Cervical cancer is a cancer that women face and is often diagnosed after a visit to the gynecologist where a Pap smear test was given. The human papillomovirus (HPV) is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, although many women do not even know that they have been exposed to the virus or that they have the illness. Caught early, cervical cancer can be treated easily without dramatic surgical intervention or the need for chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Question 1: What is Cancer?

Cancer is cells that have begun to grow abnormally and continue to grow into tumors. As the tumors grow, they may press against structures in the body or they may begin to interfere with body functions. For example throat cancer growths can interfere with the ability to swallow to eat; bladder cancer can interfere with the ability of the bladder to function correctly. In the case of cervical cancer, the abnormal growth of cells can form tumors that invade the cervix and spread into the womb and other surrounding structures.

Question 2: What are Common Cervical Cancer Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of potential cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse.

Question 3: What are Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?

The primary risk factor for cervical cancer is the presence and infection with the human papillomovirus. However, other risk factors include giving birth to many children, having numerous sexual partners, being at a young age when first experiencing sexual intercourse, having a weak immune system, being on the pill and/or being a cigarette smoker.

Question 4: How is Cervical Cancer Detected?

The Pap smear test is the most common method of detecting cervical cancer. An abnormal pap smear alone does not mean that cervical cancer is present but it does mean that abnormal cells have been detected. Frequently a gynecologist will repeat the test to verify the test results. It is recommended that women over the age of 21 receive a pap test approximately every 3 years and once a year if they have had an abnormal pap test.

Question 5: What is HPV?

Human papillomovirus is a virus for which there is no cure and there are over 100 strains of HPV. Although not all forms of HPV cause cervical cancer, those that are classified as genital HPV are considered a risk factor for cancer. HPV is responsible for the growth of benign cells that become wart that are commonly found on hands and feet. However, the strains of HPV that are found on the genitals are responsible for growing into genital warts and what may potentially become cervical cancer.

Question 6: What is the Connection Between HPV and Cervical Cancer?

There is a very strong connection between recurrent and frequent genital HPV infection and cervical and throat cancer. Cervical cancer is diagnosed in over half a million women worldwide every year and the main culprit is the human papillomovirus, which is spread through sexual contact. In many cases, individuals who have been infected with genital HPV do not know they have an infection, since HPV growths are often flat and difficult to see.  However, regular testing can determine whether or not a person has become infected with the virus.

Question 7: How can HPV Infection Be Prevented?

The best and most successful way of preventing HPV infection is to completely avoid any genital or sexual contact with someone infected with genital HPV. However, for individuals who decide to be sexually active, being in a monogamous fluid-bonded relationship is the next best thing to not having sex with someone who is infected. Having HPV and other STD tests performed before becoming sexually active is strongly recommended. The other strong recommendation is using latex or poly-vinyl condoms – not lamb skin – for sexual activities.

Question 8: What is the Difference Between High Risk and Low Risk HPV Strains?

There are many, many different strains of human papillomovirus. It is considered one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs) and many people do not know they have been infected at all. Low risk strains of genital HPV rarely result in lesions associated with cervical cancer, but may instead lead to genital warts, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.

Question 9: What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by the same virus that has been strongly linked to cervical cancer. As stated in Question 3 above, HPV is responsible for warts on other parts of the body. Genital warts are also caused by HPV and are not always visible to the eye. However, when they are visible they may be flat or they may look like clusters of fleshy growths. Some genital warts look like small trees or shrubs on the skin.

Question 10: How Are Cervical Cancer Cells Classified?

There are several different classifications for abnormal cells found in a Pap smear test that may be indicators of possible cervical cancer. The initial classification is abnormal squamous cells or ASC. Squamous cells form the surface of cervix. Atypical glandular cells (AGC) are abnormal cells that create mucus at the cervical opening. AIS cells are found in the tissue of the glandular opening. LSIL are abnormal cells squamous cells. This is a common classification of cells in young women and many will return to normal within months or years after being detected. HSIL cells are more severely abnormal than LSIL cells and may be an early indicator of potential cancer if left untreated.