When exposed to HPV, a woman’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm.
Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms.
Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time.
Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don’t die.
The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor).
It isn’t clear what causes cervical cancer, but it’s certain that HPV plays a role.
HPV is very common, and most women with the virus never develop cervical cancer.
This means other factorssuch as your environment or your lifestyle choicesalso determine whether you’ll develop cervical cancer.
The punch in of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment.
The main types of cervical cancer are:
Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer.
Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.
Most guidelines suggest that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21.
A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells.
Your cancer’s stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three may be used.
Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy).
A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and prevent recurrence.
But removing the uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant.
Your doctor may recommend:
Minimally invasive surgery may be an option for early-stage cervical cancer.
Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy uses medications, usually injected into a vein, to kill cancer cells.
Higher doses of chemotherapy are used to control advanced cervical cancer that may not be curable.
After you complete treatment, your doctor will recommend regular checkups.
Ask your doctor how often you should have follow-up exams.
Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specially trained professionals.
Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families.
This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
Being ready to answer them may make time to go over points you want to spend more time on.
You may be asked:
No one can be prepared for a cancer diagnosis.
Everyone deals with a cervical cancer diagnosis in his or her own way.
With time, you’ll discover what helps you cope.
