Cervical cancer is one of the most common diseases in women, especially in developing countries. This type of cancer develops in the lower part of the uterus, known as the cervix.
This disease is often associated with infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The importance of raising awareness about cervical cancer lies in the fact that it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through regular screening and vaccination.
What is cervical cancer in women
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
This disease often occurs as a result of abnormal cell changes caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). These cells begin as precancerous cells.
However, if these cells are not detected and treated early, they can develop into cancer. This type of cancer is preventable because its development is slow and goes through stages that can be detected with regular screening.
Symptoms of cervical cancer in women
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually appear in relatively advanced stages and include:
- Swelling of the legs
- Pain and difficulty urinating.
- Weight loss and decreased appetite.
- Pelvic and lower back pain.
- Pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that is watery or bloody.
- Vaginal bleeding at times other than the menstrual cycle.
Causes of Cervical Cancer in Women
The main cause of cervical cancer in women is chronic infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk types.
Risk Factors That Increase the Risk of Cervical Cancer in Women
There are risk factors that increase the chances of abnormal cells developing into cancer, such as:
- Smoking.
- Early marriage.
- Multiple births.
- Weak immune system.
- Unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Immune deficiency disease.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Using birth control pills for more than 5 years.
Types of Cervical Cancer in Women
Cervical cancer in women is divided into types based on the type of cells it starts from:
- Squamous carcinoma: The most common.
- Adenomatous carcinoma: The least common and most difficult to detect.
- Mixed carcinoma: A mixture of squamous and glandular cells.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed in women
Diagnosing cervical cancer in women relies on a set of medical tests, including:
- Pap smear.
- HPV test.
- Colposcopy.
- Removing a small sample of cervical tissue.
- CT scan or MRI to determine the extent of the disease.
Stages of cervical cancer in women
Cervical cancer in women is divided into several stages based on the size of the tumor and the extent of its spread. The first stage begins with a tumor confined to the cervix.
In the second stage, the tumor spreads to the uterus and nearby tissues without reaching the pelvic wall or the lower part of the vagina. In the third stage, the disease spreads to the pelvic wall and the lower third of the vagina.
At this stage, it may also affect the ureters and kidney function. In the fourth, more advanced stage, the cancer invades the bladder or rectum and may reach the liver and lungs.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Women
Cervical cancer in women is largely preventable if detected early and protective measures are followed:
- Quitting smoking.
- Maintaining a strong immune system.
- Practicing safe sexual intercourse.
- Regular Pap smear screening.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
What are the types of treatment for cervical cancer in women
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the patient's health condition.
- Surgery.
- Immunotherapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
A summary of cervical cancer in women
Cervical cancer in women is a malignant tumor that affects the lower part of the uterus caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is characterized by slow progression and early detection.
This makes it possible to prevent it, as its symptoms appear in the form of abnormal vaginal bleeding and unusual secretions with pelvic pain. It is treated either with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.