Cervical Cancer Risks

The cervix is located in the narrow bottom portion of the uterus. The cervix is like a small canal-shaped pathway that leads into the vagina. All types of cancer affect the body at the cellular level. When cancer affects a cell or group of cells, they become abnormal and start to multiply uncontrollably. Unfortunately, cervical cancer does not any detectable symptoms in its early stages. There is usually no pain associated with the onset of precancerous changes in the cervix, so a woman may not realize the changes in her body, unless she has regular Pap tests and pelvic examinations. The symptoms will usually not begin to show until the cells in the cervic turn cancerous. These symptoms include an increase in vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding in between menstrual cycles, bleeding after sex, a routine pelvic exam or menopause, or a heavier period. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your physician or gynecologist immediately.

In order to diagnose cervical cancer, your physician or gynecologist will more than likely schedule a procedure called a colposcopy, to test any areas in the cervix that are not normal. In this procedure, a solution much like vinegar is applied to the cervix and a small microscope is inserted to take a closer look. The Schiller test may also be suggested. In this procedure, a solution much like iodine is applied to the cervix. If the cervix cells are healthy, they will stain a brown color. If there is any type of abnormality, they will stain a yellow or white color. Your physician or gynecologist may also schedule a biopsy in order to test the tissue from within the cervix to determine if it is cancerous.

If a patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are a number of treatments your physician will choose from, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and biological therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs injected into the bloodstream to kill the cancerous cells. Your physician will suggest chemotherapy usually if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Surgery will be suggested if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Depending on how severe the case is, the doctor may only have to remove some of the cancerous cells or he may suggest a complete hysterectomy. During radiation therapy, rays of high-energy radiation are used to damage cancerous cells so they cannot grow. Biological therapy is used to help strengthen the patient's immune system to help fight off any kind of disease. More than likely, this will be suggested if the cancer has spread. The best thing about beginning and maintaining gynecological visits is that, once detected, precancerous cells of the cervix are easily cured.