What is cervical cancer?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:The cervix-the neck of the uterus that opens downward to the vagina-plays an important role in pregnancy: It lengthens to hold the fetus in the uterus and then shortens and dilates to allow labor and delivery. Cervical cancer, which develops from abnormal cells on the cervix, is perhaps the most detectable cancer.
Although cervical cancer has several causes, one stems from sexually transmitted diseases-the most significant being human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts and starts on the surface of the cervix.
Because HPV rarely has any outward symptoms (though some women may experience mild irritation, burning, and itching), it's one of the stealth diseases that can attack a woman's sexual organs.
You can detect HPV and cervical cancer early with a Pap smear. Women need regular Pap smears and pelvic exams to detect the signs of HPV or the first signs of cervical cancer. I recommend them once a year for most women and every six months for women who have had a history of HPV or abnormal Pap smears.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe cervix-the neck of the uterus that opens downward to the vagina-plays an important role in pregnancy: It lengthens to hold the fetus in the uterus and then shortens and dilates to allow labor and delivery. Cervical cancer, which develops from... More -
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, where it attaches to the vagina. Cervical cancer, which is typically seen in women over 30, is a cancer of the cells that line the interior of the cervix. Cells that are abnormal but have not yet progressed to a cancerous stage can be present for more than a year or two, though some may progress faster. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary link to the development of cervical cancer.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, where it attaches to the vagina. Cervical cancer, which is typically seen in women over 30, is a cancer of the cells that line the interior of the cervix. Cells that are abnormal but have not yet... More -
Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) entering the vagina (birth canal). Cells usually change from normal to pre-cancer and then to cancer over a number of years, although some cases can happen more quickly. These changes are referred to by several terms, including cervical dysplasia (also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN). For some women, these changes may go away without any treatment, but more often they need to be treated to prevent them from becoming true cancers.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting a woman's reproductive organs. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women in underdeveloped countries.
Since 1955 the number of deaths from cervical cancer has declined considerably, mainly due to the use of a diagnostic test called the Pap test/ Pap smear. This test has the ability to find cervical cancer early.
Invasive cervical cancer is more common in middle aged to older women, and in women of poor socioeconomic status who are less likely to receive regular screening and early treatment. The incidence rate is higher among African American, Hispanic, and Native American women.
With early detection, especially Pap smears, nearly every case of cervical cancer can be prevented or cured.
Treatment consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in advanced stages of the disease. An effective vaccine, the HPV vaccine, for the two most common strains of HPV has recently been licensed.
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Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) entering the vagina (birth canal). Cells usually change from normal to pre-cancer and then to cancer over a number of years, although some cases... More -
Healthwise answered:Cervical cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most abnormal cervical cell changes that develop into cancer are caused by infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
- Vaginal bleeding that isn't normal, such as between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal discharge that isn't normal.
Cervical cancer can be prevented if a woman has regular Pap tests, which almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous.
And the HPV vaccine protects against two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most abnormal cervical cell changes that develop into cancer are caused by infection... More -
Greenville Health System answered:Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman's pregnancy. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina (birth canal), which leads to the outside of the body.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that is passed from person to person through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. You are more likely to get HPV if you have multiple partners. However, any woman who has ever had genital contact with another person can get HPV. Most women infected with HPV will not get cervical cancer, but you are more likely to develop cervical cancer if you smoke, have HIV or reduced immunity, or don't get regular Pap tests. Pap tests look for changes in the cervical cells that could become cancerous if not treated.
If the Pap test finds serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the doctor will suggest more powerful tests such as a colposcopy (kol-POSS-koh-pee). This procedure uses a large microscope called a colposcope (KOL-poh-skohp). This tool allows the doctor to look more closely at the cells of the vagina and cervix. This and other tests can help the doctor decide what areas should be tested for cancer.The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman's pregnancy. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina (birth canal), which... More
