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Cervical Cancer

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Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
Cervical cancer in which I will be discussing in this essay…is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Some symptoms may include: vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause. Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor and Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic change also known as mutation that causes them to turn into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass. Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumor to spread elsewhere in the body. It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most women with the virus never develop cervical cancer. This means other factors — such as your environment or your lifestyle choices also determine whether you'll develop cervical cancer. The type of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are: * 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. * Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.
Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix. Cervical cancer that is detected early is more likely to be treated successfully. Most guidelines suggest that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21. Screening tests includes the following: * Pap test. During a Pap test, your doctor scrapes and brushes cells from your cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities.
A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. * HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer. This test may be an option for women age 30 and older, or for younger women with an abnormal Pap test.
If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument called an colposcope is used to check for abnormal cells.During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is will most likely take a sample of cervical cells for laboratory testing. To obtain tissue, your doctor may use: * Punch biopsy, which involves using a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue. * Endocervical curettage, which uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curet) or a thin brush to scrape a tissue sample from the cervix.
If the punch biopsy or endocervical curettage causes some concern, your doctor may perform one of the following tests: * Electrical wire loop, which uses a thin, low-voltage electrical wire to obtain a small tissue sample. This is usually done under local anesthesia in the office. * Cone biopsy, which is a procedure that allows your doctor to obtain deeper layers of cervical cells for laboratory testing. Cone biopsy may be done in a hospital under general anesthesia.
If your doctor determines that you have cervical cancer, you'll have further tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment.
Staging exams include: * Imaging tests. Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix. * Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum.
Stages of cervical cancer include: * Stage I. Cancer is confined to the cervix. * Stage II. Cancer is present in the cervix and upper portion of the vagina. * Stage III. Cancer has moved to the lower portion of the vagina or internally to the pelvic side wall.
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used.
To reduce your risk of cervical cancer: * Get vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is available for girls and women ages 9 to 26. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active. * Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest women begin routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every few years. * Practice safe sex. Using a condom, having fewer sexual partners and delaying intercourse may reduce your risk of cervical cancer. * Don't smoke. No one can be prepared for a cancer diagnosis. You can, however, try to manage the shock and fear you're feeling by taking steps to control what you can about your situation.Every woman deals with a cervical cancer diagnosis in her own way. Having a support system can get you through this hard and very vulnerable time. If the female has no support system there are many other outlets available to her in her time of need.

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