Cervical cancer

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Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus (womb). It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer. Almost all cases (99%) are linked to genital human papillomavirus infection (HPV); most who have had HPV infections, however, do not develop cervical cancer. The risk is higher in people who smoke, have a weakened immune system, use birth control, start sex at a young age and have many sexual partners. Cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes over 10 to 20 years. About 75% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, 20–25% are adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis is typically by cervical screening followed by a biopsy. Medical imaging...

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