Cervical cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Fortunately, when detected at an early stage, cervical cancer is highly curable. Pap test screening, when done regularly, is the single most important tool for preventing cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous, when treatment is most effective.

There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell (epidermoid) cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma cervical cancer. About 75% of all cervical cancer is squamous cell cancer.

The cervix is made up of two kinds of cells: columnar cells and squamous cells. Columnar cells constantly change into squamous cells in an area of the cervix called the transformation zone. As a result of this natural process of change, some cervical cells can become abnormal. Infection can also cause abnormal cervical cell changes. When abnormal cell changes persist over time (years) and become severe, these cells may develop into cervical cancer.

Since abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms, it is important for you to have regular Pap test screening. If untreated cervical cell changes progress to cervical cancer, symptoms may develop. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or the insertion of a diaphragm.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.

Abnormal cervical cell changes are often the result of high-risk sexual behaviors years earlier. These behaviors include having unprotected sex (not using condoms), having multiple sex partners, or having a partner who has had multiple partners. These behaviors increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with a high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (HPV). A past HPV infection in you or your partner can cause abnormal cervical cell changes later since the virus may remain in the body for life. Low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms so you may not know you have had it.

Smoking (or a history of smoking) or having an impaired immune system may also increase your risk for cervical cell changes. The use of birth control pills for more than 5 years may be a risk factor related to infection with HPV.

As part of your routine gynecological exam, you should have a Pap test. If a Pap test indicates abnormal cell changes, further tests, such as a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, will be done to diagnose whether there are precancerous or cancerous changes present on your cervix.

You may also be diagnosed because of your specific symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding after sexual intercourse, but a biopsy will still be needed.

If cervical cancer is present, your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer by gathering information from a variety of tests