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Understanding Cervical Cancer Types: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Near You at RCCA
Globally, cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. However, in the United States, it is much less common. This disparity is largely due to vaccinations and screenings successfully preventing cervical cancer from developing. By learning more about the disease, women are empowered to make informed decisions about protecting their health with the appropriate testing and treatment.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is one of the largest cancer specialist networks in the United States. Our compassionate oncology experts treat patients with cervical cancer in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, using state-of-the-art therapies to help patients achieve the best outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. It is the fifth most common cancer globally, but it is preventable with vaccinations and routine screenings.
- Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes cellular DNA changes that lead to cancer over time.
- More than 60% of cases of HPV-related cervical cancer can be related by being vaccinated against the virus. The effectiveness of vaccination tends to be greater if the vaccine is received before a person becomes sexually active or around the time of onset of sexual activity.
- Symptoms of cervical cancer include persistent pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, and bleeding after menopause.
- Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix become cancerous. The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It has two main parts:
- Ectocervix: The part of the cervix that faces the vagina and can be seen during a gynecological exam. It is primarily made of thin, flat cells called squamous cells.
- Endocervix: The inner part of the cervix that forms a canal to the uterus. It consists primarily of glandular cells that produce mucus.
Most cervical cancers begin in the squamocolumnar junction, which is the border where the ectocervix and the endocervix meet. Cancer occurs after cells in this area go through a change known as dysplasia. DNA changes cause abnormal cells to form. If these dysplastic cells are not removed, the DNA change can become more pronounced. Eventually, the abnormal cells can become cancer cells that reproduce uncontrollably and spread deeper into the cervix.
How Common Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women around the globe, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also one of the most common causes of cancer death. However, in the United States, cervical cancer is comparatively rare. This is because of successful efforts to prevent the disease through vaccinations and screening.
What Is the Relationship Between Cervical Cancer and HPV?
Almost all cervical cancers are connected to human papillomavirus. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the skin, genital area, and throat. Almost all sexually active women are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV cases cause no symptoms and are naturally cleared by the immune system. Certain strains, however, cause persistent infections that damage cell DNA over time. If left untreated, a persistent HPV infection may lead to cancer.
Being vaccinated against infection with high-risk strains of HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. The vaccine is most effective when administered before a person becomes sexually active or around the time of onset of sexual activity.
What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
Because HPV causes cervical cancer, this form of cancer often can be prevented by detecting and treating HPV. Pap smears and HPV testing involve using a small brush to collect cells from the cervix. The cells are analyzed in a laboratory to look for signs of cancer:
- Pap smear: The sample is examined to look for abnormal or mutated cells. The test can detect cancer or precancer, but not HPV.
- HPV test: The sample is examined for DNA from high-risk HPV strains, especially types 16 and 18. The test can detect HPV, but not cancer itself.
For most women, screenings should be repeated every three to five years between ages 25 and 65. Screenings are typically performed as part of a routine gynecological wellness visit.
What Are Other Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
Certain cervical cancer risk factors can make a person more likely to get an HPV infection or develop cervical cancer afterward. These include:
- Having contracted HIV
- Having contracted chlamydia
- A sexual history that starts early and includes many partners
- High-risk sexual behaviors, such as not using a condom
- Having three or more full-term pregnancies, especially before age 20
- A history of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- A weakened immune system
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
Cancer risk factors are not guarantees that a person will develop cancer.
What Are the Types of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer has two main types based on the type of cell affected. Different types respond well to different treatments, which is why identifying the type is important for planning a patient’s care. The types of cervical cancer include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type develops in squamous cells in the ectocervix. About 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type develops in the mucus-producing glandular cells of the endocervix. This type occurs less frequently, accounting for about 10% of all cervical cancers.
Other, rarer types of cervical cancer include adenosquamous carcinoma, small cell cancer, and cervical sarcomas. Rare types may require special screenings and a unique treatment approach.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. Women may or may not experience any symptoms at first. Symptoms of cervical cancer develop as the condition becomes more advanced, with cancer cells moving deeper into the cervix and other parts of the body. Patients may experience:
- Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
- Persistent pelvic or lower back discomfort
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods or after menopause
- Menstrual periods that are longer or heavier than normal
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal fluid or discharge
Although these symptoms may be caused by something other than cervical cancer, unusual sexual or period-related symptoms should always be taken seriously. Women who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge should always talk to a medical professional.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
Pap Smears and HPV Tests
The first step of the diagnostic process is usually a Pap smear and HPV test. The tests may be performed as part of a routine screening, or they may be requested in response to new symptoms that might indicate an infection or cancer.
Colposcopy
If the Pap smear finds precancerous cells, the gynecologist usually will perform a colposcopy. This test uses a special magnifying glass to closely examine the cervix and vagina. A special solution may be swabbed onto the cervix beforehand, causing abnormal cells to change color for easier detection.
Biopsy
During the colposcopy, the gynecologist may also take a biopsy. This involves using a specialized punch tool to remove a small piece of tissue from the cervix. The tissue is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope to look for cancer or precancerous cells.
Medical Imaging
The final step of cervical cancer diagnosis is medical imaging. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps physicians determine how far the tumor has spread into the cervix. Computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to evaluate the cancer’s spread to distant organs, such as the liver and lungs.
