled risk of developing cervical cancer.
Vaccination to the rescue
Cervical cancer vaccines are now available which help prevent infection with HPV which causes most cervical cancers
As long as cervical cancer is identified early and treated appropriately, it is among the most curable types of cancer. Palliative care and the right medication can help control cancers that have been detected in their later stages. Cervical cancer can be completely eradicated with a comprehensive strategy for prevention, screening, and treatment.
Shared By: Dr. Devavrat Arya,
Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
