Journal of Tumor Research
Open Access

Systemic Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer

David Paul^{* *}Correspondence: Dr. David Paul, Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA, Email:

Author info »

Description

Cancer is a disease when certain body cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other body parts. The human body, which is made up of trillions of cells, can almost start cancer. Through a process known as cell division, human cells normally expand and multiply to produce new cells when the body requires them. New cells can replace old cells when they die as a result of old or damage.

When abnormal cells cluster together that form a tumor, it is a solid mass of tissue. Bones, skin, tissue, organs, and glands can all be affected by tumors. Many benign tumors are not cancerous. However, they may still require treatment. Malignant tumors, often known as cancerous tumors, can be dangerous and require cancer therapy.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the cervix. The uterine womb's lower, narrow end is the cervix. The uterus and the vagina (birth canal) are connected by the cervix. Most of the time, cervical cancer develops slowly over time. Dysplasia is a condition in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue prior to the development of cancer in the cervix. If the abnormal cells are not destroyed or removed, they may develop into cancer cells over time and begin to grow and spread further into the cervix and surrounding areas.

Types of cervical cancer

The type of cell from which the cancer began is given the name cervical cancer. There are two main types.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Most cervical malignant tumors (up to 90%) are squamous cell carcinomas. The ectocervix is where these cancers originate.

Adenocarcinoma: Endocervix glandular cells are the site of cervical adenocarcinomas. A rare form of cervical adenocarcinoma is clear cell adenocarcinoma, also known as clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma.

Cervical cancer can sometimes originate characteristics with both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Adenosquamous carcinoma or mixed carcinoma is two names for this type. Other cells in the cervix may occasionally become infected with cancer.

Precursors and early-stage disease for both types of cervical cancer can be detected through screening: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Precursor and early-stage disease treatment can reduce cervical cancer mortality and prevent invasive cancer from developing. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test, also known as cytology, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and co-testing (with both cytology and HPV testing), are the three options for cervical cancer screening. The most important factors in the progression to cervical cancer are infection with oncogenic strains of HPV, also known as high-risk HPV (hrHPV).

Papanicolaou (Pap) test

A procedure where a small brush is used to eliminate cells from the outer layer of the cervix and the region around it so they can be checked under a magnifying lens or microscope for cervical malignant growth or cell changes that might prompt cervical disease. Other conditions, such as infections or inflammation, may also be detected by a Pap test. It is typically performed concurrently with a pelvic exam, and it may also be performed concurrently with a test for particular forms of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

A procedure to check for cervical cancer in women is a Pap smear, also called as Pap test. A Pap smear includes gathering cells from cervix-the lower, restricted finish of the uterus that is at the highest point of the vagina. With a Pap smear, cervical cancer can be detected earlier and treated more effectively. Additionally, changes in cervical cells that might indicate the onset of cancer in the future can be found with a Pap smear. A Pap smear's early detection of these abnormal cells is the first step in preventing cervical cancer from developing.

Cervical cancer screenings include a Pap smear. A pelvic exam is typically performed in conjunction with the Pap smear. The Pap test may be combined with a test for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer, in women over the age of 30. An HPV test may be used instead of a Pap smear in some cases.

Conclusion

Women who have an abnormal Pap test should have a colposcopy, and those who have abnormal findings from a colposcopy should be advised to have a biopsy. Precancerous epithelial lesions can be identified with the help of the sensitive and efficient Pap smear test. In order to cut down on mortality and morbidity from cervical cancer, the Pap smear test ought to be considered a standard screening procedure. A pap smear, also known as this, is the gold standard for cervical screening. Each lady over the age 30 years ought to go through evaluating programs for cervical malignant growths. Therefore, screening at regular intervals can help catch cervical cancer early, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.