Cervical cancer is a form of cancer known to develop in the cervix – the lower part of the uterus which has a direct opening to the vagina. The most common cause is the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease. Cervical cancer at its initial stage may not develop any symptoms, thus screening crucial. As cancer progresses, common signs of the disease include unexplained bleeding, pain in the pelvis, painful intercourse, and abnormal discharge.
Cervical cancer can happen for many reasons, including:
HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical carcinoma.
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Age: Cervical Cancer is diagnosed most frequently in women older than 30 years.
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Smoking: Non-smoking women with cervical cancer are more likely to be a smoker than non-smoking women who don’t have cervical cancer.
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Weakened Immune System: Cervical cancer is common among women who have a weakened immune system including HIV/AIDS patients or individuals who have organ transplant.
Cervical cancer may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both depending on the stage it has reached. Secondly, the methods of preventing cervical cancer are numerous. These are taking HPV vaccination, practicing safe sex, and getting cervical cancer checkups.
Cervical cancer tests are done in order to diagnose cervical cancer precursors, which are abnormal cells. The screenings are necessary because cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stage. The two accepted methods of cervical cancer screening are the Pap test and the HPV test.
The Pap Test:
It requires a doctor to remove a small amount of cells and then using a magnifying glass to search for signs of abnormally functioning cells. In a particular Pap Test, a specialist will employ a special instrument known as the speculum that helps to open the vaginal chinks.
Next they take a very soft sample from cervix using a spatula or a brush. The sample collected is taken to the laboratory for the examination using the microscope. This will detect any irregular shaped cells and any changes in the cells that may point to cervical cancer.
The Pap test may be given during a routine gynecological examination. Getting tested for it is simple, and there are no difficult steps involved.. Cervical monitoring requires the use of Pap test. It is recommended for women to consume it when they turn 25 years or when recommended by a doctor depending on their risk factors.
Additional testing and treatment might be needed to prevent cervical cancer if abnormal cells are found during a Pap.
The next step will depend on how severe the abnormal cells are and the results from any follow-up testing. The healthcare provider will recommend a repeat Pap in 6-12 months if the abnormal cells are low-grade. This is to determine if the cells have returned to normal or if there has been a progression.
Further testing may be required if the abnormal cells are of high grade or if other factors are present, such as the human papillomavirus. Colposcopy is an additional test that involves examining the cervix with a unique tool and taking a biopsy if necessary.
Treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination if the biopsy reveals precancerous or cancerous cells. If abnormal cells are found during a Pap, women must follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for further testing and treatments.
Early detection of precancerous conditions and their treatment can help prevent cervical cancer.
HPV Test:
The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical carcinoma. Many people infected by it do not show any symptoms. During an HPV screening, a healthcare professional will take a sample from the cervix. This is similar to a Pap Test. The HPV test detects high-risk HPV types more likely to cause cancer. As part of cervical screening, the HPV test and Pap test are often combined.
This is especially true for women aged between 25 and 65. The recommended interval to repeat screening every five years is if both tests are negative. Additional testing and follow-up can be recommended if the HPV test results are positive or abnormal cells are detected in the Pap test.
If a woman’s Pap test shows normal cervical cells, but her HPV test is positive, her healthcare provider might recommend that she repeat the HPV testing in 12 months. Or they may suggest she undergo a colposcopy for a more thorough evaluation of the cervix.
Further pap smears might be needed if the cells are not normal during a colposcopy or if the HPV is still positive after one year. The healthcare provider will order a repeat Pap in 6-12 months or a colposcopy if there are abnormal cells in the Pap.
If there are suspicious cells on colposcopy or the Pap tests remain abnormal, then a biopsy will be done to tell whether it is cancerous or precancerous cells. If there are cancer or precancer cells detected, the available treatments are chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both.
If there is abnormal cells seen on the Pap or if the HPV tests are positive, the women have to adhere to the instructions of their health care practitioners regarding the next steps and therapy. Screening women for cervical cancer and proper treatment once the disease is identified is an essential way of stopping the disease. They also enhance the result.
Women should talk with their healthcare providers to learn about their personal risk factors for developing cervical cancer. They should also follow the recommended screening schedule. This may include the Pap or HPV test. Early detection of precancerous conditions and their treatment can help prevent cervical cancer.
ASC Report:
The American Cancer Society recommends women start cervical cancer screening when they are 25 years old or earlier if there are risk factors such as a weak immune system or previous cervical cancer. Women aged 25 to 65 should undergo a Pap Test every three years or a combination of Pap and HPV tests every five years. Women should discuss their risk factors with their healthcare provider and their screening schedule. Regular cervical cancer screenings are essential for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage when it can be treated most effectively. They can also save lives. Women’s health is critical. Regular cervical cancer screenings can help detect the disease early when it is most treatable.