Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the reproductive system, the primary causative factor being human papilloma virus (HPV).



It is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Women have the tendency to prevent the human papilloma virus from doing any harm, due to the increased immune levels. This virus increases the incidence of proliferation of cancerous cells. About fifty percent of the cervix cancer occurs between 35 and 55 years of age.



Being the third cause of cancer death in women, cervical cancer is diagnosed by pap test.

Pelvic pain, vaginal discharge with blood and bleeding after intercourse are typical cervical cancer symptoms. Removal of the abnormal cells is the primary objective of cervical cancer treatment and non invasive cancers are removed by laser, cryosurgery, cone biopsy, and so on. Laser surgery utilizes a narrow beam of high frequency light to inhibit the cancerous cells.



Cryosurgery involves the freezing and elimination of cancer cells.

Cone biopsy or conization is the excavation of a cone shaped tissue, where the tumor is commonly seen. Hysterectomy removes the cancerous cells and the precancerous areas, uterus and cervix. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses an electric current, passed through a wire loop.



It is simulative to a knife and helps in removal of affected area. Invasive cancer is the term used to refer the cervical cancer that affects the inner layers of the cervix. 

Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus is helpful in treating cervical cancer. It involves the elimination of the cancer, uterus and cervix. Pain while urinating, pelvic pain and difficulty in bowel are the side effects of hysterectomy.



Energy at a high frequency is utilized to inhibit the cancerous cells, in the case of radiation therapy. It is rated to be the best treatment technique for women in their chronic stages. External beam radiation or internal brachytherapy is done. The latter involves the placement of radioactive material, close to the cervix.



Cessation of the menstrual cycle in the pre menopausal women is an outcome of radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy involves the usage of anti carcinogenic chemicals, for the inhibition of cancer cells. Small dose of chemotherapy is provided with radiation, to enhance the performance of the latter. Infertility is common due to the chemotherapy drugs in premenopausal women. Cervical cancer is initiated as thin and flat cells. This squamous epithelium lines the base of the cervix. Glandular cells on the roof of the cervix, when affected by the ccancer cells are referred to as adenocarcinoma.