Cervical cancer is said to have two types,
depending on the type of cell it affects, and the most common is called squamous cell carcinoma. This occurs when the squamous cells that line the cervix close to the vagina become cancerous and start producing too many cells too rapidly. The other type, which is less common, is called adenocarcinoma, which is formed by the mucus forming gland cells in the inner part of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma has become a more common form in the past three decades.
Cervical cancer may be diagnosed more in those showing the following risk factors. But it has to be mentioned that having these risk factors does not mean you will definitely have cervical cancer. Being infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is said to increase your chances of getting cervical cancer greatly. HPV is more commonly known for the skin ailments it produces on different parts of the human body, from lips to genitalia. It infects people by skin-on-skin contact and so is easily spread through any kind of sexual intercourse. The Pap test is a good way of knowing if you have been infected by this virus. But it is important to know that having this virus does not mean you have cervical cancer.Smoking is considered another big risk factor in women. Researchers believe that carcinogens from tobacco smoke may alter the DNA of cervix cells, causing them to become cancerous. Other risk factors include the wrong diet, use of oral contraceptives in some case and even being affected by AIDS. Again, it is important to remember that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will have cervical cancer, but it is always better to do a few tests.
Treatment for cervical cancer can be done by surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is most common to be treated using a mixture of two of these methods, and it is always advisable to listen to what the doctor has to say about these treatments.
By Suraj Mathur
Cervical cancer may be diagnosed more in those showing the following risk factors. But it has to be mentioned that having these risk factors does not mean you will definitely have cervical cancer. Being infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is said to increase your chances of getting cervical cancer greatly. HPV is more commonly known for the skin ailments it produces on different parts of the human body, from lips to genitalia. It infects people by skin-on-skin contact and so is easily spread through any kind of sexual intercourse. The Pap test is a good way of knowing if you have been infected by this virus. But it is important to know that having this virus does not mean you have cervical cancer.Smoking is considered another big risk factor in women. Researchers believe that carcinogens from tobacco smoke may alter the DNA of cervix cells, causing them to become cancerous. Other risk factors include the wrong diet, use of oral contraceptives in some case and even being affected by AIDS. Again, it is important to remember that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will have cervical cancer, but it is always better to do a few tests.
Treatment for cervical cancer can be done by surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is most common to be treated using a mixture of two of these methods, and it is always advisable to listen to what the doctor has to say about these treatments.
By Suraj Mathur
