Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. What is it, what are its causes and symptoms, how is it diagnosed, what is the treatment, and how can it be prevented?
Cervical tumors are a common type of cancer affecting the cervix in women. They are characterized by abnormal growth of cells that make up the skin surrounding that area. It's worth noting that most cervical tumors often begin in the cells on the surface of the cervix.
Women between the ages of 35 and 44 are most at risk of developing cervical tumors, but it's worth noting that more than 15% of new cases occur in women over the age of 65.
Therefore, we recommend that all women between the ages of 25 and 64 undergo a Pap smear test, as early detection is one of the most important stages of treatment and recovery from this tumor.
The most important causes of cervical cancer include:
This type begins in the thin, flat cells that line the outer part of the cervix and accounts for approximately 90% of cases.
While this type begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal,
This type can be identified by its name, as it is a cancer with a combination of the two previous types.
As we mentioned, cervical cancers are tumors that develop in the lower part of a woman's uterus. In most cases, they are caused by precancerous changes in the cells present in the cervix. Several symptoms may appear that could indicate the presence of cervical cancer, the most important of which include:
We recommend consulting a specialist if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if there are concerns about your cervical health.
Large tumors in the cervix can spread to the ureters and may cause a blockage in the kidney ureter, preventing urine flow and leading to fluid accumulation in the kidneys and increased blood pressure.
In rare cases, cervical cancer can spread to the lower part of the large intestine and cause anal obstruction.
Cancer in the cervix can block the lymphatic vessels, resulting in swelling in the legs or feet and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
In rare cases, cancer can spread from the cervix to the lower part of the intestine, causing a narrowing of the digestive tract and difficulty passing food and stool.
If the tumor is not diagnosed in its early stages and not treated properly and effectively, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, uterus, intestines, liver, and others.
Dear woman, if you are experiencing these symptoms or have concerns about the health of your uterus, we recommend consulting a specialist to evaluate the condition and conduct a biopsy. Necessary Tests
Diagnosis is made by performing a Pap smear and regular pelvic exam, as these help detect most cases of cervical cancer. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will take a biopsy to collect tissue. If this biopsy confirms a risk of cancer, further tests will be required to determine whether the cancer has spread throughout the body. These tests include:
As we emphasized in this article, early detection of this tumor increases the likelihood of recovery. In general, the most important treatment methods include the following:
Chemotherapy includes medications administered to the patient to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors in the body. It should be noted that chemotherapy can be combined with other treatment methods, depending on the treatment requirements.
Radiation therapy relies on the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It should be noted that this type of treatment can be used alone or after surgery to alleviate symptoms.
There are several types of surgical interventions used to treat cervical tumors, including the following:
The laser burns cells or removes a piece of tissue for doctors to examine and study.
A cone-shaped piece of tissue is taken from the cervix.
Only the uterus is removed, leaving no tissue surrounding the uterus, vagina, or lymph nodes.
The uterus is removed along with part of the vagina, the pelvic lymph nodes, and surrounding tissue.
Methods for preventing cervical tumors include the following:
Is the HPV vaccine safe and effective?
Of course, this vaccine is safe and highly effective.
The most common side effects of this vaccine include:
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