Cervical cancer Essay

Cervical cancer usually occurs in women who are around thirty years old and over. In the book Exploring Medical Language it states “Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix located in the lower part of the uterus known as the womb” (p.326). Cervical cancer has four states that indicate how far the cancer has spread. Cervical cancer can be caused by having multiple sex partners, smoking, genetic factors and many other causes that will be discussed further along. Cervical cancer can be deadly if it is not treated.
The cervix is the neck of the womb. In addition, the cervix is a narrow opening from the uterus to the vagina. The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system. The cervix is made up of a strong muscle that is firmly shut with a small opening to allow sperm through, also to allow the flow from a menstrual period. During pregnancy the cervix is closed and at childbirth the cervix opens up to four inches.
There are two different types of cervical cancer squamous cell cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The cervix has a portion that projects into the vagina known as the ectocervix. On the outer surface of the ectocervix there is flat cells that look like a fish scale. These squamous cells can turn cancerous and result in squamous cell cervical cancer. The inside of the cervix is called the endocervix. Inside the cervix, glandular cells that produce mucus are found. Glandular cells can become cancerous and become adenocarcinoma of the cervix. There is a part of the cervix known as the transformation zone. The transformation zone is at the opening of the cervix that leads to the narrow passageway that connects the cervix to the uterus. Cervix cells are more likely to turn cancerous in this zone. That is the reason why doctors concentrate in this area when cervical screening is being done.
In some occasions at the start of cervical cancer one may experience no symptoms. Women should see their doctors to have a cervical smear test regularly. Although, there are common symptoms for cervical cancer that one should be aware of. For example, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse is a common symptom and must be taken under consideration. Including smelly vagina discharge, discomfort during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain and vaginal discharge tinged with blood. When one experience some of these symptoms one should not ignore them and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Often women who have had multiple sex partners have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Developing cervical cancer does not necessarily mean that one had multiple sex partners it is a risk factor. For example, having multiple sex partner increases the chances of getting cervical cancer as well if someone who smokes is more exposed to getting cancer. Having a weak immune system also raises the chances of to developing cervical cancer. Mental stress can also contribute to cancer in the cervix. In addition, according to the website Medical News “Cervical cancer is more likely to develop when women give birth at a young age such as seventeen than when a woman gives birth at a mature age such as twenty-five.” Several pregnancies and sexual transmitted diseases are also causes of cervical cancer. There are procedures that help diagnose cervical cancer. The website Medical News also states “The reason why it is important to get it treated as soon as possible is because the more that is develops and spreads the more difficult it is to treat.” Therefore, one should check with their doctor and take test to diagnose cervical cancer.
For example one of the most known procedures is cervical screening. Having a cervical procedure once every three to five weeks can save many lives. It is advice to women who are twenty-one years old to start having cervical screening or within three years of having sexual intercourse for the first time. The screening looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. The test does not detect

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Cervical Cancer Assessment