Cervical Cancer

Condition Basics

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells start growing in the tissues of the cervix, Opens dialog. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

What causes it?

Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, Opens dialog, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact, Opens dialog with someone who has it. Other things may play a role in causing cervical cancer, such as having more than one sex partner or smoking cigarettes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include vaginal bleeding that isn't normal, such as between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause. Other symptoms include pain in the lower belly or pelvis or pain during sex. There may also be abnormal vaginal discharge.

How is it diagnosed?

During a pelvic exam, you may be checked for cervical cancer by getting a Pap test or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. If the results show abnormal cells or signs of high-risk HPV, you may need other tests. To confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer, your doctor will take a sample of tissue (biopsy).

How is cervical cancer treated?

Treatment for cervical cancer is based on the stage, Opens dialog of the cancer and other things, such as whether you might want to become pregnant. The main treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, Opens dialog, and chemotherapy, Opens dialog. Options for advanced cancer or cancer that comes back may also include targeted therapy, Opens dialog, immunotherapy, Opens dialog, and surgery.

Information about Cervical Cancer

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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