Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to abnormal cell growth in the cervix, which is the tube-shaped lower part of the uterus. This section is commonly known as the cervix and is a link between the vagina and the uterus.
The growth of abnormal cells can develop quickly without control, causing tumors in the cervix. These malignant tumors later develop into the cause of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the types of cancer with the highest rates in women worldwide. Often this cancer can still be cured if detected as early as possible.
The cause of cervical cancer is still unknown, but experts believe that the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role. However, HPV infection does not always develop into cancer. Environmental factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and physical activity, also determine this.
Types of cervical cancer
There are two types of cervical cancer that women can experience including:
- Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts on the outer wall of the cervix and leads to the vagina. This is the most common type of cancer of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma, cancer that starts in glandular cells, is found in the walls of the cervical canal.
Although rare, both types of cancer can occur together. Cancer can also occur in cervical cells other than squamous or gland cells, which is very rare.
Causes of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when normal cells in the cervix undergo mutations. This mutation causes cells to experience abnormal growth that continues to grow and is uncontrollable, forming cancer cells.
It is not yet known what causes the change in the gene. However, this condition is known to be associated with HPV infection.
Several factors put a woman at higher risk of cervical cancer, namely:
- Having many sexual partners. Having more than one partner, especially if the partner also has other sexual partners, makes a person more at risk of developing HPV.
- Early sexual activity. Starting sexual intercourse at a young age increases the risk of getting HPV.
- Other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS
- Smoke. Smoking is known to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma.
- Exposure to miscarriage prevention drugs. A mother who takes drugs such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy will cause her child to have a certain type of cervical cancer risk, namely clear cell adenocarcinoma.
- Weakened immune system.
Cervical cancer symptoms
Usually, cervical cancer is at an early stage, and pre-cancer is present without causing symptoms. The reason is cervical cancer does not show early symptoms until a tumor is formed. The tumor can then push the organs around and encroach on healthy cells. The following characteristics can characterize symptoms of cervical cancer.
- Unusual bleeding from the vagina, such as bleeding when you are not menstruating, longer periods, bleeding after or during sex, after menopause, after having a bowel movement, or after a pelvic exam.
- The menstrual cycle becomes irregular.
- Pain in the pelvis (in the lower abdomen).
- Pain during sex.
- Pain in the waist (lower back) or legs.
- Body weak and easily tired.
- Losing weight even though not on a diet.
- Loss of appetite.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as smelling strong or accompanied by blood.
- Several other conditions, such as infection, can cause the various characteristics of cervical cancer. However, whatever the cause, you still have to visit a doctor to have it examined.
Delaying the initial screening for cervical cancer will only worsen the condition and exacerbate the growth of cancer-causing cells. So don't be late to realize the symptoms. If you have a risk of triggering cervical cancer, immediately do pap smears and pelvic examinations regularly to monitor the symptoms of cervical cancer appear.
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