Cervical cancer: Definition, causes and stages.

Cervical cancer: Definition, causes and stages.-cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus (or womb). It is the passageway that connects the uterus to the vagina. Before cervical cancer develops, the cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal. Growths on the cervix can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). These abnormal cells are precancerous, meaning that they are not cancer.

Precancerous changes to the cervix are called dysplasia of the cervix (or cervical dysplasia). Dysplasia of the cervix is not cancer. It is a common precancerous change that can develop into cancer over time if it’s not treated. It’s important to know that most women with dysplasia do not develop cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

Cervical cancer causes

It has become clear that essentially all cervical cancers are caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), a group of viruses akin to the virus that causes skin or genital warts. Infection with HPV is caused by direct contact and in the case of the cervix is usually aroused by sexual contact or even by skin-to-skin contact.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Risk factors

• Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners or sexual intercourse with a man who has multiple sex partners.
• Onset of sexual intercourse activity at an early age.
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
• Multiple pregnancies.
• Poor hygiene.

Other sexually transmitted genital infections, e.g. Chlamydia trachomatis and herpes simplex virus-2.

Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems. Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).

Having given birth to three or more children.

Symptoms of Cervical cancer

• The most common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina bleeding or spotting between regular menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after douching menstrual periods that last longer or are heavier than before
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pain during sex
• More vaginal discharge than normal

Cervical cancer Stages

There are four stages of cervical cancer. Once a definite diagnosis of cancer has been made, the cancer is given a stage and a grade. The cancer stage describes the tumour size and tells whether it has spread. For cervical cancer, there are 5 stages.

Stage O : Cancer is found only in the top layer of cells in the tissue that lines the cervix.

Stage 1 : Cancer is found only in the cervix, beneath the top layer of cells.

Stage 2 : Cancer has spread to nearby tissues such as the upper part of the vagina or tissues next to the cervix.

Stage 3 : Cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or the pelvic wall or blocks the ureter (the tube that carries urine from a kidney to the bladder). It may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4 : The cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum or other distant parts of the body