Thanks Kubura for your question, yes it is true that precancerous growths on the genitals are becoming more common in women, particularly those in their 40s. Most of the growths are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus also known to cause cancers of the cervix, penis, anus and parts of the throat.
The genital precancers do not always turn into cancer, but they should be removed anyway because it is impossible to predict which ones will progress.
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. It starts as a precancerous growth. This precancerous condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. That is why it is so important for women to get regular Pap smears. Undetected precancerous changes can develop into cervical cancer and spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and liver. It can take years for precancerous changes to turn into cervical cancer.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
1. Having sex at an early age
2. Multiple sexual partners
3. Poor economic status (may not be able to afford regular Pap smears)
4. Sexual partners who have multiple partners or who participate in high-risk sexual activities such as sex without protection
5. Weakened immune system
Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur can include:
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
2. Any bleeding after menopause
3. Continuous vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling
4. Periods become heavier and last longer than usual
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:
1. Back pain
2. Bone fractures
3. Fatigue
4. Heavy bleeding from the vagina
5. Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
6. Leg pain
7. Loss of appetite
8. Pelvic pain
9. Single swollen leg
10. Weight loss
Precancerous changes of the cervix and cervical cancer cannot be seen with the naked eye. Special tests and tools are needed to spot such conditions.
1. Pap smears screen for precancers and cancer, but do not make a final diagnosis.
2. If abnormal changes are found, the cervix is usually examined under magnification.
3. Endocervical curettage (ECC) to examine the opening of the cervix
4. Cone Biopsy
Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing or destroying the precancerous or cancerous tissue. There are various surgical ways to do this without removing the uterus or damaging the cervix, so that a woman can still have children in the future. A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus but not the ovaries) is not often performed for cervical cancer that has not spread. It may be done in women with advanced cancer.
It is very important to ensure prevention of cervical cancer through provision of vaccine to female children, practicing safe sex (using condoms) also reduces risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Also limiting sexual partners as well getting regular Pap smears can help detect precancerous changes, which can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer. Annual pelvic examinations, including a pap smear, should start when a woman becomes sexually active, or by the age of 20 in a non-sexually active woman.
