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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Here are some key points about cervical cancer:

Causes:

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain high-risk strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. Other factors that may increase the risk include smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, multiple sexual partners, early sexual activity, and a history of sexually transmitted infections.

Symptoms:

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause), pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Diagnosis:

If abnormalities are detected during a screening test or if symptoms suggest cervical cancer, further diagnostic tests may be performed. These can include a colposcopy (examination of the cervix using a special magnifying instrument), biopsy (taking a sample of cervical tissue for analysis), and imaging tests to determine the extent of cancer spread.

Stages:

Cervical cancer is staged based on the extent of its spread. The stages range from Stage I (cancer is confined to the cervix) to Stage IV (cancer has spread to distant organs). Staging helps guide treatment decisions and provides information about prognosis.

Treatment:

Treatment options for cervical cancer depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the individual's overall health. Treatment may involve surgery (such as a hysterectomy or removal of lymph nodes), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, Radical hysterectomy with pelvic nodal dissection or a combination of these approaches.