What Are the Stages of Cervical Cancer?
The stages of cervical cancer describe how advanced the cancer is. Staging is based on the TNM system, which uses the tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M) to sort the cancer into one of five categories:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found only on the top layer of tissue. The cells are not yet invasive, but they can become invasive over time.
- Stage I: Abnormal cells have become invasive, and there may be a visible tumor. Cancer cells are found only in the cervix.
- Stage II: The cancer has spread to the upper portion of the vagina or the tissue surrounding the uterus. It has not spread to the pelvic wall or lower vagina.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to the pelvic wall, the lower third of the vagina, and/or nearby lymph nodes. The tumor may have grown large enough to block one or both ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs or more distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or distant lymph nodes.
Later-stage cancers require aggressive treatment. They also have worse prognoses, or outlooks, which is why early detection is so important for patient survival.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer?
There are several treatment options for cervical cancer, with the optimal choice for each woman dependent on her age and overall health, any plans for future pregnancy, and the stage and location of the cancer. Those options include:
Surgery
Surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. The type of procedure depends on where the cancer has spread:
- Laser treatment: A focused beam of high-energy light is used to burn away precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix.
- Conization: The portion of the cervix that includes cancerous lesions is removed.
- Trachelectomy: The cervix and the upper portion of the vagina are removed, along with some surrounding tissue, but the uterus is left intact.
- Hysterectomy: The whole cervix and uterus are removed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to limit the growth of cancer cells and destroy them. This method is often used to shrink cancer tumors before removing them with surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses oral or intravenous drugs to eliminate cancerous cells anywhere in the body. This option is generally used in conjunction with other treatments in advanced stages of cervical cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by modifying the patient’s immune system to help it fight cancer. This treatment is ideal for controlling cervical cancer that has spread outside the pelvic region.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy drugs are an advanced methodology that eliminates cancer by detecting specific proteins produced only by cancer cells and then attacking those cells or the biological processes that support their development and spread. This represents the cutting edge in cancer care.
Find Advanced Cervical Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Cervical cancer is a serious illness. However, with early detection and advanced treatments, patients can live long and active lives after their diagnosis. Regional Cancer Care Associates treats cervical cancer at more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, with a community-centered care model that brings cutting-edge options close to patients’ homes. Contact RCCA today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with an oncologist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer
What are the most common cervical cancer symptoms?
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are persistent pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal bleeding, longer or heavier periods, bleeding after menopause, and unusual vaginal discharge. Keep in mind that not all women experience symptoms of cervical cancer at first.
How is HPV related to cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of almost all cervical cancer cases. Most HPV cases go away on their own. However, a persistent HPV infection with a high-risk strain can damage cellular DNA, causing abnormal changes that can turn into cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the most prevalent cancer-causing strains of the virus. Vaccinations against infection with high-risk strains of HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Can a Pap test or HPV test help detect cervical cancer early?
Yes, Pap tests and HPV tests can detect cervical cancer before it progresses. The Pap test looks for precancerous or cancerous cell changes on the cervix. HPV tests look for high-risk strains of HPV that are extremely likely to cause precancerous cell changes (but HPV testing cannot detect the presence of cervical cancer itself). Both tests can be performed using a single cell sample, increasing the likelihood of early cancer detection.
How do doctors diagnose cervical cancer?
After cervical cancer has been detected with a Pap smear, the physician will request additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. A colposcopy involves using a lighted magnifying tool to inspect the cervix for unusual tissue growths. A tissue biopsy involves removing a sample of suspicious tissue to be tested at a laboratory for cancer cells.
What do the stages of cervical cancer mean?
Most types of cancer, including cervical cancer, are classified into a four-stage system, which helps oncologists describe how advanced the cancer has become and to develop a treatment plan. Early-stage cancers are still small and close to their point of origin. Late-stage cancers have spread elsewhere in the body. Advanced stages require more-aggressive treatment and usually have a poorer outlook.
What cervical cancer treatment options are available?
Cervical cancer treatment options depend on the cancer type and stage and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinical trials may also be available to give patients access to therapies that are still in the testing phase.
Can cervical cancer patients preserve their fertility?
Fertility-preserving treatment options are primarily available for patients with early-stage, low-risk tumors. They may not be an option for late-stage tumors, which require more aggressive treatment to eliminate.
Can cervical cancer come back after treatment?
Yes, all cancers can come back after treatment. Having cancer once greatly increases a patient’s likelihood of developing the same cancer a second time. Most relapses happen within a few years of treatment. The risk of relapse depends on the initial cancer’s stage, with the likelihood increasing as the cancer becomes more advanced, as well as on how the cancer is treated and the patient’s response to treatment.
RCCA’s personalized, caring approach to helping you beat cervical cancer
Although you’re not alone in facing cervical cancer, no other woman shares your unique combination of health status, lifestyle, family situation and age. For these and many other reasons, your care at RCCA is equally unique. From your first appointment, through treatment, while managing side effects and during post-treatment care, your RCCA team will be dedicated to your very individual journey back to good health.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN Cervical Cancer
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