Progress in cervical cancer treatment and diagnosis have worked miracles with reducing cancer incidence in the last decades. Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix, the passage-way between the vagina and the uterus. The cervix is very important in giving life to babies but also in finding pleasure in sexual intercourse. When cells in its tissue begin to divide and grow out of control cancer begins to develop and soon enough these cells group into solid masses called tumors.

Later on they can break away and use the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to reach more distant parts of the organs where they develop secondary tumors. This process takes a long time to happen and our best chance of detecting it early or even preventing it are regular Pap screenings.

Risk factors that can lead to abnormalities in the cells of the cervix that can develop into cancer include: smoking, early first period, late menopause, not having a baby before 30, multiple sex partners, unprotected sexual intercourse and HPV infections. This last factor has been found in 90% of cervical cancers and it viewed by many as a primary cause for cervical cancer. However, only two strains from this virus can lead to cancer so many women can be infected but are under no risk at all. The Papanicolau test is the best way of detecting this virus as well as any abnormalities already present in the cervix.



Such pre-cancerous conditions like warts or dysplasia are 100% curable. Other methods of diagnosis include pelvic examinations and a digene HPV test can be done to women over 30, which detects high-risk HPV infections. Inconclusive Pap tests can also be followed by other specialized procedures like colposcopy or biopsy.

The average age recommended for starting with the regular Pap screenings is 18 but it is also a good idea to start with them right after you become sexually active.The Pap smear should be done once every year.

The first procedure done when you schedule yourself for a medical examination if you suspect cervical cancer is the pelvic examination. Through this procedure, the vagina and surrounding organs are examined by the doctor. He looks at these using a speculum and inserting it into the vagina and then and palpates them by inserting his or her fingers into the vagina an the other hand on the abdomen.

If his or her suspicions are confirmed you'll probably need to do a Pap test too. This is simple procedure through which cells from your cervix are smeared onto a glass slide and studied under a microscope.



If cervical lesions are present a colposcopy can confirm diagnosis and if invasive cancer is suspected a cone biopsy or an endocervical curretage can be undergone. After these tests the doctor needs to establish the stage of the cancer and this can be done through a series of other specialized tests and imaging procedures like chest x-rays, CT scans, cystoscopy and blood tests.