Cervical cancer: how to detect it?

Cervical cancer is a disease that affects the lining of the cervix, that is, the tissue that covers it. It occurs as a result of the transformation of a normal cell into an abnormal cell that multiplies uncontrollably, forming a mass known as a malignant tumor. However, sometimes fatal cervical cancer can be prevented, particularly with the HPV vaccine. Explanations.

Know about cervical cancer and its warning signs

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease that develops in the tissue of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects this organ to the vagina. It usually develops over a long period of time, often starting as precancerous lesions and then developing into cancer.

Every year, approximately 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide and more than 300,000 women die from it.

What are the symptoms?

Cervical cancer can present with a variety of symptoms, but in the early stages it can also be asymptomatic. The most common signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, and abnormally heavy or prolonged periods. You may also experience unusual vaginal discharge, especially one that smells or contains blood. Other symptoms may also appear, such as persistent pain in the pelvic area for no apparent reason, as well as pain during sexual intercourse.

Other common signs include changes in urinary or bowel habits: you may experience a frequent urge to urinate, pain when urinating, or even constipation.

Attention ! These symptoms may be similar to other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, which can make diagnosis difficult. However, any persistent unusual symptoms should be reported to a professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Are there risk factors for cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) or “human papillomavirus” is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

This sexually transmitted virus is extremely common and can infect the genital area, causing precancerous lesions that, if left untreated, can develop into cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of many types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage cervical cells and increase the risk of cancer.

Sexual health/multiple relationships

Women who have sex at a young age or with multiple sex partners have a higher risk of contracting HPV, which therefore increases their risk of developing cervical cancer. It is important to learn from an early age, get tested and always protect yourself well.

Background

A family history of cervical cancer, a weakened immune system, and certain diseases such as HIV may also increase your risk of developing the disease.

Cervical cancer: the importance of diagnosis

Cervical cancer: how to diagnose it?

Cervical cancer can be diagnosed in a variety of ways and usually involves several stages.

• Gynecological examination : The doctor begins by performing a complete gynecological examination, including examining the cervix with an instrument called a speculum. They also collect a detailed medical history, including symptoms reported by the patient.
• cervical smear : A Pap test, also known as a cervicovaginal smear, involves taking cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. This helps detect abnormal or precancerous cells.
• HPV test : The human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test can be done at the same time as the smear test because HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
• Colposcopy : If abnormal cells are found during a Pap test, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy. During this examination, a colposcope is used to closely examine the cervix and collect tissue samples for later laboratory analysis.
• Medical imaging : Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the extent of the disease, including whether the cancer has spread to other areas of other organs.
• Biopsy : If abnormal cells are found during a colposcopy, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis of cervical cancer. This procedure involves taking a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination to determine the presence of cancer cells.

Once a diagnosis is made, additional tests can be performed to determine the stage of the disease and help plan appropriate treatment. It is important that women of an age at risk of developing this cancer undergo regular screening tests, such as cervical and vaginal smears, to detect any abnormalities early and thus prevent cervical cancer.

How to avoid cervical cancer?

In fact, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from cervical cancer. There will always be a risk of infection. However, it is possible to prevent this cancer as much as possible by taking certain precautions.

Vaccination against HPV

Vaccination against HPV is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. Recommended for young girls, as well as boys before they become sexually active.

Regular screening and Pap test

Regular screening for cervical cancer, including a Pap test, can help detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous, allowing for early and effective treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Stopping smoking, protecting yourself during sex, and getting screened are the first steps to preventing this female cancer.

Cervical cancer: what are the possible treatments?

There are different solutions for treating cervical cancer. This depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s general health, and personal preference.

Operation :

• Conization: This procedure involves removing part of the cervix that contains cancer cells. This is often done to treat precancerous lesions.
• Hysterectomy: This is the surgical removal of the uterus. In more advanced cases, a hysterectomy may be required to remove the cervix as well as other surrounding tissue affected by cancer.
• Pelvic and/or lumboaortic lymphadenectomy. In some cases, the pelvic and/or lumboaortic lymph nodes may be surgically removed to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Radiotherapy:

• Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered in two ways:
• External beam radiation therapy: Rays are directed to the area of ​​cancer from a machine outside the body.
• Curie therapy: Radioactive sources are placed directly in or near the tumor area.

Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given alone or in combination with radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.

Targeted therapy:

• This therapeutic approach specifically targets cancer cells by targeting specific proteins or processes involved in tumor growth. Medicines such as bevacizumab can sometimes be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat advanced cervical cancer.

The choice of treatment will depend on the patient and the stage of the cancer. Sometimes a combination of these treatments may be recommended for best results.

KNOW

Cancer is not a contagious disease, so it is quite possible to have sex if you have cervical cancer.

But be careful! Chemotherapy treatment can cause a number of side effects that may impair your ability to have a full sex life.

Among these side effects, vaginal dryness is common in people receiving chemotherapy. Lack of natural lubrication can make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Thus, the combination of sexual intercourse and cancer is not impossible, and there are many solutions to maintain a satisfactory sex life if the desire arises.