Cervical cancer is when  cells of the cervix grow out of control and can no longer perform  their normal functions. Cancerous cell can spread in the body. They travel through the body in the blood and lymphatic fluid. They can also spread directly to the next tissue closer to the cervix. Treatment is more successful if the cancerous cells hasn’t  spread throughout the whole body. A pap smear can be used to diagnosed cancer of the cervix.

Who is at risk of cervical cancer ?

You are at risk if you fall into the following category.

• women age 35 to 50
• women with sexually transmitted viral infection such as genital warts
• started having sex before 18 years of age
• have many sexual partners

What are the symptoms  of cervical cancer ?

Early stages of this cancer may be asymptomatic. However as it progresses , you may experience the following symptoms .

• abnormal bleeding , spotting or discharge from the vagina between periods, after intercourse or during menopause
• watery  or bloody discharge  from the vagina. It could be heavy and have a foul smell
• in advance cancers, there may be pain, swelling in the legs as well as problems urinating

These symptoms may be an indication of  other health problems as well . The only way to be sure is to seek medical help immediately.

NOTE

Treatment depends on the size of the cancer  as well as how far it has spread.  Treatment options  include :

• Dilation and curettage which involves  gently scraping your uterine lining.  This is to find out if it has spread to the uterus
• radical hysterectomy – This is surgical removal of  the uterus (including the cervix),the upper vagina, surrounding tissue, lymph nodes, and the fallopian tubes. The ovaries may be left intact  for younger women
• radiation therapy and chemotherapy