What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Fortunately, when detected at an early stage, cervical cancer is highly curable. Pap test screening, when done regularly, is the single most important tool for preventing cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous, when treatment is most effective.

There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell (epidermoid) cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma cervical cancer. About 75% of all cervical cancer is squamous cell cancer.1

What causes cervical cancer?
The cervix is made up of two kinds of cells: columnar cells and squamous cells. Columnar cells constantly change into squamous cells in an area of the cervix called the transformation zone. As a result of this natural process of change, some cervical cells can become abnormal. Infection can also cause abnormal cervical cell changes. When abnormal cell changes persist over time (years) and become severe, these cells may develop into cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms?
Since abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms, it is important for you to have regular Pap test screening. If untreated cervical cell changes progress to cervical cancer, symptoms may develop. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.
1.Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or the insertion of a diaphragm.
2.Pain during sexual intercourse.
3.Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
As part of your routine gynecological exam, you should have a Pap test. If a Pap test indicates abnormal cell changes, further tests, such as a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, will be done to diagnose whether there are precancerous or cancerous changes present on your cervix.

You may also be diagnosed because of your specific symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding after sexual intercourse, but a biopsy will still be needed.

If cervical cancer is present, your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer by gathering information from a variety of tests, including blood tests, bone scans, and X-rays. The stage of your cancer, which identifies its size and how much it has spread, is one of the most important factors in selecting the treatment option that is right for you.

How is it treated?
Cervical cancer in its early stages can be cured with treatment and close follow-up. Your treatment choices depend on:

The stage of your cancer.
Your age and your desire to be able to have children. If the cancer is discovered very early, a cone biopsy may be a treatment choice that may not affect your ability to have children.