It is a type of cancer that occurs with malignant cells in the cervix, which is located in the lower part of the uterus. It usually develops due to HPV virus infection. Cervical cancer symptoms These include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and bleeding after intercourse. Regular smear tests are important for early diagnosis. It is a cancer that can be prevented with vaccination and screening programs.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Conditions such as bleeding outside of menstruation, postmenopausal bleeding or bleeding after intercourse are observed. Spotting that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle. cervical cancer It may be a symptom. Feeling pain and bleeding during or after sexual intercourse may be a symptom. Pain may be felt during sexual intercourse due to cancer in the pelvic area.
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, a bad smell, yellow or bloody are symptoms that should be taken into consideration. Persistent or recurring pelvic pain may indicate. Symptoms such as pain during urination or frequent urination may be seen in advanced cases. Cervical cancer Early diagnosis is very important for. Therefore, it is important to have screening tests such as Pap smear and HPV test regularly. When symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, or medications that suppress the immune system may increase the risk. Smoking can increase the risk by damaging the DNA in cervical cells. Smoking can also cause HPV infection to last longer. Starting sexual intercourse at an early age and having multiple sexual partners can also cervical cancer increases the risk.
Long-term use of birth control pills may also increase your risk. Women with a family history of this cancer may be at higher risk of developing it. Cervical cancer, It can be largely prevented with early screening tests (Pap smear and HPV test) and HPV vaccination. Therefore, regular check-ups and vaccination are important in protecting against this type of cancer.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
A Pap smear test involves examining a sample of cells from the cervix under a microscope. This test helps detect precancerous cell changes or cancerous cells. It is a recommended screening test for early detection. An HPV test is performed to detect high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer. This test can be performed together with a Pap smear test or separately. Cervical cancer helps identify women at risk. When a Pap smear or HPV test gives abnormal results, a colposcopy is performed to examine the cervix in more detail. In this procedure, the cervix is examined in detail using a special magnifying glass (colposcope). If necessary, biopsies are taken of abnormal areas.
Biopsy samples taken during colposcopy are examined in the laboratory. The presence of cancerous cells is confirmed. This is the most reliable method used to make a definitive diagnosis. Endocervical curettage is a method used to take cell samples from the inside of the cervix. The cells taken with this method are examined in the laboratory to determine whether cancer is present. If detected, imaging methods such as MRI, CT scan or PET scan are used to see the spread of the disease. Cervical cancer Early diagnosis is possible with regular screenings. Therefore, it is important for women to have Pap smears and HPV tests from a certain age.
How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?
Conization is used to remove a small portion of cancerous tissue from the cervix in the early stages. Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. Total hysterectomy involves the removal of the entire uterus. Radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes.
Trachelectomy is a method in which the cervix, part of the vagina and surrounding lymph nodes are removed. This is suitable for early stage patients who want to have children. In external radiotherapy, high doses of radiation are given to the cancerous area. Cancer cells are killed. In internal radiotherapy, radiation is applied closer to the cancerous area. Treatment is provided in this way. Radiotherapy can be used with surgery or alone.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually used in conjunction with radiotherapy. It can be used alone or in addition to other treatments, depending on the stage of the cancer. Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins to stop the growth of cancer cells. This treatment may be used when other methods are not effective.
It is a treatment method used to help the immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy is used in advanced stages cervical cancer It is effective in patients who have advanced stage cancer and do not respond to other treatments. In order to improve the patient's quality of life, palliative treatments are applied. Early diagnosis is of great importance in treatment. Therefore, regular screening tests allow cancer to be detected at an early stage.