Cervical Cancer Treatment Cost in Seoul

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of cancer cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus. It is the entrance of the uterus, often referred to as the neck of the womb. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women around the world. It is the fourth leading cause of death caused by cancer in women. However, the important thing to note is that cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer and early diagnosis of the disease can improve the mortality rate amongst patients.

A dramatic reduction in cervical cancer occurrence is primarily due to the widespread use of advanced screening tests such as pap tests to detect cervical abnormalities and allow for early treatment.

Where does cervical cancer take place

Under normal circumstances, the ectocervix is covered with flat, thin cells called squamous cells, and the endocervix is made up of another kind of cells called columnar cells. The area where these cells meet is called the transformation (T) zone. The T zone is the most likely location for cervical cancer cells to develop.

Cervical Cancer Causes

A majority of cervical cancer cases occur because of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. It can transfer through sexual contact with an infected male partner.

There are many types of the HPV virus and not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of the HPV may cause genital warts. Some other cervical cancer risk factors include smoking, weak immune system, oral contraceptives, and multiple pregnancies.

More than 90 percent of the cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. The second most common type of cervical cancer is adenocarcinoma. Adenosquamous carcinomas or mixed carcinomas are some of the rare types of cervical cancer.

• Squamous cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type, accounting for approximately 70-90% of cervical cancer cases. It begins in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line the outer surface of the cervix.
• Adenocarcinoma: It accounts for 10-30% of cervical cancer cases. It starts in the glandular cells that produce mucus in the cervical canal. Adenocarcinoma may be more challenging to detect early through Pap smears.