The causes of cervical cancer, symptoms and treatment

Cervical cancer is a slow growing tumor that develops in the lining of the cervix, which is lower and close the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. An estimated 12,200 women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010 and 4210 deaths in that year. Fifty-eight percent of the 12,100 women between 45 and 74. The survival rate at 5 years for the period 1999-2006 was 70 percent. Reboottesting a new vaccine and are helping to improve the results of this type of cancer.

There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common and occurs in approximately 80 to 90 percent of cases. It grows in thin, flat cells called squamous cells that cover the surface of the endocervix, the portion of the cervix closest to the uterus. Adenocarcinoma is more common inyounger women and how the cells within the endocervical gland.

Although scientists are not 100 percent sure how to develop cervical cancer, were able to identify a number of risk factors that can lead to disease. The main risk factor associated with the sexually transmitted virus, such as some types of human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Chlamydia bacteria basic transmission during sex is also a riskfactor for cervical cancer. Other factors that may lead to an increased risk include smoking, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, obesity, prolonged use of oral contraceptives, and multiple pregnancies. A family history of cervical cancer risk is another consideration.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of cervical cancer are asymptomatic (without symptoms) in the early stages. Not until they reached the lastsub-phases and stages is evident. The most common symptoms include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal light spotting or bleeding between periods.
A greater amount of blood loss during normal menstruation.
Bleeding after intercourse, a pelvic exam, or irrigation.
Pain during intercourse.
General pelvic pain.

A diagnosis of cancer of the cervix can be done with the help of different instruments and imagingdevices. The two most common tools include a cystoscope (a thin tube-like instrument with a light engine and optics to an end that is inserted into the vagina) and a proctoscope (similar to a cystoscope, but is inserted into the anal cavity to examine ways of invasive cervical cancer). The most common imaging tests are X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and intravenous urography . Doctors canWe also do a Pap smear, a biopsy is taken and in many cases.

While traditional methods of treatment for cancer chemotherapy and radiation are often used in cancer of the cervix, there are eight types of surgical procedures used, including:

Cryosurgery: a type of surgery that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancer cells.
Laser surgery: A type of surgery that uses a laser beam as a kind of knifeto shrink the tumor without causing bleeding.
Loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP): A type of surgery that uses a thin wire loop is placed around the tumor, providing a low intensity electric current.
Conization: A type of surgery that removes a cone-shaped mass of tissue from the cervix with the help of a laser or LEEP.
Simple hysterectomy: removal of the uterus without adjacent tissue.
Total hysterectomy: A type of surgery in the wombremoved along with adjacent structures or organs (the parameters and the uterosacral ligaments, the top of the vagina near the cervix, lymph nodes, and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries).
Trachelectomy: A new type of surgery, which removes the cervix during the attempt to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Lymph nodes are removed. A "bag of snuff," is also created to act as the opening of the cervix. The first experiments showWomen who have this type of surgery have fewer recurrences of cancer of the cervix.
Pelvic exenteration: Similar to a total hysterectomy, but more bodies are removed, including: uterine ligaments, and uterosacral parameters, the top of the vagina near the cervix, lymph nodes, fallopian tubes, ovaries, rectum and colon and bladder.

Cervical cancer can be prevented by changes in these risk factors associated withdisease. These changes include:

Delaying sex until marriage
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Avoid sexual contact with promiscuous partners.
Stop smoking.
Eat more fruits and vegetables and foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Exercise.
Lose weight if obese.

Women also can receive Gardasil, an HPV vaccine to new 6.11, 16 and 18, which can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine prevents HPV infectionand can not be used to treat an existing infection. Gardasil requires a series of three injections over six months. Gardasil only works on these four types of HPV and does not prevent other types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, even if these events are extremely rare.