The cervix is part of the female reproductive system and is located under the uterus. It is usually 2-3 cm long. The narrow canal that runs through it is called the cervical canal and connects the uterus to the vagina. It is adjacent to the bladder anteriorly.
The part of the cervix closest to the uterus is called the endocervix. This region is rich in secretory columnar epithelial cells. The areas of the cervix close to the vagina are called the exocervix. This region is rich in squamous cells. The middle of both regions is the transformation zone. This is the starting site of most cancers.
Cervical mucus, a sticky fluid, is produced in the parts of the cervix close to the uterus. The structure of the cervix and the fluid it produces varies according to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and giving birth. The cervix and cervical fluid act as a pre-uterine barrier. It functions as a plug for external agents and traps it in the mucus it secretes. The mucus plug is also important for the protection of the fetus during pregnancy. Squamous cells are involved in the regulation of vaginal pH.
Cervical cancer develops due to abnormal growth of cervical cells for various reasons. It is the second most common type of cancer in women after breast cancer. It is mostly seen in women over 30 years old. The most responsible factor is HPV infections.
Cervical cancer is an important cause of death in women. Studies show that a woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes in the world.
Early diagnosis of cervical cancer is life saving. Therefore, it is useful to diagnose before symptoms appear. Screening tests are used to diagnose early. With the increasing number of screening tests, regular registration system, and improved diagnosis and treatment methods, the frequency of death has started to decrease.
Types of cervical cancer:
There are two types of cancer of the cervix. These:
- Squamous cell carcinoma : It is the most common type of cervical cancer. It originates from exocervix cells.
- Adenocarcinoma: It constitutes 10-15% of cervical cancers. It originates from the cells lining the cervical canal.
In a few cases, adenosquamous cancers may be encountered. Less common cancers of the cervix, mostly originating from other organs, are melanoma, lymphoma, and sarcomas.
Course of cervical cancer :
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that usually grows slowly and shows late symptoms. When symptomatic, the disease may be in advanced stages. As the cancer stage progresses, the patient’s chance of cure decreases. Despite developing technology, increasing diagnosis and treatment opportunities, cervical cancer still causes the death of a woman every two minutes worldwide. The easiest way to reduce deaths, facilitate treatment and avoid possible complications is not to neglect screening tests.