Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.

Cervical Cancer Causes

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women, but it is much less common in the United States because of the routine use of Pap smears.

Cervical cancer starts in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The two types of cells on the surface of the cervix are squamous and columnar, with most cervical cancers forming in the squamous cells.

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, starting as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. It can take years for these changes to develop into cervical cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap smears, or they have not followed up on abnormal Pap smear results.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse. There are many different types (strains) of HPV, with some strains leading to cervical cancer. Other strains can cause genital warts, while others do not cause any problems at all.

A woman's sexual habits and patterns can increase her risk of developing cervical cancer. Risky sexual practices include:

• Having sex at an early age
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having a partner or many partners who are active in high-risk sexual activities

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Not getting the HPV vaccine
• Being economically disadvantaged
• Women whose mothers took the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy in the early 1960s to prevent miscarriage
• Weakened immune system

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that does not stop, and may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody or foul-smelling
• Periods that become heavier and last longer than usual

Cervical cancer may spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs and liver. Often, there are no problems until the cancer is advanced and has spread.

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:

• Back pain
• Bone pain or fractures
• Fatigue
• Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
• Leg pain
• Loss of appetite
• Pelvic pain
• Single swollen leg
• Weight loss