Cervical cancer is only one of a myriad of cancers that affect the human population. Cellular division and an abnormal growth in the cervix produce cervical cancer, which is the lower portion of the uterus. According to EHealthMD.com, around 128,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, which account for six percent of all cancers in women. Several types of cervical cancer exist; however, if caught in the early stages it is nearly 100 percent curable.
Recognizing Cervical Cancer
Although there are multiple ways for people to detect cervical cancer, pap smears tend to be the most common and most successful. Since the development of the Pap smear in the 1940s, the fatality rate for cervical cancer has dropped almost 75 percent, (Healthsquare.com). The earlier that is found, the higher the survival rate for the sufferer. According to Healthsquare.com, cervical cancer detected in Stage O (the earliest stage) has a 100 percent survival rate. Cervical cancer detected in Stage IV (the latest stage) has only a five percent survival rate.
Types
Three types of cervical cancer exist. Squamous cell carcinoma, the most widespread type, begins in the cells lining the inner part of the uterus. Adenocarcinoma develops in the cells lining the mucous-producing glands of the cervix. Finally, there is a type known as Mixed Carcinoma, which is a combination of the previous two types.
Surgery
One treatment option for cervical cancer is surgery. Several types of surgery are available including laser surgery, cryosurgery, conization and LEEP. The survival rate for this form of treatment is 85 to 90 percent. These surgeries are designed to destroy precancerous tissue and stop cells from becoming malignant.
Hysterectomy
Another option when dealing with cervical cancer is a hysterectomy. A simple hysterectomy involves only the removal of the uterus, which includes the cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, parametrium, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina and nearby lymph nodes. A radical hysterectomy is usually only performed if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
Radiation Therapy
Another treatment option for cervical cancer is radiation. This includes the use of high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. External beam radiation and implant radiation are the two types of radiotherapy used.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment generally reserved for patients whose cancer has spread beyond the cervix or for those whose cancer has recurred after some other form of treatment. A variety of drugs are administered either intravenously or orally and enter the bloodstream in order to destroy cancer cells.
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