Question 1

What is cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

The cervix is a small, donut-shaped structure, located at the top of the vagina. It is the entrance to the uterus. Cervical cancer begins with abnormal, microscopic changes in cells in the outer layer of the cervix, called the epithelium. This stage is called dysplasia. If changes continue to occur, cells may become cancerous and grow out of control. Cervical cancer tends to grow slowly. It may remain in an early stage, confined to the cervical covering, for two to 10 years. Once cancer moves beyond this layer, however, it invades nearby tissue, including the main body of the uterus, the vagina, bladder and rectum.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

In its early stages, cervical cancer does not cause any symptoms. Once it begins to spread, it may cause a blood-tinged or discolored vaginal discharge that does not itch, spotting after intercourse, or abnormal bleeding. These symptoms, however, aren't unique to cervical cancer and may occur with many disorders of the female reproductive tract. More advanced stages of cervical cancer can cause pelvic pain, appetite loss, weight loss and anemia.

Question 3

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

The diagnosis of cervical cancer usually begins with a pelvic exam. The doctor uses a speculum, an instrument that holds the walls of the vagina open to make it easier to inspect your cervix and vagina, and do a Pap test. The Pap test is a quick, painless procedure in which the doctor gently brushes the surface lining and the canal of your cervix to obtain a sample of mucus and cells. The cells are then sent to a laboratory for examination. If the Pap test indicates dysplasia (irregularly shaped cells) or possibly cancerous cells, a gynecologist will examine your cervix and vagina with a special instrument called acolposcope and will do a biopsy to further examine the abnormal cells.

Question 4

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Accepted Answer

To prevent this disease, you should have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests — at least once a year if you are 18 or older or if you are under 18 and sexually active. If your first three Pap smear tests are normal, discuss with your doctor whether you can have Pap smears less frequently. Other steps to help prevent cervical cancer include the following: • Limit the number of sexual partners you have to reduce possible exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. • Stop smoking. • Use a diaphragm or condom to protect the cervix during intercourse. Detecting the disease early dramatically increases your chances of survival.

Question 5

How is cervical cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

How far the cancer has spread is called the cancer's stage. The treatment depends on the stage. • Stage 0 cancer is confined to the superficial layer. This includes dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, a cancer confined to the cervix epithelium. • Stage I cancer is confined to the cervix. • Stage II cancer extends beyond the cervix, but not to the pelvic wall or into the lower portion of the vagina. • Stage III cancer extends into the pelvic wall, the lower portion of the vagina or the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). • Stage IV cancer extends beyond the pelvis to the bladder alone or to the bladder and adjacent or distant organs.

Question 6

When should you see a doctor about cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

Report any of the following symptoms to your doctor: • Abdominal pain • Weight loss • An unusual discharge from the vagina • Blood spots or light bleeding outside the time of your normal period • Significant pain or bleeding during sex Remember, though, that these symptoms don't necessarily mean that you have cancer. For women with advanced cervical cancer, significant vaginal bleeding could indicate that the cancer has broken into nearby blood vessels, such as an artery. This requires immediate medical attention at the hospital.

Question 7

What is the outlook for cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

Survival depends on the stage at which the cancer is discovered and treated. The percentage of patients who survive five years or more at each stage is: • Stage 0 — 99 percent to 100 percent • Stage I — 85 percent to 95 percent • Stage II — 65 percent to 80 percent • Stage III and early stage IV — 40 percent to 50 percent • Late stage IV — Below 10 percent.

Cervical Cancer

Key points

What Is It?

Symptoms

Diagnosis

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Symptoms

Diagnosis

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