A particular kind of cancer called cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the area of the uterus that attaches to the vagina. Sexually transmitted infections such as certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are the primary cause of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is not always the result of HPV infections, but the risk might rise with continued exposure to high-risk strains of the virus.
Hazardous Elements
HPV Infection: High-risk HPV strains are linked to the majority of occurrences of cervical cancer.
Smoking: There is a higher chance of cervical cancer in women who smoke.
Avoidance
HPV Vaccination: Infection with the most prevalent HPV strains that might result in cervical cancer can be avoided with the use of the HPV vaccine. Teenagers are usually advised to be vaccinated.
Conducting routine Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, is essential for identifying abnormal alterations in the cervix at an early stage, before they progress into cancer.
Symptoms
Cervical cancer may not exhibit any signs in its early stages.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), pelvic pain, and pain during sexual activity are possible symptoms as the malignancy worsens.
Treatment
The cancer’s stage determines the available treatment options. They could consist of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and surgery.
There is a greater possibility of recovery with early discovery and therapy.
Cervical Cancer Stages
Higher stages indicate a more advanced cancer that has migrated to other places of the body. Cervical cancer is commonly staged from 0 to IV.
Cervical cancer is limited to stages 0 and I, whereas stages II through IV show a progression of the illness.
Subsequent Care
Following treatment, patients with cervical cancer frequently need to have follow-up appointments to watch for any indications of recurrence.
The type and frequency of follow-up testing can change based on the cancer’s stage and the particular treatment that was administered.
