Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Have you heard of cervical cancer?
It’s A Silent Killer.
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it is found early through a Pap test.
What causes Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be gotten by having sexual contact with someone who has it. Although, it is not all types of HPV causes cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.
Many adults have been infected with HPV at one time or the other, but the infection usually goes away on its own. Sometimes it can cause genital warts or lead to cervical cancer. This why it’s important for women to have regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you treat these cell changes, you may prevent cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
2. Pain in the lower belly or pelvis.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Abnormal vaginal discharge
5. Bleeding after going through menopause
6. Longer or heavier menstrual periods than usual
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
1. Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.
2. Chest X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan is usually used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.
All these tests could be done at any of our diagnostics centres
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
1. The is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they turn into cancer. This may help prevent cervical cancer.
2. The virus that causes cervical cancer is spread through sexual contact. The best way to avoid getting a sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex. If you do have sex, practice safer sex, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sex partners you have.
3. If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
If you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer, please visit us for diagnosis immediately. Prevention is far better than cure.