Cervical cancer varies from uterine cancer due to the origin. Uterine cancer originates from cells that cover the interior surface of the uterine cavity, namely uterine mucosa. However, origin of the cervical cancer is cervix that connects uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when cancerous cells divide, grow and differentiate at this location.
Cervical cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer, preceded by uterine and ovarian cancers.
Representing the third most common gynecological cancer preceded by uterine and ovarian cancers, cervical cancer is diagnosed women aged 35 to 44 years (25%), followed by women aged 55 to 64 years (24.3%) and 65 to 74 years (10.8%). Cervical cancers in women aged
Cervical cancer is one of many cancers that are very prevalent and women worry about. Two persons per day in Turkey and hundreds of people per day around the world die due to this condition. Based on recent scientific studies, scientists conclude that a virus is responsible for 95% of all cervical cancer cases. This virus is known as HPV. It is colloquially known as wart virus or medically known as human papilloma virus.
HPV virus is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse, but the important point is that it is transmitted by contact of genital regions rather than by sperm. Therefore, transmission of virus cannot be avoided, even if patients use condoms or other protection methods. Accordingly, it is among the most common and contagious types of cancer.
HPV has more than a hundred subtypes. Ones with highest carcinogenic potential are subtypes 16 and 18, while subtypes 6 and 11 leading to genital wart have lower carcinogenic potential. More than one subtype of HPV can be identified in the same patient. Here, HPV vaccination is the most effective approach that is considered to pose effects by 40 percent.
Cervical cancer and dysplasia (precancerous changes) are usually asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, cancer is usually at metastatic stage (or has already spread to other body regions). Initial symptoms of cervical cancer are skin spots, bleeding and watery discharge. Bleeding may be massive during menstrual cycle. It may also worsen after sexual intercourse. Symptoms of cervical cancer may be secondary to different causes (stress, depression etc.). However, you need to visit your doctor, when you recognize those symptoms.
Pain, urinary problems and swollen legs. Here, another issue that requires attention is that if the cancer has spread to other close organs, functioning of those organs may be influenced negatively, as the case in other types of cancers. As we mentioned above, presence of those symptoms does not necessarily imply a cancer. If you experience one of those symptoms, you should visit your doctor without delay.
Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic methods are used in our country for cervical cancer and other types of cancers. Advanced methodologies and technologies are used for diagnosis, treatment and staging of cervical cancer. This oncologic disease – fairly a nightmare for women – is a treatable condition. Here, the crucial point is early diagnosis followed by treatment.
