It begins in the cervix, the narrow organ at the bottom of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix dilates during childbirth to allow for passage of a baby.

• Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. However, not all women with an HPV infection will develop cervical cancer.
The early stages of cervical cancer usually do not have any symptoms. This is why it is important to have screening Pap tests.
• As a tumor grows in size, it can produce a variety of symptoms including: abnormal bleeding (including bleeding after sexual intercourse, in between periods, heavier/longer lasting menstrual bleeding, or bleeding after menopause), abnormal vaginal discharge (may be foul smelling), pelvic or back pain, pain on urination and blood in the stools/urine.
• Routine Pap testing is the best way to detect abnormal changes to the cervix before they develop into cancer. Because of this, women who do not regularly have a Pap test are at increased risk of developing the disease

ENQUIRE NOW

Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam
• Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before
• Bleeding after going through menopause
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex

Risk Factors

•  
• Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.
• Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.
• A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
• Lack of regular PAP tests
• Smoking
• Chlamydia infection
• Diet
• Being overweight
• Use of oral contraception
• Multiple full-term pregnancies
• Young age at the first full-term pregnancy: Women with their first full-term pregnancy before the age of 17 are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer
• Family history
• Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Use of this hormonal drug to prevent miscarriages increases the risk for cervical cancer

Screening tests can help detect cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer. Most guidelines suggest beginning screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21.

Screening tests include:

• Pap test. During a Pap test, your doctor scrapes and brushes cells from your cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities.

A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer.

• HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.

Discuss your cervical cancer screening options with your doctor.

Diagnosis

If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells.

During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for laboratory testing. To obtain tissue, your doctor may use:

• Punch biopsy, which involves using a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue.
• Endocervical curettage, which uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curet) or a thin brush to scrape a tissue sample from the cervix.

If the punch biopsy or endocervical curettage is worrisome, your doctor may perform one of the following tests:

• Electrical wire loop, which uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire to obtain a small tissue sample. Generally this is done under local anesthesia in the office.
• Cone biopsy (conization), which is a procedure that allows your doctor to obtain deeper layers of cervical cells for laboratory testing. A cone biopsy may be done in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Staging

If your doctor determines that you have cervical cancer, you'll have further tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment.

Staging exams include:

• Imaging tests. Tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix.
• Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum. 

Prevention

To reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

• Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
• Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.
• Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
• Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.