What is Cervical cancer ? : A Clear Explanation for Women’s Health.
Cervical cancer might sound scary, but knowledge is power! Let’s break down what it is in a clear and relatable way.
What is Cervical cancer ?
Imagine your cervix as the gatekeeper to your uterus. It’s the lower part of your womb, like a doorway connecting it to your vagina. Now, picture healthy cells lining this gate, keeping everything in check.
But sometimes, uninvited guests called Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can show up. Don’t worry, most HPV infections go away on their own. But in some cases, these viruses can linger and cause changes in the cervix cells.
Think of these changes as “funky cells” that start growing differently than normal. If left unchecked, these funky cells can turn into cancer over time. That’s what cervical cancer is.
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Here’s the good news:
- Most cervical cancers are preventable. The HPV vaccine protects against the main types of HPV that cause cancer. Getting vaccinated early is key!
- Early detection is crucial. Regular Pap smears or HPV tests can catch funky cells before they become a problem. Think of it as spotting trouble early and nipping it in the bud.
- Even if you have funky cells, treatment options are available. Depending on the stage, these can range from removing the abnormal cells to surgery and other treatments.
Remember:
- Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a scary monster. Knowledge and proactive steps can empower you to protect your health.
- Talk to your doctor. They can answer your questions, recommend screening based on your age and risk factors, and guide you through any concerns you might have.
- There are resources available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to support groups or organizations for information and emotional support.
What is Cervical cancer ? What are the types of cervical cancer ?
Cervical cancers are named after the type of cell where the cancer started. The two main types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Most cervical cancers (up to 90%) are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers develop from cells in the ectocervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: Cervical adenocarcinomas develop in the glandular cells of the endocervix. Clear cell adenocarcinoma, also called clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma, is a rare type of cervical adenocarcinoma.
Sometimes, cervical cancer has features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. This is called mixed carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma. Very rarely, cancer develops in other cells in the cervix.
what are the 5 warning signs of cervical cancer?
- vaginal bleeding after sex.
- vaginal bleeding after menopause.
- vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal.
- vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood.
- pelvic pain or pain during sex.
Cervical Cancer Treatment
- Surgery: For early-stage cancers, surgery is often the primary approach. This could involve removing part of the cervix (cone biopsy) or the entire cervix (hysterectomy).
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: Powerful antidote shrink tumors or kill cancer cells throughout the body. It’s often used alongside radiation for advanced stages.
- Targeted Therapy: These medications focus on specific vulnerabilities within cancer cells, offering a more precise approach with potentially fewer side effects.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment harnesses your body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, showing promising results in some cases.
