Cervical cancer is when tumorous growth occurs at the cervix, a vital part present in the reproductive tract of women. The cervix is an organ shaped like a cylinder connecting the uterus and vagina and made up of muscular tissue of a fibrous nature.
Even though the incidence of cervical cancer globally is relatively low when compared to more metastatic conditions such as breast cancer and lung cancer, it still affects a few million women worldwide every year. 
Also Read: Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The primary causative agent of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), although the exact mechanism by which it triggers the proliferation of cancerous cells in the cervix is yet to be determined. This HPV virus is present inherently in the system of many women of all age groups but in a dormant stage. When exposed to specific external radiations or extreme environmental factors, it activates the viral vector, which in turn leads to cervical cancer.
Essentially, HPV attacks the healthy DNA genetic makeup and normal cell multiplication processes of the tissues in the cervix, resulting in uncontrolled division of cells, eventually prompting a massive cancerous growth.
There are two main types of cervical cancer:
Adenocarcinoma:
This category of cervical cancer originates in the column-shaped glandular cells that are present in the lining of the cervical canal. The instance of adenocarcinoma is quite rare.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
This kind of cervical cancer occurs in the squamous cells, which are thin and flattened, found on the outer side of the cervix in the region of the vagina. Squamous cell carcinomas in the cervix are very common.
How To Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer can be prevented by taking a shot of the HPV vaccine, routinely examining the cervix, uterus, and vagina, steering clear of tobacco, and taking adequate precautions before engaging in intercourse.
However, if any characteristic signs of lumps are noticed in the cervical region, seek immediate medical care to treat cervical cancer effectively.
Risk Factors:
The predominant reasons why cervical cancer affects women are listed below:
- Having multiple sexual partners and an active sex life from adolescence
- Frequent smoking and exposure to tobacco fumes
- Having a compromised immune system
- Afflicted with other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or HIV/AIDS
Also Read: World Aids Day 2019: All You Need To Know About HIV
Symptoms:
Cervical cancer, in the early stages, presents no prominent symptoms. Once it intensifies and starts metastasizing or spreading to other organs in the body, the affected patient demonstrates the following typical indications:
- Severe pain and bleeding during intercourse
- Bleeding from the vagina at irregular intervals between periods or, sometimes, after menopause
- Discharge from the vagina with a foul odour
Diagnosis And Treatment:
The oncologist may recommend a pap test to detect the presence of the human papillomavirus in cells and tissue samples scraped off from the cervix of the affected individual.
Other tests include HPV DNA test, punch biopsy, and cone biopsy. If these test results present some initial evidence of cervical cancer, the doctor may prescribe more advanced imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, PET-CT and MRI, to establish how far cancer has already spread within the system of the patient.
Treatment for the elimination of cervical cancer from the reproductive tract of the woman involves high-end procedures, depending upon the type, stage, and extent of the severity of the tumour.
Surgery:
The invasive protocols to remove cancers from the cervix comprise techniques to eliminate only the tumorous growths, removing the entire cervix (trachelectomy), or excising the cervix and uterus (hysterectomy).
Chemotherapy:
The doctor prescribes potent drugs that target and kill the cancerous cells in the cervix of the diseased woman. These drugs can be ingested orally or administered intravenously.
Radiotherapy:
Utilizing high energy sources like X-rays or protons, the cancer cells in the cervix are specifically marked and eliminated without harming the neighbouring healthy cells.
Immunotherapy:
As advised by the physician, this method consists of taking prescription medication to bolster the body's immune system defenses to combat the cancerous cells effectively.
Also Read: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2023: Early Screening, Prevention and HPV Vaccine
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The cervical cancer vaccine, or the HPV vaccine, safeguards against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.
Who Should Get The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The vaccine is generally recommended for boys and girls between the age groups 11 and 12, but it can be given as early as 9 and up to age 26 for females and up to age 21 for males who have not previously been vaccinated.
How Does The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Work?
The vaccine functions by triggering the body's immune system to make antibodies against specific strains of HPV, thus preventing infection by those strains and reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Is The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Effective?
Yes, the vaccine is highly effective at preventing HPV infections and related diseases, including cervical cancer. Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in HPV infections and associated precancerous lesions in vaccinated individuals.
Is There Any Side Effect Of The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine can also cause minor side effects like pain or redness at the injection site, fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches. Serious side effects are infrequent.
Is The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Safe?
Yes, extensive research and monitoring have shown that the cervical cancer vaccine is safe. It has undergone rigorous testing in clinical trials and continues to be monitored for safety by health authorities.
How Many Doses Of The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Are Required?
Typically, two doses are recommended for individuals who receive the first dose before age 15. Three doses of HPV shots are recommended for those who start the vaccinations at age 15 or older or for individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions.
Does The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Protect Against All Types Of HPV?
No, the vaccine protects against certain high-risk HPV strains that are accountable for most cervical cancers, as well as some other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Is The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Only For Females?
No, the vaccine is recommended for both males and females. In addition to preventing cervical cancer in females, it also helps avert the risk of other HPV-related cancers, such as anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers in males.
At What Age Should Someone Get Vaccinated Against Cervical Cancer?
The vaccine is generally very effective when given before exposure to HPV through sexual activity. Therefore, it is recommended for preteens and adolescents, typically around ages 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as 9. However, individuals who have not been vaccinated can still benefit from the vaccine later in life, up to 26 years for females and 21 years for males.
References:
- Cervical cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors and screening
Shaokai Zhang,1 Huifang Xu,1 Luyao Zhang,1 and Youlin Qiao1,2,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7797226/
2.Cervical cancer therapies: Current challenges and future perspectives
Carly A. Burmeister,a,1 Saif F. Khan,a,1 Georgia Schäfer,b,c,d Nomonde Mbatani,g,h Tracey Adams,g,h,i Jennifer Moodley,e,f,g and Sharon Princea,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9062473/
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Rikki Deogade MBBS, Chief Medical officer, NUHM. Dr. Deogade can be consulted on Netmeds.com.
