Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Precancerous cells are normally found during routine pap smears, so early detection is common and death rates from the disease are relatively low. Cervical cancer occurs in about 8 women out of every 100,000 per year in the United States, and the death rate is 2.4 deaths per 100,000 per year among women diagnosed with the disease.

There are two main types of cervical cancer, including:

Squamous cell carcinoma. The majority of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. It starts in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina.

Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

In some cases, both cell types are involved in cervical cancer, but only in rare cases are other cells in the cervix involved.

Symptoms

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are hardly any signs and symptoms. In advanced stages of cervical cancer, the signs and symptoms may include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after having intercourse, in between periods or after menopause
  • Bloody vaginal discharge that is watery and may have a foul smell
  • Pelvic or general pain during sexual intercourse

Causes

It is not totally clear what causes cervical cancer, but doctors do know the primary risk factor for the disease is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) - a sexually transmitted infection. You can reduce your risk for contracting HPV by quitting smoking and avoiding risky sex, in addition to having annual screening tests (pap smears) and getting the HPV vaccine.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Having many sexual partners
  • Having sex starting at an early age
  • A weak immune system
  • Having another sexually transmitted infection
  • Smoking

Screenings and Diagnosis

There are screening tests used to make a diagnosis for cervical cancer. Women’s health guidelines recommend these screening tests for all women older than 21, although screening in sexually active teenagers can be beneficial as well. Screening tests include:

Pap test. During a Pap test, the doctor scrapes and brushes cells from the cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities. 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. This test may be an option for women age 30 and older, or for younger women with an abnormal Pap test.

A biopsy and close examination of the cells is required for making an absolutely diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Once a diagnosis is made, an Adena Health oncologist can pinpoint your stage of cervical cancer. The stages are indicated using Roman numerals ranging from “I to IV” – with stage I indicating that the cancer is confined to the cervix and stage IV indicating that the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Cervical Cancer Care

The Adena Health Cancer Center provides care for a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, our oncology and gynecological specialist will work to create a treatment plan that helps you fight your cancer together.

Services and Treatments

Providers

Our Providers

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Rhoads, Danelle FNP

Rhoads, Danelle FNP

Adena Cancer Center
Cancer Care
Patel, Nihar MD

Patel, Nihar MD

Cancer Care Clinic
Cancer Care
Wellman, Angela CNP

Wellman, Angela CNP

Cancer Care
Singer, Sara MD

Singer, Sara MD

Cancer Care
Mitchell, Carissa CNP

Mitchell, Carissa CNP

Adena Cancer Center
Cancer Care
Thompson, Greg MD

Thompson, Greg MD

Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care
Patel, Sandip MD

Patel, Sandip MD

Cancer Care
Rose, Jeffrey MD

Rose, Jeffrey MD

Cancer Care
Wilson, William MD

Wilson, William MD

Cancer Care, Radiation Oncology

Locations

Map of Adena Cancer Center

Adena Cancer Center

4435 State Route 159
Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Map of Cancer Care Clinic

Cancer Care Clinic

1510 Columbus Avenue
Washington Court House, OH 43160
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Map of Adena Health Center - Circleville

Adena Health Center - Circleville

140 Morris Road
Circleville, OH 43113
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Related Specialties

Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which the cells in the body begin to divide and multiply uncontrollably. Cells in just about any part of the body can become cancerous.

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