by Lokemun Magar

Created on: February 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2011

Cervical cancer may be a common term to many people but they may not know its origins as well. The cervix is about an inch long and joins the uterus and the vagina together. Within the cervix lies the cervical canal that allows blood to flow through. Similarly, a baby passes through the cervical canal during a normal birth. It is within the cervix that cervical cancer develops.

Cervical cancer is caused mainly by HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus. However, there are different strains of HPV, and only some strains lead to cervical cancer, while other strains may cause genital warts. Yet some other strains may not cause any problems at all. It is not easy to tell which strain of HPV you have contracted without consulting the expert.

It is easy, however, to detect if you have been infected by HPV which may lead to cancer with the use of Pap smears. A Pap smear involves scraping cells from the opening of the cervix and studying these cells under the microscope to determine any abnormal cell growth. If your Pap smear results show a normal (negative) value, it means that no abnormal cells are present.

It is important to have regular Pap smears done especially if you are sexually active, have multiple sexual partners, or have a partner who has multiple sexual partners because HPV is sexually transmitted. Early detection of abnormal cell growth means that treatment can be administered early and reduce the chance of having the cells change into cancerous ones.

The two types of cells present in the cervix are squamous and columnar cells. Usually the squamous cells are the likely ones to develop into cancerous cells. It is thus important to have regular Pap smears done so that cell changes are detected early.

Cervical cancer develops very slowly, beginning from a precancerous condition called cervical displasia which means abnormal changes in the cells found on the surface of the cervix. Almost all cases of cervical displasia are caused by HPV. An HPV DNA test can be done to identify the high-risk types linked to cervical cancer, and is done if a Pap smear shows abnormal cell changes. 

Cervical displasia is the early sign that cervical cancer may follow suit. The result is further classified into low-grade (LSIL), high-grade (HSIL) and possibly cancerous. SIL, or squamous intraepithelial lesion, when detected, may prompt further testing or monitoring in the form of follow-up Pap smears for mild cases, colposcopy-directed biopsy to confirm the condition, followed by cone biopsy.

Because most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms, it is important that regular Pap smears are performed. If symptoms do appear, they are usually abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstruation, after intercourse or menopause.

Continuous vaginal discharge that is pale, watery, pink, brownish or foul smelling usually points to some abnormality. Abnormally heavy menstrual flows also need to be brought to the notice of the doctor. It is better to be safe than be sorry. 

If early stages of cancer are not treated, symptoms that may accompany advanced cervical cancer include back pain, bone fracture for no rhyme or reason, fatigue and heavy menstrual flow that is unusual. In very severe cases, urine or feces may leak from the vagina. Leg pain that is not usually sustained, pelvic pain, swelling in one leg, loss of appetite and weight loss could also point to advanced cervical cancer.

If any of the symptoms mentioned above surfaces without any reason, do consult the family doctor or gynecologist. Even if a Pap smear proves negative, it is better to have the time and money wasted in getting a Pap smear done, than risk having cervical cancer advance to irreversible cell changes.

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