Thursday, January 19, 2023

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER

 

 CERVICAL CANCER photo
What is cancer

Cancer is a dangerous disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. What causes cancer? Cancer mainly is caused by smoking and getting too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

 From the sun or tanning beds, being overweight or obese, and drinking too much alcohol. Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection cancer.

It usually develops slowly over time. The cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue Before cancer appears in the cervix. If not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas over time.

 Main parts of a Cervix

Cervix has two parts the ectocervix (also called the exocervix) and The endocervix. ectocervix is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen during a gynecologic exam. The ectocervix is covered with thin, flat cells called squamous cells. 

The endocervix is the inner part of the cervix that forms a canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. It is covered with column-shaped glandular cells that make mucus. Most cervical cancers begin in the squamous cells in the transformation zone. The transformation zone is the border where the endocervix and ectocervix meet. 

Types of Cervical Cancer

There are four main types of cervical cancer; Carcinomas. It begins in the skin or the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands.  Sarcomas, Sarcomas begin in the tissues that support and connect the body. Leukemias, Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. And Lymphomas.

Symptoms of cervical cancer 

A person may experience vaginal bleeding after sex, or vaginal bleeding after menopause. Vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal. or vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. The symptoms usually begin when cancer has already spread. 

Ealy Cervical cancer symptoms may include

  • difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement.
  • difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine.
  • dull backache.
  • swelling of the legs.
  • pain in the abdomen.
  • feeling tired.
If you experience such symptoms it's good to visit the hospital. Remember cancer is curable when noticed at an early stage. 

Causes of cervical cancer

 Cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex.   Some HPV types can cause changes in a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

It is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer

Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems. and Tobacco smoking.

Cervical cancer screening

Screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care. It tests can help detect cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer. During the screening, a special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. Your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for laboratory testing During the colposcopic examination.

Stages of Cervical cancer

The early stage of cervical cancer usually includes stages 1A, 1B, and 2A. Locally advanced cervical cancer usually includes stages 2B, 3, and 4A. Advanced-stage cervical cancer usually means stage 4B. Treatment of cervical cancer includes; surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If your doctor says that you have cervical cancer. Ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan

DES exposure is a rare cause of cervical cancer. Being exposed to a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb is an independent risk factor for a type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma. Between 1940 and 1971, DES was given to some pregnant women in the United States to prevent miscarriage (premature birth of a fetus that cannot survive) and premature labor. Women whose mothers took DES while pregnant have an increased risk of cervical cell abnormalities and clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix.How to prevent cervical cancer HPV vaccination, routine cervical cancer screening, and appropriate follow-up treatment when needed.


Cancer

causes of cancer

cervical cancer

signs

symptoms

treatments

preventable measures.

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