Cervical cancer is the growth of malignant cells in the cervix, the narrow opening of the uterus. Cervical cancer develops slowly from a distinct precancerous stage (dysplasia). Cancer confined to the surface of the cervix is classified as preinvasive, while cancer that has spread into deeper layers or to other organs is termed invasive. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer reaches the more dangerous invasive phase; however, with early diagnosis and treatment, long-term prognosis is extremely favorable.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
No symptoms during early stages.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause; heavier and lengthier monthly periods (in later stages).
Persistent, unusual vaginal discharge.
Back and abdominal pain (in later stages).
General malaise and loss of weight and appetite after cancer has spread.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The cause is unknown, but risk factors include sexual activity at an early age, multiple sexual partners, multiple pregnancies, a history of herpes or other venereal infections, and smoking.
Infection with certain varieties of the human papillomavirus, which cause genital warts, has a strong association with cervical cancer.
Women whose mothers took the synthetic hormone DES during pregnancy may be at greater risk.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Women who are sexually active, over age 18, or whose mothers took the drug DES during pregnancy should have a Pap smear at least once a year.
Recently, a cervical cancer vaccine has come on the market.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
A Pap smear to detect cancerous cells or cervical dysplasia.
Colposcopy (inspection of the vagina and cervix with a lighted instrument) to identify suspicious growths; biopsy suspicious lesions on the cervix; obtain scrapings of cells from the endocervical canal.
Conization (a biopsy of a cone-shaped section of the cervix) to detect and remove abnormal tissue in patients whose Pap smear suggests preinvasive cancer.
Dilatation and curettage (D&C), in which the cervix is dilated to obtain tissue samples for analysis.
Blood and urine samples.
How To Treat Cervical Cancer
Preinvasive cervical cancer may be treated by cauterization (burning away cancerous cells), cryosurgery (freezing and destroying cancerous cells), or laser surgery. Preinvasive cancers may also be totally removed during conization or with hysterectomy (removal of the cervix and uterus).
Surgery for invasive cervical cancer is usually treated by radical hysterectomy; very severe cases may also require removal of the bladder and rectum (very rare).
Radiation and chemotherapy may be used if cancer has spread throughout the uterus or to other organs.
When To Call A Doctor
Schedule regular Pap smears. Call your doctor if you note any symptoms of cervical cancer.
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