Where does cervical cancer usually start?

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.

Where does cervical cancer occur most?

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

How quickly does cervical cancer spread?

Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.

How do you feel when you have cervical cancer?

Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include pelvic pain, problems peeing, and swollen legs. If the cancer has spread to your nearby organs, it can affect how those organs work too. For example, a tumor might press on your bladder and make it feel like you have to pee more often.

What were your first signs of cervical cancer?

Cervical Cancer Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

What are the 7 warning signs of cervical cancer?

When should you suspect cervical cancer?

An abnormal Pap test or HPV test result may mean more testing is needed to see if a cancer or a pre-cancer is present. Cervical cancer may also be suspected if you have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain during sex.

What are the 5 warning signs of cervical cancer?

What hurts with cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, changes to vaginal discharge, discomfort during sex and pain in your lower back or pelvis. If you have symptoms, you should contact your GP.

Where would you have pain if you had cervical cancer?

Main symptoms of cervical cancer

changes to your vaginal discharge. pain during sex. pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.

Do Pap smears detect cervical cancer?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.

What age is cervical cancer most common?

Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age.

Can cervical cancer happen suddenly?

Cervical cancer symptoms are not likely to come on suddenly, but usually persist once they do appear.

What is the #1 risk factor for cervical cancer?

What Are the Risk Factors? Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Other things also can increase your risk of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex.

What is the first stage of cervical cancer?

Stage I cervical cancer

Stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer. A very small amount of cancer that can only be seen under a microscope is found in the tissues of the cervix. In stage IA1, the cancer is not more than 3 millimeters deep. In stage IA2, the cancer is more than 3 but not more than 5 millimeters deep.

Who is at high risk for cervical cancer?

Becoming sexually active at an early age: The risk of high-risk HPV infection that is persistent and ultimately leads to cervical cancer is higher in people who become sexually active before age 18 and in those who have had multiple sexual partners.

How can you rule out cervical cancer?

A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.

Do you feel poorly with cervical cancer?

Advanced cervical cancer may mean you feel sick or cause other effects that can make you lose your appetite. You may lose weight anyway because of the cancer and not feel like eating as much. Making some simple changes to your diet may help with feeling sick and getting your appetite back.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages when it's small and hasn't spread?

How often is cervical cancer fatal?

When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. When cervical cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to nearby tissues, organs, or regional lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 58%.

Is cervical cancer fast or slow?

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is nearly 100% treatable. It can take years for dysplasia to develop into cervical cancer.

What does cervical cancer discharge look like?

Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include: Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Vaginal discharge that does not stop, and may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling.

How does the Obgyn check for cervical cancer?

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.

Can a Dr see cervical cancer during exam?

Some cervical cancer may be found during a pelvic exam. While your doctor can't see precancer changes such as dysplasia, he or she may see some invasive cancer during an exam. If something suspicious is seen during the pelvic exam, more tests can help see if you have cervical cancer.

Is cancer of the cervix fatal?

If not diagnosed and treated, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become deadly.