Info about Cancer
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a malign affection of the cervix area. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system and it is situated in the pelvis area. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. The role of the cervix during intercourse is that of helping sperm to reach the uterus and during pregnancy it is closed in order to keep the baby inside the uterus.
The main cause of cervical cancer is the HPV infection. This is triggered by the human papillomavirus or for short, HPV. This is the cause for almost all cases of cervical cancer. However, not all women wearing the HPV develop cervical cancer. This has not found a certain explanation, nut there are some factors that are considered to increase the risk. Among these, we can count a weakened immune system like in the cases of women suffering from AIDS or taking immune system suppressing drugs, sexual history, the prolonged use of birth control pills or having many children. Another risk fact is called DES or diethylstilbestrol and it takes effect in the cases of women that were exposed to it during their intrauterine life. This drug used to be given to pregnant women in the period of 1940-1971 in the US, but this is not the case anymore.
What makes cervical cancer so dangerous is the fact that in its early stages, there are not usually any symptoms, However, when these appear, they may manifest as abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge or pain in the pelvis area. Bleeding may occur between the menstrual periods, during or after having sex or after menopause. In addition, sexual intercourse may provoke unusual pain. A women having these symptoms has to see a medical doctor in order to diagnose their cause. These can also be due to an infection, not necessarily to cervical cancer.
To detect and diagnose cervical cancer, a women has to make a Pap test, also called a Pap smear. Generally, this test is not painful and it can be done is a doctor’s office during a ginecologinal visit. It is done by scratching some cells from the cervix and analyzing them. After this analyze, the abnormal cells are detected. Nevertheless, most of the cells that do not develop normally are not dangerous. If abnormal cells are found or HPV infection is detected, then the doctor may recommend a biopsy or a colposcopy.
The treatment for cervical cancer includes three available methods: surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Each patient has the possibility to choose the most convenient alternative, but the course of treatment is mostly decided by the stage of the cancer. Moreover, women that want to have a baby someday may have a certain preference. Before starting the actual treatment, a long discussion with the doctor is recommended so that the patient truly understands the implications of cancer treatment. This usually affects the every day life and it is always better for the patient to know what will follow.
Fighting cancer is a long and difficult battle and any support given to the person suffering is welcome and helpful.