Cancer of the cervix occurs in the cells lining the lower
part of the uterus. A condition known as
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN occurs when normal
cervical cells transform into precancerous cells. Cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia may then progress to squamous
intraepithelial lesion (or SIL) the condition that precedes
cervical cancer.
Smoking, age and race are all factors that contribute to
cervical cancer. For instance smokers have twice the
likelihood of developing cervical cancer than nonsmokers.
Symptoms - The common symptoms of cervical cancer are:
Diagnosis - A doctor may use what is know as a PAP smear
(Papanicolaou Test) where cells are removed using a cotton swab
or other instrument. The cells are then "smeared" onto a
glass slide and then sent to a laboratory for testing. The
test should only be performed two weeks following the end of the
menstrual cycle. The patient should also wait at least 48
hours after having sexual intercourse before having the test
done.
Treatment - Cervical cancer is treated differently
depending on what stage it is currently at. For instance
at the early CIN stage the doctor may use a cone biopsy or loop
electrode incision (wire loops heated with an electric current).
More advance forms of cervical cancer are treated using the
conventional methods of radiation, chemotherapy and and surgery.
Later stages of the disease may require the total removal of the
uterus (hysterectomy).
