What is Cervical Cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which the body’s cells begin to multiply uncontrollably. Cervical cancer occurs more frequently in women over 30 years of age. The main cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted from person to person during sexual intercourse. At least half of sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives, although few women will get cervical cancer.
The cervix is made up of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells.
- The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads to the uterus, and is covered with glandular cells.
- The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outside part of the cervix that a doctor can see during a speculum exam (Pap smear), and which is covered with squamous cells.
Cervical cancer usually forms slowly over time. Before this cancer forms, the cells of the cervix go through changes (dysplasia). Eventually, abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. Over time, the abnormal cells become cancerous, multiply, and spread to deeper parts of the cervix and surrounding areas.
Usually, there are no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer, but sometimes it is detected early during routine examinations.
Types of cervical cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinomas: These cancers develop from cells in the ectocervix. Squamous cell carcinomas most often arise in the transformation zone (where the exocervix meets the endocervix).
- Cervical adenocarcinoma: It originates in the cells of the mucus-producing glands of the endocervix.
- Adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas: They have characteristics of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas and are usually less common.
Cervical cancer in Mexico.
Since 2006, cervical cancer has been the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in Mexico. Every year, an estimated 13,960 cases occur in women, with an incidence rate of 23.3 cases per 100,000 women. In 2014, there were 3,063 new cases of malignant tumors of the cervix, with an incidence rate of 6.08 per 100,000 inhabitants aged 10 and older. In the specific group of women aged 25 and older, there were 4,056 deaths among women, with a crude rate of 11.9 deaths per 100,000 women and an average age at death of 59.15 years.
The states with the highest mortality rates from cervical cancer are: Chiapas (18.2), Morelos (17.2), Sonora (15.7), Quintana Roo (15.2), Chihuahua (15.1), and Baja California (15.0).
The distribution of Cervical Cancer cases in relation to age shows an increase from the age of 35 onwards, with the 50 to 59 age group registering the highest percentage, around 30% of all cases recorded in 2014. The average age of onset for cervical cancer cases is 49.2 years.
Cervical cancer in Latin America.
Cervical cancer is the second most common neoplasm in women in Latin America, with 68,818 cases annually. The incidence rate in the region is 21.2 cases per 100,000 women, reaching values exceeding 30 in countries such as Peru, Paraguay, Guyana, Bolivia, Honduras, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Suriname.
The mortality rate in the region stands at 8.7 deaths per 100,000 women. Seventy-five percent of the 28,565 annual deaths from this cause occur in six countries: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Argentina. However, mortality is highest in Guyana (21.9), Bolivia (21.0), and Nicaragua (18.3).
Cervical cancer worldwide.
Cervical cancer is the seventh most common neoplasm in the world population and the fourth most common among women, with an estimated 528,000 new cases diagnosed annually, 85% of which occur in developing countries. Incidence is highest in developing countries; ranging from 42.7 in East Africa to 4.4 per 100,000 women in Western Asia (Middle East). It is also a significant cause of death from malignant tumors in women, with 266,000 annual deaths, 87% of which occur in underdeveloped countries. Mortality rates range from 2 in Western Asia to 27.6 deaths per 100,000 women in East Africa. The mortality trend is decreasing due to a lower incidence of the disease resulting from improvements in social conditions and the response of health systems. Therefore, it constitutes an indicator of inequality, as mortality tends to concentrate in the most disadvantaged regions.
«Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death from malignant tumors in developing countries.»
Symptoms.
These and other signs and symptoms may be due to cervical cancer or other conditions. Consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding (even if it occurs after sexual intercourse).
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
Treatments
Five types of standard treatment are used:
Surgery: A procedure in which doctors remove cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy: Special drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. These medications can come in the form of oral tablets or injections administered into your veins, or in some cases, both methods may be used.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Drugs are used to help a person’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Targeted therapy: Medications are used to attack changes in cancer cells.
Cervical cancer usually forms slowly over time. Before this cancer forms, the cells of the cervix go through changes (dysplasia). Eventually, abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. Over time, the abnormal cells become cancerous, multiply, and spread to deeper parts of the cervix and surrounding areas.
Usually, there are no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer, but sometimes it is detected early during routine examinations.