Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that may begin with an infection of HPV. Abnormal cells grow within the cervix and grow out of control. This HPV may cause the cells in the cervix to change and become cancerous. The good news about cervical cancer is that it is a type of cancer that can be treated. However, it’s only treated when it’s found out early.
HPV
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that has many different strains. Some strains of HPV can cause symptoms including genital warts and cancers. HPV is so common that most people who are sexually active will have an infection with the virus at some point in their lives. HPV is spread through sexual contact including vaginal, anal and oral sex. The infection can be passed on even when an infected person does not have any symptoms.
HPV Symptoms
Many people who have HPV do not exhibit any symptoms or signs when they are infected. Some strains of HPV can cause symptoms including genital warts. HPV may also cause women to have an abnormal Pap test. HPV may lead to some cancers including cervical, throat, tongue, oropharyngeal and others.
HPV Treatment
HPV often clears up on its own over time. There is no cure for HPV and it often doesn’t require treatment if it doesn’t cause any symptoms. Genital warts that are caused by HPV may be treated using medications, surgical removal, laser surgery, electrocautery, and cryotherapy.
HPV Vaccine
There are vaccines available for the HPV infection. There are currently three vaccines approved by the FDA in the United States for HPV. The first is a vaccine that is meant to prevent infection from certain strains of HPV including types 16 and 18. These types of HPV can cause cervical and other cancers. The second is a vaccine that can prevent infection from certain strains of HPV including types 6, 11, 16 and 18. This vaccine can be used for both boys and girls. There is also another vaccine that can prevent infection from many strains of HPV that may lead to cancer and genital warts. It is used for both boys and girls. It is important that parents speak with their doctors about HPV vaccinations for your children. It is ideal that HPV vaccines are administered before a person becomes sexually active. The CDC recommends that 11 to 12-year-old children get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccines are not recommended for women who are pregnant or ill. HPV vaccines can be used on people who have already been sexually active and are infected with certain strains because it can protect from other strains of HPV.
Pap Smear
A Pap (Papinocolaou) smear is a procedure that doctors do to screen for cervical cancer. These are routinely done at a doctor’s office. A Pap smear test is relatively painless, although it may be a bit uncomfortable. During a Pap smear test, a woman will be placed on her back and physically examined. The cells are collected using a small swab that is inserted through the birth canal. A pap smear tests for cell abnormalities which may indicate cells that are cancerous or precancerous located on the cervix. The results of a Pap smear test are generally available within a couple weeks. Women should get Pap tests routinely once they are over 21 years of age and are sexually active. A Pap smear test should be done every three to five years for women between age 20 to 25, and age 50 to 60 that have normal test results. Once a woman is above the age of 65 Pap smears may no longer need to be done if past tests have been normal. may indicate HPV which may lead to cervical cancer. Routine Pap smears can allow for screening and follow-up of precancerous and cancerous cells which greatly reduces fatal cervical cancer cases.
Abnormal Pap Smear
A Pap smear test that has abnormal findings may indicate that cells located on the cervix do not look the way that they normally should. Abnormal test results do not mean that the patient has cervical cancer or that cervical cancer is inevitable. An abnormal Pap smear test often indicates cell changes caused by certain types of HPV. Abnormal cells often go away on their own, but others may lead to the development of cervical cancer. If a Pap test comes back abnormal, further tests may be done to determine the cause including a colposcopy, an HPV test and another Pap test within six months to a year. Treatment will depend on the severity of the abnormal cells and the cause. Treatment often includes destroying or removing the abnormal cells using cryosurgery, cauterization, laser surgery and other methods.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow on the cervix. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. This virus is extremely common and most people who have engaged in sexual intercourse have the virus. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be treated if detected early. The best way to screen for cervical cancer is through a Pap test. A Pap smear test can find abnormalities in the cells before they turn into cancer.
Signs of Cervical Cancer
The symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
- Lower belly pain
- Pelvis pain
- Abnormal
- Abnormal bleeding from vagina
- Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is often caused by an infection with HPV. A high-risk HPV strain may cause some precancerous cell changes in the cervix which may lead to cervical cancer.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
The treatment options for cervical cancer may include:
- Surgery
- Hysterectomy
- Removal of pelvic lymph nodes
- May include removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
It is very important to go for routine Pap smear tests if you are a woman. These tests can help to detect HPV and abnormal cells which may develop into cervical cancer.