When cells in the cervix muscle grow and multiply abnormally (cervix is entrance to the womb from the vagina).
The cervix is located at the neck of the womb and is connected to the vagina.
It is made up of different cells: on the outer surface, at the top of the vagina, the layer is called the ectocervix and is made up of skin-like cells,whereas glandular cells, which produce mucus, cover the lining of the inside of the cervix and are called the endocervix.
Changes to the ectocervix and glandular cells in this area over time can lead to cancer of the cervix, or cervical cancer, which normally develops slowly (e.g. over several years).
Commonly affects women under the age of 35 years old.
Cells on the outer layer of cervix on top of vagina affected.
The most common is squamous cell carcinoma (originating in the ectocervix), which accounts for around 70-80% of diagnoses.
Adenocarcinoma
Cells inside the cervix glands (harder to diagnose).
Arising from cells in the endocervix; however, these are less common and account for around 20% of diagnoses[
Others:
Very rare: adenosquamous carcinoma, small cell and clear cell cancer
This cancer can spread to other parts of the body:
Stage I
Tumors have invaded the cervix
Stage II
Tumors have spread beyond the cervix.
Stage III
Tumor spreads to the upper two-thirds of the vagina and to the regions around the uterus and maybe the kidney.
The kidney may become enlarged and possibly blocking urine flow.
Stage IV
Tumor spreads beyond the region of the cervix to involve the wall of the bladder and/or rectum, or spreads to other regions of the body such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
Diagnosis Results
A positive test for a high-risk HPV does not mean that a woman will go on to develop cervical cancer. It does, however, indicate that she is at greater risk than a woman who tests negative
In most women, the immune system successfully deals with any initial HPV infection; this happens before the HPV can completely incorporate itself into the cell DNA and disrupt cell reproduction, leading to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Regular cervical screening can pick up the changes that could progress to cancer.
Symptoms normal develop at late stage, hence important to have regular cervical smear screening test. Please see your medical doctor to find out when it is due.
Vaccination
The vaccine does not eradicate HPV risk—none of the HPV vaccines currently available protect against all types of HPV infection. It is important that vaccinated women continue to have regular cervical screening.
Causes
Unknown
Age (Highest incidence rate is in women aged 30–34 years. This then drops until age 50–54 years and then falls again beyond 80 years).
Females who have multiple partners (more likely to catch STD: HPV) male and/or female
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (pre cancer condition that causes changes in cervix)
Nonattendance for cervical screenings (smear test)
Family history: Specifically, abnormalities HLA-DRB1*13-2, HLA-DRB1*3(17), and HLA-B*07 genes have been identified in association with a familial incidence of cervical cancer
Abnormalities in the genes that code for interleukin 6 (IL -6), a protein that helps the immune system function
Severe pain in your side or back caused by swelling in your kidneys, related to a condition called hydronephrosis (a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as the result of a build-up of urine inside them)
A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Cervical Cancer in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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