Cervical cancer is classified according to its stage, from 0 to IV. If the cervix cancer is low-grade, however, it may not require treatment. The following are some symptoms that you can expect from cervical cancer.
A squamous cell lesion on the cervix may not cause any symptoms. This symptom is indicative of precancerous changes. However, advanced cancer can cause severe symptoms. You should see your doctor if you notice any of these changes. Early detection can improve your chances of a cure. It can also be a sign of another condition. When it comes to cervical cancer, it is best to seek medical care as soon as possible.
To diagnose cervical cancer, your healthcare provider may perform a cone biopsy, which removes a cone-shaped portion of the abnormal tissue for further examination. During this procedure, a loop electrosurgical excision or a conization is used to remove abnormal tissue. However, it requires general anesthesia. Your healthcare provider may recommend one of several other treatment options. Cervical cancer surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital may be the best option.
The stage of cervical cancer is a significant factor in treatment. The earlier it is detected, the less severe the side effects will be. Cervical cancer treatment may affect a woman’s ability to conceive. If the cancer is detected early, she can undergo less aggressive treatment and still become pregnant. However, larger surgeries may prevent her from having children. In the meantime, treatment can prolong her life. But the most common side effects of cervical cancer treatment are pain, infertility, and the possibility of recurrent pregnancy.
Cervical cancer is caused by a specific virus. HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease. It is preventable with the HPV vaccine. Early detection of cervical cancer improves the prognosis. The symptoms of cervical cancer may be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. But the good news is that cervical cancer can be detected and treated at the earliest stage. With proper prevention, you can avoid cervical cancer from ever spreading.
The most common way to diagnose cervical cancer is through a Pap test. Pap tests collect cells from the cervix and examine them for irregularities. If the Pap test results show abnormalities, you might have to undergo additional tests. For example, your healthcare provider may perform an HPV test to check for the presence of HPV infection. Certain HPV infections are known to lead to cervical cancer. This test is not a cure for cervical cancer, but it may help you to find out if your cervix is cancer-free.
While the exact cause of cervical cancer is not clear, certain factors increase the risk. People with a long history of sexual activity and a weakened immune system are at a higher risk. A low-level HPV infection is another factor. Smoking is also a risk factor. It’s also important to remember that cervical cancer is preventable, but you must be aware of the warning signs of the disease. This way, you can treat the cancer in time and prevent it from spreading.
