Cervical Cancer
with Michael Dillon, MD
What are the three subtypes of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Every year about 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 4,000 die from the disease. Fortunately, early screening and preventive tactics can lead to the best treatment outcome and increase a woman’s chance of survival.
There are three subtypes of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and neuro-endocrine tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma is found in sexually active women and is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Adenocarcinoma originates in the glands and the mucus producing cells in the cervix. Adenocarcinoma is also associated with HPV, but is sometimes found in women who have not been sexually active. Neuro-endocrine cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that develops from cells that have a high amount of neurotransmitters. It is not associated with sexual activity.
According to Michael Dillon, MD, Gynecological Oncologist at GBMC, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common of the three subtypes. “Risk factors include number of sexual partners, age of first intercourse, smoking and history of sexually transmitted diseases, such as human papillomavirus,” he says. Symptoms associated with cervical cancer include bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods or after menopause, pain during intercourse and bloody vaginal discharge.
One of the most accurate and easiest ways to screen for cervical cancer is the Pap smear, which is able to find precancerous cells that exist only in the outer layer of the cervix. If left untreated, the precancerous cells may develop into cervical cancer. “Women should begin screening with the Pap smear at the time they start sexual activity,” says Dr. Dillon. “The frequency of screening is somewhat debatable although an annual pap smear is usually recommended. It may be done more frequently if any type of abnormality is picked up during a screening.”
According to Dr. Dillon, if cervical cancer is caught in its earliest stages, the prognosis is generally good. “The cure rate is nearly 100 percent if a cervical abnormality or precancerous lesion is found early on,” he says. “The key is getting a regular Pap smear.”
New on the market is the HPV vaccine, which provides protection against four strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for girls and women ages nine to 26 and is most effective when administered before the woman becomes sexually active. “The vaccine is given in three doses every three months,” says Dr. Dillon. “Although the vaccine does not provide 100 percent protection, it is a great first step.”
Although later stage cervical cancer can still be cured, it often requires more aggressive treatment. “Late stage cancer of the cervix often requires hysterectomy or chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy,” says Dr. Dillon. “Treatment is much more intensive.”
GBMC patients are offered quality care from beginning to end. “We offer the full spectrum of services,” says Dr. Dillon.
