Cervical cancer is cancer that develops from the cells that form the lining of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Before cervical cancer develops, precancerous changes in the normal cells that line the surface of the cervix can take place. These changes are called cervical dysplasia. If left untreated, cervical dysplasia can lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is transmitted during sexual intercourse. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.
Cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer that begins on the surface of the cervix. Over time, cervical cancer can penetrate deeper into the cervix. Cervical cancer can also spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body.
Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms. In fact, most women do not know they have been infected with HPV. That is why regular screening with a Pap test to detect cancerous cells is important, as it may be able to detect the earliest cancerous changes. As the cancer progresses, symptoms of cervical cancer can include spotting between periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
The prognosis for patients with cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Even when treated appropriately, cervical cancer can recur.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include having first sexual intercourse at a young age or having multiple sexual partners. Cervical cancer affects mainly younger women between the ages of 35 and 55, though women as young as 20 have developed cervical cancer.
Explore this Condition Guide now to learn more about cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, and human papillomavirus/HPV.
