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Cervical Cancer

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Overview of Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Meaning in Urdu

سرویکل کینسر صرف خواتین کو متاثر کرتا ہے۔ سروِکس اعضائے مخصوصہ میں ایک ایسا حصہ ہوتا ہے جو ویجائنا اور رحم کے اوپر والے حصے کو آپس میں ملاتا ہے۔ ایسی خواتین جن کی عمر تیس سال سے زیادہ ہوتی ہے ان میں اس کینسر کے خطرات زیادہ ہوتے ہیں۔ اس کینسر کی سب سے بنیادی وجہ ایک انفیکشن ہوتا ہے جو کہ جنسی سرگرمی کے دوران منتقل ہو جاتا ہے۔ سرویکل کینسر کی علامات میں اعضائے مخصوصہ سے خون بہنا، پانی جیسا سیال آنا، اور جنسی عمل کے دوران جسم کے نچلے حصے کا درد شامل ہے۔

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It usually develops slowly over time, starting with abnormal changes to the cells in the lining of the cervix, which can become cancerous over time.

Cervical cancer is typically caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV, and some of them can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Other factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer include smoking, having a weakened immune system, taking birth control pills for a long time, and having multiple sexual partners.

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer:

With an anticipated 604,000 new occurrences in 2020, cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide. In comparison to women without HIV, women living with HIV have a 6x higher risk of developing cervical cancer, and an estimated 5% of cervical cancer cases are related to HIV. Overall, 95% of cases of Cervical Cancer occur due to the HPV virus. 

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there may be no symptoms. However, as cancer grows and spreads, the following symptoms may develop:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
  • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or have a foul odor
  • Pelvic pain or pain in the lower back
  • Increased urinary frequency or urgency
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Many of these symptoms can occur due to other conditions, and having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. However, if you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor for an evaluation.

Types of Cervical Cancer

There are several types of cervical cancer, but the most common is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for approximately 80-85% of all cervical cancer cases. The other types of cervical cancer are:

  • Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer originates in the glandular cells of the cervix and accounts for 10-15% of all cervical cancer cases.
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a less common type of cervical cancer having both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma features.
  • Small cell carcinoma: It is a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer often associated with smoking.
  • Neuroendocrine tumors: Rare tumors that arise from the hormone-producing cells in the cervix.

Most cervical cancers happen due to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), and most cases are squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs due to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. However, not all HPV infections cause cervical cancer. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer include:

  • Smoking: Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than non-smokers.
  • Weakened immune system: Women with weakened immune systems due to HIV, chemotherapy, or organ transplantation are more likely to develop cervical cancer.
  • Family history: Women with a family history of cervical cancer or other reproductive cancers are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Early sexual activity: Women who become sexually active at an early age have a higher risk of contracting HPV and developing cervical cancer.
  • Multiple sexual partners: Women who have multiple sexual partners or a partner who has multiple sexual partners have a higher risk of contracting HPV and developing cervical cancer.
  • Long-term use of oral contraceptives: Women who use oral contraceptives for an extended period may have an increased risk of cervical cancer.

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and most cases of cervical cancer occur in women who get infected with HPV. Regular cervical cancer screening, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, can help detect precancerous cells and prevent cervical cancer.

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Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

Some of the risk factors that increase a woman's likelihood of developing cervical cancer include:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to cervical cancer.
  • Smoking: Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers.
  • Weak immune system: Women with a weak immune system, such as those with HIV or those who have had an organ transplant, are more likely to develop cervical cancer.
  • Age: Cervical cancer is most common in women over the age of 30.
  • Sexual history: Women who have had multiple sexual partners or who have had sex at a young age are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Family history: Women with a family history of cervical cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
  • Use of birth control: Some studies suggest that women who use certain types of hormonal birth control, such as the pill, for an extended period may have a slightly higher risk of cervical cancer.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a woman will develop cervical cancer. Regular screening with Pap tests and HPV tests can help detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. Additionally, the HPV vaccine can help protect against certain types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Health Complications Due to Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can lead to several complications, particularly if it is not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Some of the potential complications of cervical cancer include:

  • Spread to other areas of the body: If cancer spreads beyond the cervix, it can affect nearby organs such as the bladder or rectum. In more advanced stages, it can spread to other areas of the body such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
  • Infertility: Depending on the extent of the cancer and the type of treatment used, cervical cancer can lead to infertility or difficulty getting pregnant.
  • Lymphedema: Surgery or radiation therapy for cervical cancer can damage the lymphatic system, leading to lymphedema (swelling) in the legs or other areas of the body.
  • Urinary or bowel problems: In some cases, cervical cancer or its treatment can cause urinary or bowel problems, such as incontinence, pain during urination, or difficulty passing stool.
  • Emotional and psychological effects: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional health, leading to anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects.

Many of these complications can be prevented or minimized with early detection and treatment of cervical cancer. Regular screening and prompt treatment can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome and reduce the risk of complications

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Prevention

Here are some ways to prevent cervical cancer:

  • Get regular Pap smears: Pap smears can detect precancerous cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. It is recommended that women aged 21-65 get a Pap smear every 3 years, or every 5 years if combined with an HPV test.
  • Get vaccinated against HPV: HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine can protect against the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for girls and boys aged 11-12 and can be given up to age 26.
  • Practice safe sex: Using protection during sexual activity can reduce the risk of contracting HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Don't smoke: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

It's also important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and to discuss any concerns or symptoms you may have. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a successful outcome if cervical cancer does develop.

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Diagnosis

Cervical cancer can be diagnosed through several methods. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Pap test: This is the most common method of detecting cervical cancer. In this test, a sample of cells is collected from the cervix and examined under a microscope to check for abnormalities.
  • HPV test: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. An HPV test can detect the presence of the virus in cervical cells, which can help identify women at risk for developing cervical cancer.
  • Biopsy: If the results of the Pap or HPV test are abnormal, a biopsy may be recommended. In this procedure, a small sample of cervical tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.
  • Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a procedure in which a special magnifying device called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix for abnormalities. If an abnormality is found, a biopsy may be recommended.

If cervical cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be done to determine the stage of cancer and determine the best treatment options. These tests may include imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI, or a PET scan, which can help determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer | When to Consult a Doctor

The treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage and location of cancer, as well as the woman's overall health and preferences. Here are some of the most common treatment options for cervical cancer:

  • Surgery: Surgery is often the first treatment option for early-stage cervical cancer. The type of surgery depends on the stage of cancer and may include a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus and cervix, and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy or surgery.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins or genes in cancer cells to block their growth and spread.
  • Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments for cervical cancer.

It's important to talk to an Oncologist and gynecologist about the best treatment options for you. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, a combination of these treatments may be recommended. In addition, supportive care, such as pain management and nutritional support, may also be recommended to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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