The development of abnormal cells in the cervix leads to the onset of cervical cancer. It is one of the most prevalent and most diagnosed malignancies as it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body and affect deeper tissues in the cervical region. The cervix’s surface is where cervical cancer first appears and progresses gradually over time. The cervical tissue undergoes changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells start to emerge in the tissue before developing into a malignant tumor.

The abnormal cells may eventually develop into cancer cells, expand, and spread farther into the cervix and the surrounding tissues; in other words, it takes place when precancerous cells start to develop in the cervix.

Causes of cervical cancer
When the healthy cells of the cervix begin to multiply uncontrollably, generating an abnormal mass of cells (lumps) or abnormalities in their cellular structure, this results in cervical cancer. The uncontrollable division and proliferation of aberrant cells (the abnormal cells don’t die and keep multiplying) cause cancer. As a result, an excessive cell accumulation eventually develops into a mass or tumor.

Risk factors in cervical cancer
These risk factors can make cervical cancer more likely to occur. These consist of:

HPV
This virus is spread through sexual contact. Different types of HPV are known to exist, and 13 of them have been associated with cervical cancer.

Physical intimacy with multiple partners
The transmission of cancer-causing HPV types occurs through sexual contact with a person infected by HPV. Women with several sexual partners are generally at high risk of HPV infection. As a result, their risk of developing cervical cancer increases.

Immune system weakness caused by immunosuppression
HIV/AIDS patients taking oral treatment to help avoid organ rejection, and those who have used immunosuppressive treatment have an increased chance of developing cervical cancer as the body’s potential to fight off infections and other disorders is weakened by immunosuppression and may reduce the body’s capacity to combat HPV infection.

Contraception
Some popular contraceptives can marginally increase a woman’s risk when used long-term. Additionally, other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer stages
The staging of cancer provides information about the tumor size, its location and the progression of the condition. How aberrant the cells appear under a microscope determines the grade. The doctor uses all this information to determine the best course of treatment for the affected person. Cervical cancer comes in various forms; squamous cell cancer is the most prevalent kind. Three categories of cancer cells are distinguished.

Stage 1
The malignancy is limited to the womb’s neck (cervix). While the major treatment is surgery, some patients may require chemoradiotherapy.

Stage 2

Stage 2 indicates that cancer has advanced to the tissues around the cervix but not to the pelvic walls or the lower vagina. Surrounding lymph nodes may or may not be impacted. Chemoradiotherapy, which combines chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as occasionally surgery, is used for the treatment.

Stage 3

Stage 3 indicates that cancer has migrated from the cervix to nearby structures or the pelvic or thoracic lymph nodes. The typical course of treatment includes both chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiotherapy).

Stage 4

Stage 4 indicates cancer has spread outside the pelvis and affects the bladder or rectum. The lymph nodes might or might not be affected. It will eventually spread to distant organs in stage 4 like the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and lungs. The main therapies are radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy with a specific cancer treatment, and symptom management.

Cervical cancer symptoms
A precancerous cervix lesion frequently exhibits neither symptoms nor signs depending on the tissues and organs affected by the disease’s spread, the symptoms of advanced cervical cancer, which is cancer that has affected other regions of the body, maybe more severe.

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Irregular vaginal bleeding

Pelvic pain
Post-coital vaginal bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding post intercourse or between periods

Infection is one of the possible reasons for the development of these symptoms. Consult a licensed doctor to diagnose and treat the condition in time. Untreated conditions can lead to further complications.

Cervical cancer treatment
Patients showing symptoms of cervical cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, or both, as the type of treatment will depend on several variables, including cancer stage, the patient’s age, and general health. The success rate is high when cervical cancer is treated early; as the stages increase, the success rate decreases.