Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.
Symptoms
Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:
•Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
•Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
•Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Causes
It isn’t clear what causes cervical cancer, but it’s certain that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most people with the virus never develop cancer. This means other factors — such as your environment or your lifestyle choices — also determine whether you’ll develop cervical cancer.
Risk factors
•Many sexual partners.
The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner’s number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.
•Early sexual activity.
Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
•Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.
•A weakened immune system.
You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
•Smoking.
Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
Screening
Pap smear*
Screening tests can help detect cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer. Most guidelines suggest beginning screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21.
Screening tests include:
Pap smear test. During a Pap test, your doctor scrapes and brushes cells from your cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities.
A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer.
HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.
Treatment
Surgery
•To cut away the cancer only
•To remove the cervix
•To remove the cervix and uterus
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Supportive care
Prevention
°Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine and whether it is appropriate for you. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
•Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.
•Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
•Don’t smoke. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.
At e-Clinic and diagnostic Limited, we make all the Diagnostic needs for the prevention of Cervical cancers and other Cancers all under one roof and our Turn around Time is excellent.
Visit us today at #3 Agadez Street, By Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2,FCT-Abuja, to book for an appointment and for further enquiries;
Call; *+2349057314851, +23470100020008
Email; info@eclinic.ng
