Description

Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix.It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.[2] Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse.[1] While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer.[3] Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to be involved in the development of more than 90% of cases;[4][5] most people who have had HPV infections, however, do not develop cervical cancer.[6][7] Other risk factors include smoking, a weak immune system, birth control pills, starting sex at a young age, and having many sexual partners, but these are less important.[1][8] Cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes over 10 to 20 years.[6] About 90% of cervical cancer cases are squamous cell carcinomas, 10% are adenocarcinoma, and a small number are other types.[8] Diagnosis is typically by cervical screening followed by a biopsy. Medical imaging is then done to determine whether or not the cancer has spread.