All women have a cervix, which is in the lower part of their vaginas near the vaginal opening. The cervix leads to the uterus. The cervix is of prime concern for Ob-Gyn’s because it is prone to developing cysts, lesions, and tumors, which are comprised of cervical cancer cells. 99% of women who develop cervical cancer initially had a sexually transmitted disease known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV.)
Approximately 13,170 women will develop cervical cancer this year, and 4,200 women will die from it this year in America alone. This is a sad irony considering that cervical cancer is one of the most natural cancers to treat and prevent.
In this detailed guide by Ketto, you will get answers to all your questions and doubts about cervical cancer.
HPV causes 99% of cervical cancer cases because it can cause some of the cells in the cervix to mutate into malignant, cancerous cells. This occurs in women who have had HPV for years. However, it should be noted that cervical cancer caused by HPV is rare because the immune system suppresses HPV and renders it harmless in most cases.
All women can reduce their likelihood of developing and even prevent cervical cancer with routine screening tests and vaccines that are designed to prevent them from developing HPV. Cervical cancer may take years to detect before becoming malignant because it grows very slowly. It is dangerous because it can metastasize to the liver, lungs, vagina, bladder, rectum, and other vital organs.
Cervical cancer can easily be treated if detected early. Women can develop cervical precancerous cells as young as their early 20’s. Therefore, initial and routine screening is necessary. Young women are advised to get regular pap smears when they turn 16. Early detection can detect abnormal cells before they grow into cancer cells, and initial screening can lead to excellent treatment methods that can send cervical cancer into remission permanently and add many years of quality life to these women’s lifespans! Please note that most women do not develop full-blown cervical cancer until they are in their mid-50’s.
Types of cervical cancer
While there are many types of cervical cancer, the two types which women commonly get are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Women who get this type of cancer initially develop thin, flat cells on the outside of their cervixes. Most women who get cervical cancer get this type of cancer.
Adenocarcinoma
Women who get this type of cancer initially develop cancerous cells inside the cervical lining