Cervical Cancer 101
On this page you will learn about symptoms of cervical cancer, diagnosis, and treatment options. We hope this information will help you prepare for a discussion with your gynecologist or a Gynecologic Oncologist.
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is usually named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.
Cervical cancer begins in the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It is the part of the uterus that dilates to allow a baby to pass into the birth canal. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can integrate into the DNA of the cells in the cervix.
The normal cervix has two main types of cells: squamous cells, which protect the outside of the cervix, and glandular cells, which are mostly inside the cervix. The HPV virus can integrate into both types of cells in the cervix, and may cause cancer over time. Cervical cancer can be prevented by routine screening (Pap smears and HPV tests) and HPV vaccination.
The Foundation for Women's Cancer has brochures in English, Spanish, and Chinese: the links below.
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Cervical Cancer: Your Guide Download | Order Brochures
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Cáncer de Cúello de Útero: Su Guía (Español) Download | Order Brochures
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Cervical Cancer: Your Guide (Chinese) Download | Order Brochures
You may also find this article from Time Magazine to be of interest: What an HPV Diagnosis Really Means
Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Screening
Symptoms
Cervical precancers usually have no symptoms. That is why it is important to have a Pap test. A person usually does not have any signs until the cells turn into cancer and invade the deepest parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs.
These symptoms include:
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Vaginal discharge
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding
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Vaginal odor
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Pain
These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other health problems. It is important for people to see their doctor if they is having any of these symptoms.
Risk Factors and Causes
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on your cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.
HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most people, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.
Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer:
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Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
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Tobacco smoking.
You can learn more about Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer by visiting the Foundation for Women's Cancer website.
Screening
The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
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The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
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The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. During the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to look inside your vagina. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The cells are sent to a laboratory.
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If you are getting a Pap test, the cells will be checked to see if they look normal.
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If you are getting an HPV test, the cells will be tested for HPV.
What is cervical precancer? When there are cervical cells that look abnormal but are not yet cancerous, it is called cervical precancer. These abnormal cells may be the first sign of cancer that develops years later. Cervical precancer usually doesn’t cause pain or other symptoms. It is found with a Pap test.
If one or more of these symptoms or risk factors is true for you,
it does not mean you have or will necessarily get cervical cancer.
Please report all your symptoms and risk factors to a doctor, preferably a gynecologist.