6 things to know about cervical cancer

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Thanh - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. The disease can be cured if detected early. However, most people with the disease do not know they have the disease because the disease often has no prominent symptoms. So let's learn about the signs of cervical cancer through the article below:

A woman's cervix is ​​covered with a thin layer of tissue - this tissue is made up of cells. Cervical cancer is caused by cells in the cervix (lower part of the uterus) that begin to grow out of control. These new cells grow rapidly and create a tumor in the cervix.

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over a long period of time (it takes several years). During this time, the cells of the cervix will change abnormally due to changes in the vaginal environment or infection with the HPV virus. The deformation of these cells that occurs before cancer appears is called dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
The first sign to recognize cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, longer than normal periods, bleeding after or during when having sex. Signs of developing cancer may include pelvic pain, abnormal urination, and leg swelling. If the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, tumors can affect the way those organs work, for example the tumor is pressing on the bladder or blocking a vein.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with the papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, including several high-risk viruses that cause diseases such as anal cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar and penile cancer, and head and neck cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

The HPV virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The following factors can increase your risk of getting HPV:
Multiple sex partners Sex partners with many other people. Adolescent sex (under 18 years of age) Individuals with a history of cervical dysplasia Family history of cervical cancer Smoking Having certain STIs ( STIs), such as chlamydia Have immune system problems Your baby is at risk for HPV if the mother has taken the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant pregnant.

Doctors often use the Pap test to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can prevent these cells from developing into cancer. The HPV test can also be combined with the Pap test to screen for cervical cancer and help doctors monitor if a woman has abnormal Pap test results. In addition, doctors may conduct some more specialized tests to make a diagnosis, such as a biopsy.
Once a patient has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, the doctor will evaluate the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. This process may include the following tests:
Gynecological exam (may include a rectal exam): examination of the uterus, ovaries, and other organs near the cervix Cystoscopy: Using a tube cystoscopy to look inside the bladder and urethra. Colonoscopy: the entire colon is examined with a colonoscope Most cancers have stages I through IV. The lower the number, the more the cancer has spread. Stage 0 cervical cancer is also known as carcinoma in situ (CIS). In stage 0, cancer cells are present only in the top layer of the cervix. They do not go deep into the layers of cervical tissue or other organs. The remaining stages are called invasive cancer. In these stages, the cancer has invaded into the deeper layers of the cervix.
To treat cervical cancer can use surgery (hysterectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy (using cancer-killing drugs). Depending on the stage of the cancer, the doctor will have an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. After treatment, your doctor may recommend regular cervical cancer screening tests for the first few years to make sure all cancer cells have been removed.

The only way to reduce the incidence of cancer is to get the HPV vaccine to prevent it. The vaccine is considered safe and can protect against cancerous, precancerous, and genital warts. Doctors recommend that the safe age for vaccination to be most effective is between 9 and 26 years old.
Currently, with the development of modern medicine, cervical cancer can be completely cured if detected early. In particular, cervical cancer screening is the "key" to detect and provide effective treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the medical facilities that applies the automated system HPV genotype PCR test and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries. To prevent and detect and treat diseases early, women should actively go to the doctor and equip themselves with disease prevention knowledge to have a healthy life.
Doctor Nguyen Van Thanh has many years of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The doctor was trained and attended courses in obstetrics and gynecology and infertility at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reference source: Acog.org