Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
This type of cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages, but it can be detected with a Pap test or cervical cancer screening. If not detected early, cervical cancer may spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
There are different types of cervical cancer, but the most lethal variant is known as cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
SCC is responsible for approximately 80-90% of all cervical cancer cases and has a higher likelihood of metastasis than other types of cervical cancer. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SCC.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause of SCC is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. HPV infects the cells of the cervix and can cause changes in their DNA that lead to the development of cancer.
Not all types of HPV cause cancer, but some high-risk strains increase the risk of SCC.
Other risk factors for SCC include:.
- Smoking
- Having a weakened immune system
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero
- Having a history of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer
- Having multiple sexual partners or early sexual activity
- A family history of cervical cancer
Symptoms
In the early stages, SCC may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, as the cancer grows and spreads to other parts of the body, the following symptoms may appear:.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Unusual vaginal discharge
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation. These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to rule out cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
SCC is usually detected through a Pap test or cervical cancer screening. During a Pap test, a healthcare provider collects cells from the cervix and examines them under a microscope for abnormalities.
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If abnormal cells are found, further testing may be needed to determine if cancer is present.
If SCC is suspected, additional tests may include a colposcopy, which involves using a special magnifying device to examine the cervix, and a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix for testing.
Treatment
Treatment for SCC may depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Treatment options may include:.
- Surgery: This may involve removing the cancerous cells, part of the cervix, or the entire uterus and cervix (hysterectomy).
- Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
A healthcare provider may recommend a combination of these treatments, depending on the specific situation.
Prevention
The best way to prevent SCC is by getting the HPV vaccine and having regular Pap tests or cervical cancer screenings. The HPV vaccine can protect against the high-risk strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer.
Pap tests can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous, and cervical cancer screenings can detect cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable.
Other ways to reduce the risk of SCC include:.
- Not smoking
- Using condoms during sex
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Delaying sexual activity until a later age
Conclusion
Cervical SCC is the most lethal variant of cervical cancer and is caused by the human papillomavirus. Although it may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages, regular Pap tests or cervical cancer screenings can detect it.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer. The best way to prevent SCC is by getting the HPV vaccine and having regular Pap tests or cervical cancer screenings.
