According to the American Cancer Society, almost all cervical cancers are either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. On rare occasions, melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma may also be found in the cervix. (1)
Longer or heavier than usual menstrual periodsBleeding after vaginal intercoursePost-menopausal bleedingVaginal discharge that may contain blood between periods or after menopause.Pain during vaginal intercourse, even without bleeding or discharge.
The HPV virus can infect cells in several areas of the body, including the skin and the lining of the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. Like other sexually transmitted diseases, HPV can be spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact and vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Other risk factors may include: (3)
Multiple pregnanciesSmoking cigarettesLong-term use of oral contraceptivesA suppressed immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic use of corticosteroidsFirst sexual encounter at a young ageMany sexual partnersA previous cervical cancer diagnosisA Pap smear that showed precancerous cellsExposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriages and avoid other pregnancy problems. Research has linked prenatal exposure to DES to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.HIV infection
If the Pap smear detects HPV, more testing, such as a colposcopy, may be performed to look for cells that might be cancerous. During a colposcopy, your doctor will use a magnification tool called a colposcope to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva. A biopsy will likely be performed on tissue with any apparent abnormalities in order to screen for cancerous changes. There are several types of biopsies that your doctor may perform, depending on your case. The types include: (4)
Punch biopsy During this procedure, your doctor uses a sharp tool to remove a core of tissue.Endocervical curettage Your doctor will use a small instrument to scrape tissue from the cervix.Electrical wire loop Your doctor will use a low-voltage electrified wire to remove a small sample from the cervix.Cone biopsy In this more extensive procedure, your doctor will remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix
Surgery for cervical cancer Surgery may be recommended to remove pre-cancerous tissue. Surgery may be minimal or more extensive, depending on whether the cancer has spread. Radiation for cervical cancer Radiation may be used when cancer has spread beyond the cervix, or for tumors larger than 4 centimeters, say experts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Chemotherapy for cervical cancer Concurrent chemoradiation combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy to boost the efficacy of radiation. Drugs used in this treatment include cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), carboplatin, paclitaxel (Taxol or Onxol), topotecan, or gemcitabine (Gemzar). (6)
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
The American Cancer Society states that regular Pap smears to identify precancerous changes in cells combined with testing for HPV is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, HPV vaccination with a vaccine such as Gardasil, Gardasil 9, or Cervarix, can help prevent infection by the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancers. But achieving widespread HPV vaccination rates continues to be a problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017, only 49 percent of adolescents were up-to-date on the HPV vaccine, which is ideally administered at age 11 or 12. Geography and access to care also plays a role. Fewer adolescents in rural areas, compared with adolescents in urban areas, are getting the HPV vaccine. (7)
FatigueUpset stomachDiarrhea or loose stools (if radiation is given to the pelvis or abdomen)Nausea and vomitingSkin changes (from mild redness to peeling or flaking)Bladder irritation and dysfunction, blood in the urineVaginal painMenstrual changesLow blood counts
When chemotherapy is combined with radiation, blood counts may be lower and fatigue and nausea tend to be worse. These side effects typically improve in the weeks after treatment is stopped. Other, long-term side effects include vaginal scar tissue, dryness, rectal bleeding, urinary problems, and weakened bones. (8) This online community and advocacy organization helps patients and survivors connect and thrive through collective wisdom. Foundation for Women’s Cancer A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this organization is dedicated to increasing public awareness of gynecological cancer risk, prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment. Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition CCF-America partners with community and government organizations as an advisory committee to provide information and support while carrying out community intervention projects. National Cervical Cancer Coalition A cervical cancer/HPV online support community of patients and caregivers who share personal experiences in a safe, secure environment.
