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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Cervical Cancer: Introduction > Section Summary: Cervical Cancer

Section Summary: Cervical Cancer

Introduction

• The cervix is the junction of the vagina and the uterus.
• Cervical cancer forms on the interior lining of the cervix.
• Typically, cervical cancer development is slow, occurring over a period of years.

Types of Cervical Cancer

• There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type.

Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with virtually all cases of cervical cancer.
• HPV is sexually transmitted, but only 15 of over 100 strains are implicated as causing cervical cancer.
• A family history of cervical cancer doubles the risk for developing the cancer.
• Most cases of cervical cancer occur after the age of 20.
• Increased numbers of sexual partners and lower age at first sexual act have both been associated with increased risk.
• Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
• Women infected with HIV have been shown to have a five-fold risk of developing cervical cancer.
• The long-term use of oral contraceptives has been shown to increase the risk.

Symptoms

• Early cervical cancer is asymptomatic.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding can occur once the cancer becomes invasive.

Detection and Diagnosis

• Cervical cancer can be detected by a Pap smear.
• HPV tests are available to detect the presence of viral DNA.
• More tests are carried out if the Pap smear reveals abnormal cells.
• A colposcopy can be used to view the tissue of the cervix.
• A tissue biopsy can be done and a pathologist can then examine the sample.
• Additional imaging (CT, MRI, etc.) may be performed.

Pathology Report and Staging

• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a non-cancerous, abnormal growth of cells lining the cervix.
• The risk of cancer development increases with increasing CIN grade.
• Cervical cancer staging is determined by the size and location of the tumor.

Treatment

• Different types of surgery can be performed depending on the stage of the cancer: cryosurgery, laser surgery, cone biopsy, simple hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and pelvic externation.
• Internal or external radiation and chemotherapy are possible treatments for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

• The vaccine Gardasil® has been approved in the U.S. for males and females aged 9-26 for the prevention of infection by HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.
• The vaccine Cervarix® has been approved in the U.S. for females aged 10-25 for the prevention of infection by HPV 16 and 18.
• The vaccines are prophylactic and are not effective against pre-existing HPV infections.