Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women and arises from abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Detecting it early is vital, as symptoms often don’t manifest until the later stages. Early detection involves an internal examination and the collection of cervical cell samples for examination. Many cases of cervical cancer are attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which has multiple strains. However, certain high-risk strains, notably HPV 16 and 18, are primary culprits for cervical cancer, affecting both women and men. The risk of contracting HPV (human papillomavirus) increases with sexual activity, and this risk is higher for individuals who have multiple sexual partners.
Precancerous cervical cancer
In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are typically no noticeable symptoms. Symptoms tend to become apparent in the more advanced stages of the disease. The most common symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:
- Vaginal bleeding that occurs after sexual intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Changes in menstruation patterns. These changes may include less menstruation, lighter or shorter menstrual periods than usual, or highly irregular menstrual cycles, with unpredictable timing and flow.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Fatigue, paleness, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss
- Swelling
- Unable to urinate or experiencing continuous flow.
- Lower abdominal pain
In advanced stages, patients may present with bilateral leg swelling due to lymphatic vessel blockage, along with symptoms like lower back pain, bloody urine indicating potential kidney involvement, or bloody stools, suggesting possible cancer spread to the urethra or intestines.
Cervical cancer can be divided into four stages:
- Stage 1: Cancer cells are localized within the cervix.
- Stage 2: Cancer cells have extended beyond the cervix and may have spread to nearby structures, such as the upper vagina and adjacent tissues.
- Stage 3: cancer cells have spread to nearby tissues such as the lower vagina. lymph nodes pelvic internal tissue.
- Stage 4: Cancer cells have metastasized, spreading to distant organs or areas outside the pelvis. This can include the bladder, colon, and even distant sites such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
Cervical Cancer Screening
- A Pap smear examination involves a healthcare provider using a spatula or brush to collect a sample of cells from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. This collected tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for examination. The Pap smear is a well-established and widely used method for detecting cervical abnormalities, including precancerous and cancerous cells.
- The ThinPrep (Pap Test) is an advancement of the traditional Pap smear method, offering increased effectiveness and accuracy in cervical cancer screening. Instead of using a spatula or brush, a specific device is employed to collect cells from around the cervix. These collected cells are then preserved in a ThinPrep Reagent solution before being sent to the laboratory for examination.
- DNA-level cervical cancer screening with ThinPrep Plus Cervista HPV DNA Testing is a comprehensive test that not only checks for the presence of cervical cancer cells but also performs DNA testing to identify specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that are linked to cervical cancer. This advanced screening method includes a detailed assessment for the presence of HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to be high-risk strains associated with cervical cancer. By providing this detailed information, the test aids in assessing the risk of latent or precancerous lesions, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of cervical cancer screening and early detection efforts.
For cervical cancer screening, the optimal examination window is typically within the middle 10 days of a menstrual cycle, which divides a month into three periods of 10 days each. Starting from day 1, which is the first day of menstruation, the ideal screening period ranges from the 11th day to the 20th day of the menstrual cycle. This timeframe is considered the most suitable for conducting the examination, as it minimizes potential deviations and ensures the accuracy of the results.
Discovering that you have cancer can be overwhelming, but it’s important to take certain steps to address the situation effectively:
When cancer is detected in its early stages, surgery is often highly effective as a treatment option. However, if the cancer is diagnosed at an advanced and aggressive stage, a comprehensive approach involving radiation therapy, often combined with surgery, and the administration of chemotherapy drugs is typically recommended. This comprehensive treatment is delivered by a team of experienced medical professionals, including doctors and specialized personnel, namely:
- Specialized doctors who develop tailored treatment guidelines that are most suitable for individual patients, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes and restore patients to their previous quality of life.
- Specialized nurses who offer guidance to female cancer patients, serve as dedicated caregivers. They possess a deep understanding of patients’ physical and emotional needs, continuously monitor symptoms, provide counsel, and maintain ongoing follow-up care.
- Pharmacists who are responsible for organizing medications tailored to each patient’s specific needs, in accordance with the physician’s recommendations. They also closely monitor and assess any side effects resulting from the patient’s medication usage.
- Dietitians who design a personalized diet plan for each patient, recognizing that individual nutritional needs can vary significantly. This meticulous dietary planning includes guidance for patients transitioning to home-based recovery, ensuring their ongoing health improvement.
- Physical therapists are available to provide guidance and support, particularly to patients recovering from surgery. Their goal is to assist patients in regaining their previous quality of life and overall health.
Preventive approach
- Avoid engaging in multiple sexual partners.
- Avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections; always use a condom.
- If you experience unusual symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse, it’s important to consult a doctor.
- All sexually active women should undergo regular cancer screenings, particularly for cervical cancer, at least once a year.
