Description
Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells in the cervix develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. Squamous cell carcinoma, this type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Risk factors for cervical cancer include Many sexual partners, early sexual activity, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV, smoking.
Summary Listen
- Cervical cancer is a common cancer in women, primarily caused by HPV infections, with types 16 and 18 posing the highest risk. While most HPV infections clear within two years, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer, a process that can take 10-22 years.
- Risk factors for cervical cancer include multiple sexual partners, early sexual exposure, smoking (for squamous cell carcinoma), prolonged oral contraceptive use (for adenocarcinoma), and immunocompromised status.
- Early cervical cancer is often asymptomatic and detected only through routine Pap smears. Later symptoms may include persistent or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding (post-coital, intermenstrual, postmenopausal, or heavy/prolonged menstrual bleeding), pelvic pain, dyspareunia, back pain, leg pain, malaise, weight loss, fatigue, and even renal or bowel symptoms if the cancer spreads.
- Early signs include an abnormal Pap smear, and speculum examination may reveal visible tumors or growths, requiring biopsy for confirmation. Colposcopy is performed for abnormal Pap smears without visible lesions, with biopsies taken from abnormal areas.
- Cervical cancer prevention relies on screening programs (Pap smears or liquid-based cytology with high-risk HPV testing) every three years for women aged 21-49 and every five years for those aged 50-65. The goal is to detect pre-cancerous changes for early treatment.
- Screening methods include HPV tests to detect high-risk HPV types and Pap smears to identify cell changes caused by HPV. Co-testing combines both methods. One screening approach involves initial HPV testing followed by cytology if HPV is positive, and colposcopy referral if cytology is abnormal or HPV remains positive after repeated testing.
- Vaccination against HPV, such as Gardasil and Gardasil 9, is a primary prevention method. These vaccines trigger the immune system to attack HPV types linked to cervical cancer and should ideally be administered before sexual exposure. Screening and vaccination together have significantly reduced cervical cancer cases globally.
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About the Speakers
Nahla Rashad Hamdan Abdel Rahman
MBBS, DNB(Internal Medicine), DNB(Nephrology) , Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals MBBS, DCH, MRCPCH Fellow in Neonatal Medicine PGPN Bostan Pediatrician Mumbai, India.
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