Online Medical Clinic

Cervical Cancer and Uterine Cancer

July 21, 2007 on 7:14 am | In Cancer |

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through sexual contact. There are 2 main types of cervical cancers: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancers and cervical precancers are classified by how they look under a microscope. Cervical cancer is a carcinoma, typically composed of squamous cells, and is similar in some respects to squamous cell cancers of the head and neck and anus. Approximately 10-15% of cases develop in glandular surface cells (called adenocarcinomas). However, approximately 1,450 Canadian women will receive a diagnosis this year of invasive cervical cancer, and approximately 420 women will die from this disease.  Most (80-90%) invasive cervical cancer develops in flat, scaly surface cells that line the cervix (called squamous cell carcinomas).  Women in developing countries account for about 85 percent of both the yearly cases of cervical cancer.

Genital warts are caused by different HPV types, and are not related to cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer: human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, HIV infection, chlamydia infection, dietary factors, oral contraceptives, multiple pregnancies, use of the hormonal drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) and a family history of cervical cancer. A weak immune system. Most women who are infected with HPV never develop cervical cancer. Regular screening with a Pap smear effectively lowers the risk for developing invasive cervical cancer by detecting precancerous changes in cervical cells. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the age and general health of the woman, and her desire to have children in the future. Microinvasive cancer (stage IA) is usually treated by hysterectomy (removal of the whole uterus including part of the vagina). Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus but not the ovaries) is not often performed for cervical cancer that has not spread. Radiation may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis, or cancer that has returned. Radiation therapy is either external or internal. Internal radiation therapy uses a device filled with radioactive material, which is placed inside the woman’s vagina next to the cervical cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer. Some of the drugs used for chemotherapy for cervical cancer include 5-FU, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cyclophosphamide.

Treatments for Cervical Cancer Tips

1. Surgery is often the main treatment for cancer of the cervix in its early stages.

2. Radiotherapy is as effective as surgery in this situation but can cause more side effects.

3. Chemotherapy is occasionally used before surgery, to shrink the cancer and make the operation easier.