Cervical Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer overall and the second most common cancer in women in India. It is caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
Risk Factors
- HIV: An infection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) increases the susceptibility to develop cervical cancer.
- Age: Cervical cancer affects mostly middle-aged women.
- Cigarette Smoking
Signs and Symptoms
Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms, in more-advanced cervical cancer, symptoms include:
Diagnosis
- PAP test – Cervical cancer can be detected through various screening tests. The most common screening test to detect cervical cancer or precancerous cells (dysplasia) is the Pap test.
Treatment
- Surgery
- Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with surgery. The procedure that is best suited for you depends on the size of the lesion and its stage.
FAQ
- How can you prevent cervical cancer?
- Is there any vaccine for cervical cancer?
- What is the right age for cervical cancer vaccine?
