In the United States, the elderly population is growing, and by 2030, the median age will reach eighteen percent. The disease behaves differently in this population, as it is more likely to have a delayed diagnosis or to be resistant to complex treatments. Moreover, the patient’s age may play a role, making treatment options more difficult to decide. Despite this, there are several options available for women with cervix cancer.
Pap smear. The Pap smear is part of a pelvic exam. The technician looks at the cells under a microscope. If there are any abnormal cells, she may recommend a biopsy. While this procedure is usually not necessary, there is a chance that it may lead to a diagnosis of cervix cancer. As a result, it’s crucial to know your risk.
Chemotherapy. This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. This therapy is generally used to treat locally advanced cervical cancer that has spread. This treatment is given in cycles, with recovery periods in between. Most chemotherapy treatments are outpatient, and women may be able to get pregnant again if they want to. Similarly, newer treatments are available, such as biological therapy. These treatments work by targeting a checkpoint on immune cells to trigger an immune response. They may shrink tumors and improve quality of life.
If your Pap test shows abnormal results, your doctor will most likely suggest cervical cancer. However, an abnormal Pap test may be an indicator of other underlying conditions. Infections can cause abnormal Pap test results. For example, infections such as herpes virus, yeast infections, and HPV can cause abnormal Pap tests. In such cases, your doctor will perform a colposcopy to look at the cervix in more detail. If the cancer is advanced, it may extend into other tissue areas.
The cells that cause cervical cancer are graded according to how abnormal they look. Cells of grade one are the most like normal cells, while those in grade three are most likely to be cancerous. They spread from the surface of the cervix into the deep tissue. Stage one of cervical cancer is also categorized as A, B, and C. Stage one is further subdivided into A and B, where the cancer cells are five to ten millimeters in size.
The researchers will be looking at whether HPV infection is a cause of cervix cancer. Cervical cancer is rare in younger women, but it can develop in anyone with a cervix. While it’s not common, everyone who has sex is at risk. If you have been sexually active, you’re probably infected with HPV. Ultimately, you will be screened for cervical cancer and get a second opinion.
Stage two cervical cancer is more advanced than stage one. It has spread beyond the cervix and uterus and now affects the upper vagina. Patients with stage two cancer will typically experience symptoms. Internal radiation therapy, which often requires a hospital stay, will be used to treat stage two cervical cancer. Depending on the stage, chemotherapy may not be beneficial. The survival rate for stage three and four is thirty-two percent or less.
