The Big Picture: Cervical Cancer

(Picture from CDC, 2021)

Cervical cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled cell growth at the cervix. The cervix is a portion of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus to the vagina (CDC, 2021) and prevents the growing fetus from passing through into the vagina during pregnancy.

There are a multitude of reasons why cervical cancer may occur. One of the most common causes of this cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a type of sexually transmitted infection (CDC, 2022). While many patients with cervical cancer have HPV, not all individuals with HPV develop cervical cancer and the virus’ role in causing the cancer is still relatively unknown. As a result of HPV being a common cause of cervical cancer, individuals who have multiple sexual partners and a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer. Smoking and having sex at an early age can also exponentially increase the risk of cervical cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

The two types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cervical carcinoma is unique because it starts in the squamous cells (thin cells) that cover the outer cervix. This type of cancer is the most common in patients with cervical cancer. Cervical adenocarcinoma differs because it starts in the columnar cells (column-like cells) that lay in the inner lining of the cervical canal. Cervical adenocarcinoma is rarer than squamous cell cervical carcinoma (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

Since cervical cancer can be metastatic, its symptoms can present differently depending on its stage. Early stages of cervical cancer can present with vaginal discharge that is bloody or watery. The smell of the discharge is important as well as foul odor can also be present. Menstrual periods may also last longer or be heavier than a patient is used to. If the cancer spreads, other signs can present. If it spreads to the urinary system, patients might experience blood in their urine (hematuria) or painful urination. If it spreads to the GI system, patients might also experience bloody stools (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Prevention of cervical cancer involves avoiding risk factors and having protective measures. Getting an HPV vaccine is an extremely easy and valuable method of cancer prevention since it allows your body to understand how to effectively respond to the virus. Having regular pap smears can also serve as a protective measure since the test can identify if cancer is present in the cervix and help detect it if it is there early (National Cancer Institute, 2021)

References:

CDC. (2021, December 14). Basic information about cervical cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, February 17). Cervical cancer: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer

Mayo Clinic. (2021, June 17). Cervical cancer. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501

National Cancer Institute. (2021, September 28). Cervical cancer prevention (PDQ®)–patient version. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-prevention-pdq