Causes of Cervical Cancer are yet unknown. However, Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV) is considered to have definite association with Cervical
Cancer cases. There also happen to be many different types of HPV. As some
types of HPV cause genital warts, they are also sometimes called genital wart
virus. But then, genital wart viruses are not the types which cause Cervical
Cancer.
Passed on from one person to another through sexual
contact, very often women developing Cervical Cancer are those who have had
infections with HPV in the past. Changes in cells covering cervix which are
likely to become cancerous in time have been noted among the high-risk type of
HPV patients. Nevertheless, most women infected with HPV do not end-up with Cervical
Cancer. Therefore, other factors definitely must be involved in causing
Cervical Cancer.
How
to Diagnose Cervical Cancer
There are many ways to diagnose Cervical Cancer. Some of
the most common procedures are mentioned below:-
Pap
Smear Test:
This is an examination of cells scraped from the tip of
cervix under the microscope. Most doctors obtain samples by inserting an
instrument called speculum inside vagina & scraping cervix with a small
brush.
Hybrid
Capture II Test:
Hybrid Capture II HPV test essentially specifies whether
or not any treatment is required by the patient. This is a DNA based testing
procedure providing information on 13 types of HPV viruses infecting cervical
cells.
Liquid
Based Cytology:
Liquid Based Cytology or LBC is a way of obtaining
cervical samples which can be examined in a laboratory. These samples are
collected similar to Pap smear using spatula as device which brushes cells from
cervix.
Colposcopy:
Coloscopy is a special way using light to take a detailed
view at cervix. A low-powered microscope is also involved to make cervix appear
larger. It enables doctors make closer observations & subsequently biopsy
abnormal areas of cervix.
MRI uses magnetism so as to build up pictures of organs
inside abdomen. It is also ideal for imaging tissues located in the pelvis
where cancer is suspected. Moreover, MRI is painless & magnetism is
harmless.
Loop
Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP):
LEEP involves using an electrode pushed inside cervix so
as to remove abnormal cells from cervix & endo-cervical canal. There is a
high frequency electric power running through wire.
CT Scans are type of x-rays which give cross-sectional
images of organs & other tissues including tumors within the body.
Positron
Emission Tomography (PET):
PET Scans are able to detect if cancer has spread to
adjoining parts of the body. In case a patient is diagnosed having cancer, the
doctor would be interested in finding out if it has spread in to other regions.
This procedure is called staging, which also helps the doctor plan a treatment.
