Overview

Causes

Cancer happens when cells divide without control or order. These cells grow together to form a tumor. They can invade and damage nearby tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection. It can cause changes in cervical cells that can lead to cancer.

It is not clear what causes changes in the cells. It is likely due to genes and the environment.

Risk Factors

Cervical cancer is more common in women 40 to 49 years of age. The risk is higher in countries with limited medical resources.

The most common risk is having HPV infection and cervical dysplasia. Other things that raise the risk are:

  • Having many sexual partners or unprotected sex
  • Sexual activity before age 18
  • A history of being pregnant more than once or before 19 years of age
  • Smoking
  • Using birth control pills for more than 5 years
  • A history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • A weak immune system, such as with HIV
  • A family history of cervical cancer

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms usually do not appear until the cells are cancerous. Then, they invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. This may include:

  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Long lasting or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding after sex, douching, or a pelvic exam
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic or back pain

Diagnosis

The diagnosis usually happens after an abnormal pap test.

Others may go to the doctor due to symptoms. The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A pelvic exam will be done.

Tests may include:

  • Blood and urine tests to look for signs that point to cancer
  • Colposcopy —a lighted scope is used to view the cervix
  • Biopsy —a sample of cervical tissue or lymph nodes is removed for testing

Pictures of the cervix may be taken. This can be done with:

  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • PET scan

The exam and test results will be used for staging. This will outline how far and fast the cancer has spread.

Treatments

Treatment

The goal is to get rid of the cancer. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. A combination of treatments may be used.

Options may be:

  • External or internal radiation treatment—to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
  • Chemotherapy by pills, injection, or IV—to kill cancer cells
  • Surgery to remove a tumor, nearby tissue, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes
  • Hysterectomy—to remove all or part of the uterus
  • Surgery to remove other tissue, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes
  • Medicines to control pain and bleeding

Prevention

The risk of cervical cancer may be lowered by:

  • Regular pap tests—to screen for tissue changes in the cervix
  • Safe sex—limiting the number of sex partners and using latex condoms
  • Getting the HPV vaccine

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.