Cervical cancer , also calledcervical cancer or cervical cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix. It occurs in the cells in the lower part of the uterus called the cervix (neck) and is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. The cervix is the part of the uterus that is attached to the vagina. This type of cancer can be prevented and treated if detected early. Treatment is performed by specialized doctors depending on the type of cancer.
In case of exposure to viruses, the immune system protects the body against viruses and eliminates them. However, in some cases, viruses cannot be eliminated. For this reason, some cells on the cervix may become cancerous over time.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The most important factor among the causes of cervical cancer is the Human papilloma virus, also called HPV. It is a virus that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse and that almost all adult individuals can encounter throughout their lives.
In cases where the HPV virus cannot be eliminated from the body by the immune system or by treatment methods, it can settle in the cervical cells. It takes about 15 years for these cells to undergo genetic differentiation and develop cancer. For this reason, this condition can be prevented and diagnosed early when you go to the doctor regularly.
The different factors thought to cause cervical cancer are as follows:
- Premature birth (20 years and before)
- Cigarette smoking
- Immune system failure
- Chlamydia infection
- Long-term use of contraceptives
- Three or more births
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Patients may not recognize the symptoms of cervical cancer for long periods of time. The person usually recognizes the symptom himself/herself. For this reason, female reproductive organs should be known and recognized by the individual. Menstrual periods and changes in the body during these periods should be monitored.
The three most important symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows:
Pain and soreness during sexual intercourse
Pain or soreness during sexual intercourse is one of the most important symptoms of cervical cancer. In such cases, you should see a doctor immediately.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, outside the menstrual period or during menopause can be a sign of cervical cancer. It is important to see a doctor for some unexpected vaginal bleeding.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharges
Vaginal discharge is generally considered normal and healthy. It is considered normal to have some differences in the rate and intensity of discharge depending on the menstrual period. A difference in the color and odor of the discharge may be a sign of cancer. It can also be a symptom of different infections.
Other symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows:
- Bloating and fullness in the abdomen and vagina
- Pain and soreness in the abdomen
- Difficulty during urination
- Swelling in the legs and lower body
- Kidney pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in bones and joints
- Weakness and fatigue
What are the Types of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer types are examined under 2 main headings. These types, which are named depending on the cell type, are known as squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cells are the cells that cover the outer part of the area. They can be found in about 70 to 80 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in cells that secrete mucus. It is less common than squamous cell cancer.
In addition to these, another common type of cancer is adenosquamous cancer. It includes both cell types.
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
There are many factors in terms ofcervical cancer risk factors . Cervical cancer risk factors can be listed as follows;
- HPV infection is the most important risk factor
- Female smokers are twice as much at risk as non-smokers
- People with weak and inadequate immune systems are more likely to develop
- Women who do not meet the dietary requirements for fruit and vegetable consumption are in the risk group
- Female individuals in the obesity group are more likely to develop
- A family history of this type of cancer is another factor
What are the stages of cervical cancer?
Due to the increase in cervical cancer screening programs, this type of cancer can be detected early. Experts say that early diagnosis saves lives and is very important in this type of disease. The stages of cervical cancer are as follows:
Stage 1
In the first stage of cervical cancer, the tumor is limited to the cervix. There are no complaints in other parts of the body.
Stage 2
Compared to the first stage, the cancer tissue is larger and may spread to the lymph nodes. There is no spread to the pelvic wall.
Stage 3
In the third stage, it can spread to the lower parts of the vagina and outside the muscle area. Depending on its progression, it may come out of the kidneys and cause obstruction in the urinary tract.
Stage 4
In this stage, the disease spreads to other tissues in the body. It spreads to other parts such as the lungs, bones and liver and is known as the final stage of the disease.
Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Methods
As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis of this type increases the likelihood of treatment. Since it is a condition that can be prevented and treated in the early stages, early diagnosis is very important.
Cervical cancer may not cause any complaints in the initial period. There are some approaches for diagnosis after consulting a doctor. The patient's medical history is taken and then a physical examination is performed.
Some questions are asked about whether the patient has had any sexually transmitted diseases before, the number of sexual partners, smoking, whether she has been diagnosed with HPV or HIV, menstrual cycle, whether there is any pain during sexual intercourse and whether there is unusual bleeding during these periods.
During the physical examination, the inner and outer parts of the patient's genital area are examined. It is checked whether there are any lesions on this area that may cause suspicion. In addition, screening tests can also be applied.
Screening methods against cervical cancer may vary depending on age groups. While experts do not recommend any screening for women aged 21 and before, women between the ages of 21 and 29 are recommended to have a regular Pap-Smear test every 3 years.
If there is an abnormal result in screening tests, depending on the result of the test, a PAP smear test can be performed again after a certain period of time or the cervix can be visualized with a device known as colposcopy.
If deemed necessary, a biopsy can also be performed. Diagnosis may be possible after pathological examination of the biopsy material.
Cervical Cancer Treatment Methods
The most important factor in the treatment of cervical cancer is the stage of the cancer. In addition, other factors such as the exact location and type of cancer, the age and general health of the patient also affect the treatment. Cancer treatment can be performed as a single treatment or a combination of different treatments.
Surgical intervention may be required after an evaluation by specialist doctors. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy, which is a combination of both, can be applied.
In early stages, surgical interventions are usually the treatment method. The choice of treatment depends on the size and stage of the cancer and the person's desire to become pregnant in the future.
The methods applied in the treatment of cervical cancer are classified under 2 groups as surgery and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a method that can be applied at every stage of cervical cancer. In the early stages, surgical interventions may come to the forefront in treatment since the possibility of the disease spreading is low.
In advanced stages, radiotherapy is preferred. In surgical methods, the primary tumor, whose location is in the cervical region, and the areas that are likely to spread are removed.