The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly overtime. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which cells that are not normal begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas. Human papillomavirus infection is the major risk factor for development of cervical cancer. Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Women who do not regularly have a Pap smear to detect human papillomavirus or abnormal cells in the cervix are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Other possible risk factors include, giving birth to many children, having many sexual partners, having first sexual intercourse at a young age, smoking cigarettes, oral contraceptive use and weakened immune system. Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms. Women should have yearly check- ups, including Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix.

The prognosis is better when the cancer is found early. Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse. To detect and diagnose cervical cancer the following procedures are performed. Papsmear, a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal. This procedure is also called Pap test. Colposcopy, a procedure in which a colposcope is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Tissue samples may be taken using a curette and checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsy, if abnormal cells are found in a Pap smear, the doctor may do biopsy. A sample tissue is cut from the cervix and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy that removes only a small amount of tissue is usually done in the doctors office. The woman may need to go in the hospital for a cervical cone biopsy.

Next is pelvic exam. An examination of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and places the other hand over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. A speculum is also inserted in to the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test of the cervix is usually done. Lastly, endocervical curettage is a procedure to collect cells or tissue from the cervical canal using a curette. Tissue samples may be taken and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis and treatment which include the stage of the cancer, type of cervical cancer, size of the tumor and patients age. While the treatment of the cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found during the last trimester f pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until the baby is born.