What is Cervical Cancer? What are the Symptoms?
Cervical cancer (cervical cancer) is a disease that occurs as a result of abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix region, which is located in the lower part of the uterus and connects to the vagina. For “What is cervical cancer?”, this type of cancer stands out as a treatable and preventable disease when diagnosed early. For a healthy life, it is important to have information about cervical cancer and not to neglect regular check-ups.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the area called the cervix, where the uterus opens to the vagina. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women and usually progresses without symptoms in the early stages. However, it can be diagnosed and treated early with regular screenings. This type of cancer is often closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms. The body spontaneously gets rid of the virus and recovers without causing cancer. However, some high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix, turning into cancer.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a fairly common type of sexually transmitted virus, and many people encounter it throughout their lives. However, exposure to HPV infection is not enough for cervical cancer to develop. Usually, the immune system controls and clears this infection. “What causes cervical cancer?” In some cases, especially high-risk HPV types (for example, HPV 16 and HPV 18) can cause cancer with abnormal changes in cervical cells. The virus affects the DNA of the cells, triggering the formation of abnormal cells that cause uncontrolled growth. This process usually takes years and may be asymptomatic in the early stages. In addition to HPV infection, factors such as smoking, weak immune system, sexual intercourse at an early age, and multiple sexual partners can also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
In the early stages of cervical cancer, there may be no symptoms. Therefore, regular screening tests are very important for the early detection of this cancer. However, in the later stages,
- Bleeding outside of menstrual periods: Vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods is among the most common symptoms of cervical cancer . This type of bleeding can usually occur after intercourse, during menopause, or at any time outside of the menstrual cycle.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge: Abnormal vaginal discharge stands out as another common symptom of cervical cancer . Normal vaginal discharge is usually transparent or milky white in color and odorless. However, the discharge that indicates cervical cancer usually has a different characteristic. This discharge may be foul-smelling, watery, bloody or dark in color, and an increase in its amount can be observed.
- Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain is a symptom that can be seen in the later stages of cervical cancer. This pain can be continuous or intermittent and is usually felt in the lower abdomen. Pelvic pain, especially during or after sexual intercourse, may be a sign of abnormal cellular changes in the cervix or the tumor pressing on the surrounding tissues.
- Pain or difficulty urinating: Pain or difficulty urinating is among the symptoms of cervical cancer that can occur in advanced stages of cervical cancer. When the cancer grows and presses on the urinary tract or bladder, it can cause discomfort during urination.
What are the Types of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is classified according to the type of cells and the area of the cervix where the cancer begins. There are two main types that are common:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type, which accounts for the majority of cervical cancers, originates from thin and flat squamous cells lining the outer surface of the cervix. It usually begins in the part of the cervix that is close to the vagina. There is a high probability of early detection with Pap smear tests, and therefore regular screenings are of great importance.
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma, which accounts for less of the cervical cancers, is caused by mucus-producing gland cells located in the inner part of the cervix. Although it is less common, it can sometimes be difficult to detect with screening tests because it tends to develop in deeper areas of the cervix.
How Is Cervical Cancer Transmitted?
Cervical cancer is not a direct infectious disease. However, the most common cause, the human papillomavirus (HPV), is sexually transmitted. HPV infection plays a huge role in the development of cervical cancer. A full sexual intercourse is not required for the transmission of HPV. This virus; It can also be transmitted through skin contact. Therefore, the risk of exposure to HPV may be relevant for anyone who starts sexual activity. There are many types of HPV. Some of these can cause genital warts, while high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and HPV 18) can lead to cervical cancer. Once infected, the immune system usually controls and clears the infection. However, in some cases, the infection becomes permanent and can cause changes in cells that can lead to cancer.
What are the Stages of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is divided into stages according to the size of the cells, whether the cancer has spread from the cervix to the surrounding tissues, and whether it has metastasized to other organs. This staging system is used to understand the stage of the cancer and to determine the treatment method.
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): At this stage, the cancer is limited to the surface layer of the cervix and has not yet spread to the surrounding tissues. Carcinoma in situ is the very early stage of cancer and is also defined as a precancerous condition. When diagnosed early, complete recovery can be achieved with treatment.
- Stage 1: The cancer has now progressed to the deep tissues of the cervix but is still confined to the cervix. This stage is divided into two subgroups. In stage 1A, the cancer is microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In stage 1B, the cancer has reached noticeable dimensions in the inner part of the cervix. Treatment is usually successful and methods such as surgery and radiotherapy can be applied.
- Stage 2: At this stage, the cancer has crossed the cervix but has not reached the walls of the pelvis or the lower part of the vagina. In stage 2A, the cancer may have spread to the upper part of the vagina, while in stage 2B, the cancer has reached the surrounding connective tissues (parametrium). Treatment usually involves a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Stage 3: The cancer may have spread to the walls of the pelvis, the lower part of the vagina, or the urinary tract. In stage 3A, spread to the lower part of the vagina is observed, but the pelvic wall is not affected. In stage 3B, the cancer may have reached the pelvic wall and caused obstruction in the urinary tract. At this stage, treatment is more complex and radiotherapy and chemotherapy and progressive treatments may be required.
- Stage 4: At this stage, which is the most advanced stage of cervical cancer, the cancer has spread outside the pelvis or metastasized to distant organs. In stage 4A, the cancer has spread to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum. In stage 4B, metastases are seen in the lungs, liver, or other distant organs. This condition is called secondary or metastatic cancer by the physician. Treatment at this stage is usually carried out with methods aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Cervical cancer is a disease that can be diagnosed and prevented early thanks to regular Pap smear tests and HPV tests. In addition, the HPV vaccine provides important protection against high-risk virus strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 Most Important Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
The three most important symptoms of cervical cancer usually occur in the later stages of the disease and can be listed as follows:
- Bleeding Outside Menstrual Periods: It is one of the most common symptoms. These bleedings can occur after intercourse, after menopause, or at any time outside the menstrual cycle.
- Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: Unlike normal vaginal discharge, a foul-smelling, watery, bloody or dark discharge may occur. An increase in the amount of discharge may also be observed, which can often be a sign of abnormal cellular changes in the cervix area.
- Pelvic Pain or Discomfort During Intercourse: Ongoing pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region may indicate the presence of a lesion or tumor in the cervix. These pains usually become more pronounced during or after intercourse.
When Does Cervical Cancer Show Symptoms?
Cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic in its early stages. Therefore, regular screening tests (Pap smear and HPV test) are vital. As the cancer progresses, obvious symptoms may appear. These symptoms include bleeding outside of menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse. The appearance of symptoms usually occurs in the stages when the cancer begins to spread outside the cervix.
Where Does Cervical Cancer Pain Happen?
Pain due to cervical cancer is usually felt in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. At the same time, pain may occur during or after intercourse. As the disease progresses, the pain may become more widespread and spread to the lower back, legs, or urinary tract. In advanced stages, more severe pain may be experienced due to tumors pressing on the surrounding tissues.
What is the Difference Between Uterine Cancer and Cervical Cancer?
Uterine cancer and cervical cancer are two different types of cancer that occur in different parts of the uterus. Symptoms of uterine cancer usually occur in the endometrium, which covers the inner layer of the uterus, while cervical cancer occurs in the lower part of the uterus called the cervix, which connects to the vagina. “What causes uterine cancer?” The answer to the question is also different from cervical cancer.
