If you’re wondering if you have cervix cancer, you’re not alone. Nearly all women will develop cervical cancer at some point in their lives. Cervical cancer starts when healthy cells in the cervix develop DNA changes. DNA is a blueprint for all the cells in your body, and when it changes, cancer begins to develop. There are several types of cervical cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, all of which proliferate. In rare cases, the cancer cells may spread to surrounding normal tissue.
If a Pap test reveals abnormal cells, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. The doctor will cut out a piece of the cervix tissue to study the cells under a microscope. If the tissue is cancerous, the healthcare provider will send it to a lab for further examination. Several tests can help diagnose cervical cancer, including blood cell count and hemoglobin level. Other tests, including a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound, can identify cervical cancer at an early stage.
Certain risk factors increase your chances of cervical cancer. Pregnant women are more susceptible to HPV infection, as their immune system is weakened. Long-term use of birth control pills also increases the risk. Smoking is also a risk factor. Luckily, a proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the chance of successful cure. Cervical cancer treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment options for cervical cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, age, and overall health of the patient.
Once the disease is detected, a doctor can use the results of the tests to determine whether the cancer cells have spread beyond the cervix. If the cancer has spread to nearby structures, it may be blocking the ureters or the pelvic wall. Additionally, it may have affected the lymph nodes in the pelvic region. If it has spread, it will be difficult to treat. In addition, some cases recur after treatment.
Treatment for cervix cancer starts with early detection. While there are no known cures for cervical cancer, early detection and treatment increase your chances of survival. Surgery is the most common form of treatment. Radiation therapy may help after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy can also be used to shrink tumors. However, this is not very common. When treating cervical cancer, it is important to treat the pre-cancer.
Having regular Pap tests is the best way to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Pap tests can detect pre-cancerous conditions and allow doctors to monitor them. Most medical organizations recommend that women start routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every few years. And most importantly, sex safely can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get vaccinated against the HPV virus. It could save your life.
A common way to prevent cervical cancer is to take oral birth control. Stopping these medications reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer and returns to normal over a 10-year period. Between 1940 and 1971, some women took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage. While this treatment was largely effective, it often had harmful consequences for their babies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned DES during pregnancy in 1971.
