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Cervical Cancer
Medical Questions » Cervical Cancer
| Name: Cervical Cancer |
| Also known as: Cancer of the Cervix |
| Cancer of the cervix involves the part of the uterus (womb) which opens into the top of the vagina. It is one of the more common forms of female cancer. |
Causes of Cervical Cancer
More common in women who have multiple sexual partners, smokers, and much more common in women who have been infected with the human pappiloma virus which causes genital warts (see separate entry). Very rare in virgins. |
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
May be no symptoms for several years after the cancer is present, then abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul discharge, pain and/or bleeding on intercourse, and discomfort in the lower abdomen may occur. |
Tests for Cervical Cancer
May be detected at an early stage by a Pap smear test. If a Pap smear result is suspicious the cervix will be more closely examined through a microscope that looks into the vagina (a colposcope). Biopsy of a suspicious area can confirm the diagnosis. |
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
Easily treated in early stages by burning away the cancerous area with diathermy or laser, or a cone-shaped area of tissue may be excised. These forms of treatment do not interfere with the woman' s ability to fall pregnant, or function normally in her sexual responses. Only if the cancer is advanced is a hysterectomy required or radiation therapy used.
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Complications of Cervical Cancer of its treatment
If left untreated it may spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis, the uterus, ureters and other organs. |
Likely Outcome of Cervical Cancer
99% of early stage cancer is cured, 65% of cases with medium stage survive, but only 5% of those with spread outside the pelvis are alive after five years. |
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