Cervical Cancer 101

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.

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These symptoms include:

• Vaginal discharge

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Vaginal odor

• 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.

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.

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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:

• Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.

• Tobacco smoking.

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.

• 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.

• 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.