Warning signs of cervical cancer
Selma,AL
New information regarding cancers flashes across televisions screens nearly weekly. Recently, though, the human papillomavirus has come to the forefront because it links cancer to sexually transmitted diseases.
There are more than 80 types of HPV, and certain types can cause cervical cancer. In fact, HPV is the most common cause of the disease.
Research scientists are still learning about cervical cancer and others everyday. According to the National Cancer Institute, 11,070 new cases of cervical cancer were found in 2008. The cancer caused 3,870 deaths.
“Cervical cancer seems to have come into the spotlight lately because of all the commercials for vaccines,” said Luella Giles, health initiative representative at the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office. “Some states like Texas and California are requiring girls to get the vaccination.”
The Guardasil vaccination can be administered to females from nine to 26-years-old. This vaccine prevents four types of HPV. Two can cause cancer and two can cause genital warts. Two symptoms of cervical cancer that should raise a red flag are abnormal vaginal bleeding and increased vaginal discharge.
“If women think there is a possibility they have a problem, then it is better to go to a physician and get checked,” said UAB Director of Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Ronald D. Alvarez. “Waiting never helps the problem.”
The National Cancer Institute lists risk facts of developing cervical cancer. Some are obvious — HPV infection and smoking — while others are lesser known — seven or more full-term pregnancies and long-term use of oral contraceptives.
There are several ways to prevent being infected with HPV. Included among them is avoiding sexual activity, getting vaccinated and using another means of birth control.
Early detection can be achieved through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to find abnormal cells.
If there is any sign of cancer, the physician will typically use a coloscope — a bright light with a magnifying lens to make tissue easier to see — or perform a biopsy.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are four ways to perform a biopsy. The punch biopsy uses a sharp tool to pinch off a small sample of the cervical tissue. In a LEEP the doctor uses an electric wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of cervical tissues. The doctor uses a curette, a small, spoon-shaped instrument, to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervix in an endocervical curettage. The doctor removes a cone-shaped sample of tissue during a conization, or cone biopsy, which lets the pathologist see if abnormal cells are in the tissue beneath the surface of the cervix. The doctor may do this test in the hospital under general anesthesia.
“If you are concerned about which biopsy is the best, then ask your doctor,” said Giles. “Don’t forget that you have every right to ask for a second opinion.”
If cervical cancer is detected, there are three routes of treatment — surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. A physician may see it fit to use a combination of the three.
After successful treatment, the battle isn’t over. Many survivors join support groups to let each other know they are not alone.
“Support groups are just one way to get back to normal life,” said Giles. “Cancer does not have to be stop your day-to-day life.”
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