Cervical cancer can develop in the epithelium of the cervix, with most cases occurring in squamous cells. Precancerous cells can progress to cervical cancer, with CIN III being the most severe form. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hysterectomy. A Pap smear can detect precancerous cells early.
Cervical cancer refers to a neoplasm or cancer that develops in the epithelium of the cervix. The epithelium is the cellular layer that covers the cervical canal. Epithelial cells have three basic shapes: squamous, cuboidal, and columnar. Generally, squamous cells are the flat, squamous cells in which most cervical cancers occur. Also, the columnar cells are usually where the tumors known as cervical adenocarcinomas occur.
Rarely, cervical cancer can originate in the cells that make up the tissue that supports the cervix. Generally, cervical cancer begins as a precancerous medical condition. Typically, it takes years for precancerous cells to progress to cervical cancer. Most often, when precancerous changes show up in the cervical lining, they’re generally classified by how extensive they’ve changed the tissue itself and how severe the changes are.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN, is generally classified as CIN I, CIN II, or CIN III. CIN I is generally used when only minor abnormalities are present in the cervix and this condition rarely, if ever, progresses to cervical cancer. CIN II usually refers to when cells or lesions in the cervix appear more aggressive. Sometimes, CIN II can progress to cervical cancer if left untreated. CIN III refers to the most severe form of dysplasia and, if not surgically removed, can progress to cancer.
Typically, CIN III needs to be surgically removed rather than just treated medically. Generally, if this type of cervical dysplasia is not removed by laser or conventional surgery, there is a strong possibility that it could progress to invasive cervical cancer. CIN III also refers to carcinoma in situ, which is a form of non-invasive cervical cancer that is still in its early stages.
Generally, invasive cervical cancer occurs when malignant epithelial cells migrate to the stroma, which is the cervical support tissue. Frequently, in advanced invasive cervical cancer, the cancer can metastasize or spread. Metastases to the uterus, bladder, and rectum may occur. Fortunately, a simple Pap smear can usually detect precancerous cells before they become more aggressive.
Treatment of cervical cancer usually includes laser surgery, cryosurgery, or total hysterectomy. Very often, if the patient is not a good surgical candidate, radiation therapy can be used as an effective alternative. Depending on the extent of the disease, a hysterectomy may include the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. In advanced cases of cervical cancer, hysterectomy may also include removal of the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
