Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the excessive growth of abnormal cells in the cervix. There are two main types of cervical cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The latter accounts for 80% to 90% of cases, and usually occurs where the inner half (endocervix) meets the outer (ectocervix). Adenocarcinomas develop mostly in the endocervix. In rare cases, the tumor resembles both types of tumors. These are called adenosaquamous or mixed carcinomas.

Cervical Cancer Statistics In The USA

Cervical cancer is the eighth most common cancer in American women and the second most common cancer in the world. According to the American Cancer Society, 9,710 cases of cervical cancer were expected in 2006, of which 3,700 may be fatal. The National Cancer Institute estimates 11,150 cases in 2007, although the expected death rate has dropped slightly to 3,670.

Causes And Diagnosis Of Cervical Cancer

Like most cancers, the causes of cervical cancer are unknown, although studies have linked almost all cervical cancers to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are several strains of HPV, but the ones linked to cervical cancer are sexually transmitted. Combined oral contraceptives (the Pill) is also considered a risk factor, although more research is needed to support this claim. Recently, the controversial Merck vaccine was introduced for prevention of the HPV virus. Unfortunately, it is not a cure for cervical cancer but only a means for young women to prevent HPV infections.

A Pap smear may indicate possible infection, but a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. This is usually done through colposcopy, or examination of the surface of the cervix. In some cases, tissue is excised from the cervix and examined through a microscope for further testing.

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops slowly and only shows symptoms in the advanced stages, making it one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose. Advanced cervical cancer may cause weight loss, reduced appetite, fatigue, swelling in one leg, vaginal bleeding and leaks, and pain in the leg, back, and pelvis.

Treatment Of Cervical Cancer

Early stage cervical cancer is usually treated by hysterectomy, or removal of the entire uterus. This may result in the patient becoming infertile for the rest of her life. In more advanced stages, the surrounding lymph nodes may be removed as well. If the patient wants to remain fertile, an alternative treatment is loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP), which involves passing electric current through the affected area to remove the lesion. LEEP is currently one of the safest and most effective treatments available. Another possible treatment is cone biopsy or cervical conization, in which a cone-shaped sample is removed from the surface of the cervix. Both LEEP and cone biopsy can be used for diagnosis and treatment. Trachelectomy, or surgical removal of the tumor through the abdomen, is a less common option for patients who want to preserve fertility. Most treatments are followed by HPV vaccines, anti-cancer drugs, or radiotherapy to remove remaining cancer cells.

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