Cervical Cancer

It is the transformation of healthy cells in the transition zone (cervix) located in the lower part of the uterus, connecting to the vagina, into malignant cancer cells over a process that takes many years.

The PRIMARY CAUSE of 99% of this type of cancer is high-risk (such as Type 16, 18) HPV infection. This sexually transmitted virus settles into cervical cells, remains dormant for years, alters the cells' DNA, and transforms them into cancer cells.

In the early stages (when there is only cellular disruption), it shows no symptoms. As it progresses, the most typical symptoms are spotting or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, abnormal intermenstrual bleeding, and very foul-smelling (sometimes bloody) vaginal discharge.

A smear test involves collecting shed cells from the cervix with a small brush for examination. This test does not detect cancer itself, but rather the PRECURSOR ABNORMAL CELLS (CIN lesions) that will eventually turn into cancer, allowing the patient to be treated (with a minor shaving procedure) before cancer actually develops.

Absolutely yes! Cervical cancer is the ONLY type of cancer in the world that has a vaccine. The HPV vaccine, administered to girls and boys between the ages of 9-14 (before the onset of sexual activity) or up to age 45 for women, almost completely eliminates the risk of cervical cancer.

For precancerous lesions, the cervix is cleaned using LEEP or Conization (shaving), preserving the uterus. If the cancer has invaded the tissue, the uterus, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes are completely removed (Radical Hysterectomy). If the disease is advanced, the primary treatment is not surgery, but Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.