Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in
women. It starts in the cells on the surface of the cervix.
Cervical cancer is a slowly developing cancer, but is also 100%
treatable. By having yearly pap smears, early detection is
possible.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papilloma
virus, or HPV. HPV is spread through sexual intercourse. Risk
factors for cervical cancer include having sex at an early age,
multiple sexual partners, a weakened immune system, or an inability
to afford a pap smear checkup. Some symptoms of cervical cancer are
abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, periods becoming heavier
than usual, back pain, leg pain, and a loss of appetite are just a
few signs you may have cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is very treatable if it is detected early
enough. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the woman's
age, or her desire to have children in the future. If the cancer is
detected early enough, the cancerous tissue can be removed
surgically. There are three types of surgery for removing cervical
cancer at an early stage. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure
is the first type, which uses electricity to remove abnormal
tissue. This procedure involves a thin, low-voltage electric wire
loop to cut out the abnormal tissue. It is a very effective
treatment and is less expensive then other treatments. Another type
of treatment is Cryotherapy which freezes abnormal cells. during
this procedure, liquid carbon dioxide circulates through a probe
placed next to the abnormal tissue. It freezes the tissue causing
some discomfort to the patient. Also laser therapy is another
treatment option. It uses light to burn the abnormal tissue. It
takes about five minutes for the procedure and has a minimal
recovery time. If the cervical cancer has spread, an option may be
to have a hysterectomy. If the cancer has spread, there is still a
92% survival rate if you begin treatment immediately. The best
thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer is to make sure to have
a yearly pap smear for early detection, and use precaution during
sexual intercourse.
