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General Information About Cervical Cancer
Key Points for This Section
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Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells
form in the tissues of the cervix.
The cervix is the lower,
narrow end of the uterus (the
hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to
the vagina (birth canal).
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of
the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which cells that are not normal
begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and
spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.
Cervical cancer in children is rare. For more information, see the PDQ summary on Unusual Cancers of Childhood 1.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor
for development of cervical cancer.
Infection of the cervix with human
papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical
cancer. Not all women with HPV infection, however, will develop cervical
cancer. Women who do not regularly have a Pap
smear to detect HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix are at
increased risk of cervical cancer.
Other possible risk factors include the following:
- Giving birth to many children.
- Having many sexual partners.
- Having first sexual intercourse at a young age.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Oral contraceptive use ("the Pill").
- Weakened immune
system.
There are usually no noticeable signs of early cervical cancer
but it can be detected early with yearly check-ups.
Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Women should have yearly
check-ups, including a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. The prognosis (chance of recovery) is
better when the cancer is found early.
Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and
pelvic pain.
These and other symptoms may be caused by cervical cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems
occur:
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
Tests that examine the cervix are used to detect (find) and
diagnose cervical cancer.
The following procedures may be used:
- Pap smear: A procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal. This procedure is also called a Pap test.
- Colposcopy: A procedure in which a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Tissue samples may be taken using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
- Biopsy: If abnormal
cells are found in a Pap smear, the doctor may do a biopsy. A sample of tissue
is cut from the cervix and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy that removes
only a small amount of tissue is usually done in the doctor’s office. A woman
may need to go to a hospital for a cervical cone
biopsy (removal of a larger, cone-shaped sample of cervical
tissue).
- Pelvic exam: An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and places the other hand over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. A speculum is also inserted into the vagina and the doctor or nurse looks at the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test of the cervix is usually done. The doctor or nurse also inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormal areas.
- Endocervical
curettage: A procedure to collect cells or tissue from the cervical canal using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument). Tissue samples may be taken and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. This procedure is sometimes done at the same time as a colposcopy.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance
of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
- The stage of the cancer (whether it
affects part of the cervix, involves the whole cervix, or has spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the
body).
- The type of cervical cancer.
- The size of the tumor.
Treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer.
- The size of the tumor.
- The patient's desire to have
children.
- The patient’s age.
Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage
of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found early
or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be
delayed until after the baby is born.
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Glossary Terms
abdomen (AB-doh-men)
The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
abnormal
Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
biopsy (BY-op-see)
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for
diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and
can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to
other parts of the body through the blood and lymph
systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma
is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line
or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in
bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other
connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that
starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and
causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced
and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are
cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in
the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
cervical cancer (SER-vih-kul KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope).
cervix (SER-viks)
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
colposcope (KOL-puh-SKOPE)
A lighted magnifying instrument used to examine the vagina and cervix.
colposcopy (kol-POSS-koh-pee)
Examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
cone biopsy
Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called conization.
curette (kyoo-RET)
A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.
dysplasia (dis-PLAY-zhuh)
Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer.
endocervical curettage (en-do-SER-vih-kul kyoo-reh-TAHZH)
A procedure in which the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is scraped using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
fallopian tube (fuh-LOH-pee-in...)
A slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus. In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.
fetus (FEET-us)
The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth.
human papillomavirus (HYOO-mun PA-pih-LOH-muh-VY-rus)
A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. Also called HPV.
immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
infection
Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.
lymph node (limf node)
A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.
organ
A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
ovary (OH-vuh-ree)
One of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.
Pap smear
A procedure in
which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination
under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer and changes
that may lead to cancer. A Pap smear
can also show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or
inflammation. Also called Pap test and Papanicoloau test.
pathologist (puh-THAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
PDQ
PDQ is an online database developed and maintained by the National Cancer Institute. Designed to make the most current, credible, and accurate cancer information available to health professionals and the public, PDQ contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, and supportive care; a registry of cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care. Most of this information, and more specific information about PDQ, can be found on the NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq. Also called Physician Data Query.
pelvic
Having to do with the pelvis (the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones).
pelvic examination
A physical examination in which the health care professional will feel for lumps or changes in the shape of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. The health care professional will also use a speculum to open the vagina to look at the cervix and take samples for a Pap test. Also called internal examination.
prognosis (prog-NO-sis)
The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.
rectum (REK-tum)
The last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.
risk factor
Something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, certain eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents, and certain genetic changes.
speculum (SPEK-yoo-lum)
An instrument used to widen an opening of the body to make it easier to look inside.
stage
The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
symptom
An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
tissue (TISH-oo)
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
uterus (YOO-ter-us)
The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called womb.
vagina (vuh-JY-nuh)
The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called birth canal.
vaginal (VA-jih-nul)
Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).
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Table of Links
1 | http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/unusual-cancers-childhood/Pati ent/120.cdr#Section_120 |
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