A cervical cancer diagnosis means the cervix, or the uterine opening connecting to the vagina, features abnormal cells. It's often caused by assorted strains of HPV, though there are other risk factors, such as tobacco use and HIV diagnoses. The disease takes 10 to 20 years to develop, so regular cervical cancer screenings can help prevent it. Learn more about this type of cancer here, including what treatments are available. 

Symptoms

Since cervical cancer takes significant time to form, there are no early-stage symptoms. While abnormal and possibly precancerous cervical cells require attention, they can also disappear on their own and never become cancerous. Precancerous cells are not cancerous, so keep that in mind if your latest Pap test comes back abnormal. It just means you have cells that need further evaluation and possibly removal. 

Advanced-stage cervical cancer symptoms often include vaginal bleeding, which can occur in between menstruation, after sex, and following menopause. Pelvic pain can also happen during sex. Other symptoms include watery, bloody, and unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, swollen legs, weight loss, fatigue, kidney problems, difficulty urinating, and bone pain. 

Treatments 

Routine Pap tests and cervical cancer screenings can check for abnormal cells if you have a higher-risk type of HPV. Laser therapy and cryotherapy can remove abnormal cells. Laser therapy uses narrow light beams to destroy affected tissue, while cryotherapy relies on liquid nitrogen or another cold chemical to freeze off abnormal cells. 

There are also many treatment options available for cervical cancer diagnoses, including radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy that encourages the immune system to eliminate the disease. For aggressive or advanced cases, doctors typically recommend surgery to remove cancerous tissue. The most suitable treatment option will depend on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health. 

If it's time for your next cervical cancer screening, make an appointment with North Little Rock Women’s Clinic. The obstetrics and gynecology center in North Little Rock, AR, provides the compassionate care women throughout the region need to maintain their health. Call (501) 835-9444 today to make an appointment, or learn more about cervical cancer screening services online.