Cancer of the cervix is the second most common female cancer. Each year, about 45,000 non invasive and 16,000 invasive cases are diagnosed in the United States. The rate is 1 in 100,000 for women aged 20 to 24. It rises to 50 in 100,000 at ages 45 to 65. Cervical cancer used to be an older Women's disease. Today, it is showing up more frequently in young Women. In the 1960s, 9 percent of cervical cancers were found in women under age 35. In 1992, 25 percent of the cancers are found in women under age 35.

Dysplasia is a change in the size, shape, or number of cells in the cervix. It is not cancer, though the cells look abnormal. Dysplasia is classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending upon how abnormal the cells look. It is more common at ages 25 to 35, but can occur in other age groups.

Carcinoma in situ is very early cervical cancer. Only the top layers of cells are affected. The deeper layers may not be invaded for many months, perhaps years. It is more common at ages 30 to 40, but can occur in other age groups.

Invasive cervical cancer is cancer which has spread into the cervix. It may have invaded nearby tissues and organs. The most usual ages are between 40 and 60.

A Pap smear can detect the presence of abnormal looking cells. A colposcope allows a magnified view of the cervix, so the physician' can see the suspect areas. The cervix is bathed in a vinegar like solution which outlines the shape and structure of the cells. A colposcopy is 95 percent accurate in detecting abnormalities.

Mild dysplasia requires only a I/watch and wait” management program. Moderate dysplasia can be removed by the new Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, LEEP, which cuts out the abnormal cells in a small plug in one pass, and blocks bleeding at the same time. Moderate dysplasia can also be removed by cryosurgery, cauterization or laser ablation. Severe dysplasia and very early cancer respond to conization. A cone shaped section is cut out of the cervix and canal. In 85 percent of cases, all the abnormal tissue is taken and the dysplasia does not return. Cone biopsy is not a minor procedure. It requires general anesthesia. In some cases, there can be profuse bleeding.

Physicians have a saying: "Real cancer requires real treatment." Invasive cancer of the cervix must be treated aggressively. This means hysterectomy to remove the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. The nearby lymph nodes are removed to stop cancer spread. New therapies to try to avoid hysterectomy include radiotherapy, hormone drugs, and combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.

Dysplasia and early cervical cancer rarely cause symptoms. They are only detected by a pelvic exam and Pap smear. Symptoms do not generally appear until the cancer has become invasive. The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can be due to many factors which do not signify cancer. Nevertheless, visit the physician promptly if:

• Bleeding starts and stops between regular periods.
• The flow lasts longer and is heavier than usual.
• There is bleeding after making love, or douching.

The National Cancer Institute reports: "The outlook for women with dysplasia and very early cancer of the cervix is excellent. Nearly all women with these conditions can be cured.1f

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Top Male Enhancement company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2011 David Crawford of Male Enhancement Products This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.