Cervical
Cancer
Each year, about 15,000 women in the United States learn that they
have cancer of the cervix. Cancer of the cervix (also known as cervical
cancer ) begins in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancers do not
form suddenly. Normal cervical cells gradually develop precancerous
changes that turn into cancer. Doctors use several terms to describe
these precancerous changes, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
(CIN), squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and dysplasia.
Some women with precancerous changes of the cervix will develop cancer.
This process usually takes several years but sometimes can happen
in less than a year. For most women, precancerous cells will remain
unchanged and go away without any treatment. But if these precancers
are treated, almost all true cancers can be prevented.
Symptoms
Precancerous changes of the cervix usually do not cause pain. In fact,
they generally do not cause any symptoms and are not detected unless
a woman has a pelvic exam and a Pap test.
Symptoms usually do not appear until abnormal cervical cells become
cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common
symptom is abnormal bleeding. Bleeding may start and stop between
regular menstrual periods, or it may occur after sexual intercourse,
douching, or a pelvic exam. Menstrual bleeding may last longer and
be heavier than usual. Bleeding after menopause also may be a symptom
of cervical cancer. Increased vaginal discharge is another symptom
of cervical cancer.
These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other health problems.
Only a doctor can tell for sure. It is important for a woman to see
her doctor if she is having any of these symptoms. |
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