Cervical cancer: what does every woman need to know?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Despite the fact that examination and diagnosis are available methods for detecting oncological diseases, cancer of the cervix is second only to breast cancer among malignant tumors .
Cervical cancer most often causes a certain virus, which provokes the growth of abnormal cells. The earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the more likely that the outcome will be favorable. You should always be alert, and therefore have an idea about this disease and know its symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
- pain and bleeding during sex
- vaginal discharge
- bleeding between menstruation
- bleeding after the onset of menopause
The main theory of the onset of cervical cancer is a papillomavirus infection that can be asymptomatic, and sometimes cause the formation of warts - genital warts.
Risk group
Most often, cervical cancer occurs in women in old age, in those who have a promiscuous sex life or started a sexual relationship too soon. Also at risk are women who have suffered many abortions, and those who suffer from venereal and inflammatory diseases.
In addition, according to statistics, cervical cancer most often affects women of African American and Hispanic origin.
Early diagnosis
Early diagnosis of the tumor includes a Pap test, which helps detect the presence of pathological cells in the cervical region. This painless manipulation every woman from the age of 21 must go every three years starting. As additional methods of examination, the doctor may prescribe a biopsy or colposcopy.
[Stages of cervical cancer
There are several stages of tumor development, depending on the location and size.
- 0 stage - cancer cells are observed on the surface of the cervix;
- Stage 1 - the cancer spreads beyond the cervix;
- 2 stage - the cancer goes to the upper part of the vagina;
- Stage 3 - the cancer reaches the lower part of the vagina;
- Stage 4 - the cancer grows to the rectum or bladder.
Treatment of cervical cancer
Often, surgical intervention is performed, and radiation radiation therapy can be prescribed as an adjunct to treatment.