Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. It is one of the cancers that most often occurs in women. Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is caused by a virus. If cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, it can usually be treated properly.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus. Two types of this virus, of which more than 100 species exist, cause cervical cancer. They change the normal cells of the mucous membrane in the cervix and mouth to change into abnormal cells, some of which can develop into cancer cells. This process can take 10 to 15 years.
Patients usually show no symptoms at an early stage. Later, complaints can arise if:
1. Vaginal bleeding
2. Vaginal excretion
3. Pain to the pelvis / pain during sex
It is possible to have yourself vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This vaccine can best be given to girls between the ages of 10 and 13, in whom the risk of infection with the virus is still very small. The vaccine can be effective against 70% of cervical cancer cases.
In a preliminary stage of the disease it is still possible to remove the affected cells by removing a conical piece from the cervix. If the disease is further advanced, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is often necessary. In the case of metastases often more needs to be removed. When metastases to the lymph nodes, radiation after the operation is necessary. That radiation can also be combined with chemotherapy.
What causes cervical cancer in female?
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus. Two types of this virus, of which more than 100 species exist, cause cervical cancer. They change the normal cells of the mucous membrane in the cervix and mouth to change into abnormal cells, some of which can develop into cancer cells. This process can take 10 to 15 years.
Cervical cancer symptoms and signs
Patients usually show no symptoms at an early stage. Later, complaints can arise if:
1. Vaginal bleeding
2. Vaginal excretion
3. Pain to the pelvis / pain during sex
Cervical cancer vaccine
It is possible to have yourself vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This vaccine can best be given to girls between the ages of 10 and 13, in whom the risk of infection with the virus is still very small. The vaccine can be effective against 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Cervical cancer treatment
In a preliminary stage of the disease it is still possible to remove the affected cells by removing a conical piece from the cervix. If the disease is further advanced, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is often necessary. In the case of metastases often more needs to be removed. When metastases to the lymph nodes, radiation after the operation is necessary. That radiation can also be combined with chemotherapy.