Cervix is the narrow portion of the uterus where it links with the top of the vagina. Its shape is cylindrical or conical and juts through the upper front vaginal wall. In Latin, Cervix means neck.
The narrow opening of the cervix is called the os. The cervical os allows menstrual blood to flow out from the vagina during menstruation.
During pregnancy the cervical os closes to help keep the fetus in the uterus until birth. Another important function of the cervix occurs during labor when the cervix dilates, or widens, to allow the passage of the fetus from the uterus to the vagina.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix. It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms in the early stages. In advanced stages it may cause vaginal bleeding or even there is no signs at all. Abnormal cervical cells are the first sign of cervical cancer. Cervical cells multiply uncontrollably when cervical cancer occurs and sometimes harms other healthy organs. This unusual condition of the cervix can be found with regular Pap smear tests (a procedure in which cells are wisped from the cervix and examined at under a microscope).
Treatment for Cervical cancer will depends on the stage and general health. Combination of treatments may also be applied. Some of the treatments are including: Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Chemotherapy.
Like most types of cancer, cervical cancer patients have the best chance for recovery when the disease is caught early.
