1. Introductory remark
When the cancerous cells start to multiply at the cervix which forms the lower part of the uterus, it results in cervical cancer. It is the third most common type of dreaded ailment affecting women worldwide although its incidence is less in the USA mainly because of the use of Pap smears. These cells are of two types, viz, squamous and columnar and between the two, squamous is more common.
2. Causes and symptoms
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus named human papilloma (HPV) which spreads through sexual intercourse. Only some strains of such viruses have the capability to cause cervical cancer with the rest not going beyond general warts. Women whose mothers were administered with diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the early 1960s to prevent miscarriages are more prone to getting cervical virus. Other triggering conditions could be characterized by weakened immune system and could also be related to economic status of the women in that they may not be able to afford regular Pap smears.
Cervical cancer is asymptomatic and tends to grow very slowly. But when it starts to show up, it is characterized by continuous vaginal discharge looking pale, watery, pink or brown, bloody or excessively smelling, bleeding between periods, intercourses or after reaching the menopausal stage and extended length of periods. Secondary symptoms could be loss of appetite, weight and a constant tendency to be fatigued.
3. Treatment
It is the stage of cancer that determines the nature of treatment. In early stages, it can be cured by removing or destroying the cancerous tissues in which case there is no need to remove the uterus or interfere with the cervix which would enable women to still bear a child.
When it has not spread hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus but not the ovaries. If it had reached an advanced stage a radical hysterectomy has to be performed which removes the uterus and most of the surrounding tissues including internal lymph nodes and upper parts of the vagina.
If it has spread beyond the pelvis radiation therapy may be needed. Chemotherapy acquires a form of drug to kill the cancer in the cervix. Typical cancer drugs include 5-FU, Cisplatin, Ifosfamide but none of them should be taken without medical supervision.
4. Concluding remarks
The survival rates decrease with the advancement of this disease. But the consoling point is that all the viruses do not cause this condition and if detected at early stages it is completely curable.