Here is some info that hopefully will help you diagnose or prevent this horrible disease. Early detection is vital so the best you can do is be informed.



What is the cervix? The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. At each milestone in the life of a woman (puberty, childbirth, menopause, etc..), the cervix undergoes changes. At the junction of the outer cervix (ectocervix) and the inner part (endocervix), is a very fragile area. It is in this area that most cancers of the cervix begin.

CANCER CERVICAL  - Cancer of the cervix, which there is still 3 300 new cases per year in France, back through the screening strategies. The vaccination of young girls should further increase this fall.

The cervix is the part of the uterus palpable (vaginal) and visible (speculum examination) in the vagina. Cancer occurring in this part of the uterus could almost always be prevented through Pap smear, and now also with the HPV vaccine.

85% of cancers of the cervix occur after changing "warts (benign lesion). Risk factors are threefold: infection with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), smoking and HIV infection (AIDS virus).HPV infections are transmitted sexually, the man is generally healthy carrier (no visible lesion) of the virus and transmit it to his partner during unprotected sex. The virus gains the cells of the cervix where it multiplies, creating inflammation, which over many years may progress slowly to cancer, initially in situ and invasive.
In case of contamination, it is recommended partner to be examined.

Prevention is the first smoking abstinence and safe sex, especially without a stable partner or in cases of multiple partners. It is also regular monitoring of the cervix during gynecological examinations performed every 3 years (from 25) in the absence of abnormality detected on previous Pap smear, if not more frequent.

As for the HPV vaccine, which appeared very recently, it is for young girls before the onset of sexual activity or at the latest during the first two years of their sex life. There are two vaccines currently available, one protects against two types of HPV, the other against four types. If these vaccines reduce the risk of contamination, their protection is not absolute and does not exempt a regular gynecologic surveillance.

The telltale signs are not specific. There may be vaginal bleeding, but in most cases, cervical cancers are discovered on the Pap smear.  The treatment will depend on the stage. In cases of carcinoma in situ, ie superficial, a laser conization ensures healing in all cases. When the tumor is more advanced, invasive treatment is based on hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or on the local radiation (brachytherapy), and in some cases chemotherapy.