Cervical Cancer vs Fibroids: One is Cancer the Other is Not Cancer. What you should know.
Unfortunately, Beauty YouTuber Jessica Pettway died from cervical cancer this month at the age of 36. She was a wife, mother, sister, friend, and influencer among other things. But she sadly died from cervical cancer which in 2024 is NOT common.
Cervical Cancer is preventable.
What is a the cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer located in the cervix, the “opening” to the uterus (“womb”) of a women.
What are cervical cancer screenings and pap smears?
Cervical cancer screenings start at the age of 21 years old via a pap smear. A procedure where a speculum is inserted into the speculum to visualize the cervix and brush a tissue sample off that will be tested for abnormal cells.
Who should get cervical cancer screenings?
Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women ages 21 to 65 who have a cervix in order discover and treat abnormal cervical tissue as early as possible.
What is the difference between cervical cancer and fibroids?
Cervical cancer is not the same a fibroids. A fibroid is benign mass in the uterus that can cause vaginal and pelvic problems. Fibroids and Cervical cancer can cause similar symptoms which is why being evaluated by a doctor is important for women experiencing vaginal symptoms. Pelvic sympot often include physical exam with a speculum exam and pelvic imaging.
How are fibroids found?
Fibroids are diagnosed by imaging usually through a transvagainal ultrasound (most accessible and affordable) or through at CT scan of the pelvis.
How is cervical cancer found?
Cervical cancer is diagnosed through biopsy to confirm the cancerous tissue but before getting a biopsy there is a tissue sample from a pap smear that is evaluated or there can be imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) that is concerning for an abnormal mass in the cervix.
What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
There are protocols and recommendations that can often detect abnormal cervical tissue before cancerous tissues develop if a person stays up to date on their cervical cancer screenings. Early treatment options often include removal through shaving or freezing before additional treatment such as surgery and/or chemotherapy are offered.
What about the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that prevents cancer in men and women, including cervical cancer in women. It was developed because the HPV virus was found to be linked to abnormal cervical tissue and cancer. The vaccine decreases the risk of abnormal cervical tissue and cancer by prevention and protection.
What is the difference between pap smears and speculum exams?
Pap smears is the name of the procedure used to obtain tissue samples of the cervix while speculum exams is the exam technique used to look inside the vagina and see the cervix. Not all speculum exams include a pap smear because speculum exams are used to evaluate vaginal bleeding, complete STD testing, do pap smears, and check for “water breaks” during pregnancy. Speculums are tools for a lot of pelvic evaluations.
Why are pap smears regularly every year?
Most women with low risk for cervical cancer or abnormal cervical tissue can get pap smears every 3 to 5 years now due to the routine HPV testing that occurs. Prior to HPV testing less was known about cervical tissue changes and cancer risk but years of research discovered cervical tissue changes occur slowly or not at all if there is not HPV virus detected so an annual pap smear was not necessary for low risk cervical cancer screenings. Those with medium to high risk should get sooner pap smears based on recommendations.
Cervical cancer screening is one of the most successful screening protocols in the United States. If you are due for a cervical cancer screening or need more information about your cervical cancer risk please contact your doctor.
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