Palm Beach Gardens Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women between the ages of 35 and 44. Women should inform themselves of the common Palm Beach Gardens warning signs of cervical cancer and discuss these signs and symptoms with a healthcare professional.

Considering that the United States Preventative Task Force recommends that all women between the ages of 21 and 65 undergo regular screenings for cervical cancer, if a woman displays some of the classic signs of cervical cancer and her doctor does not act, this may constitute medical malpractice.

Florida Statute Section 766.102(1) establishes that a doctor may be held liable for injuries and death in the event that they do not meet the prevailing professional standard of care for that type of healthcare provider. If you develop cervical cancer and you believe that your doctor or a laboratory failed to properly assess your symptoms or screen for cervical cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Call a compassionate attorney today to schedule a consultation.

Defining Cervical Cancer

Cancers are caused by the body producing excess cells in a particular area of the body. If these cells are not treated or removed, they can spread to other areas of the body and cause severe—often fatal—damage. Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus.

There are two different parts to the cervix, each containing different cells. The endocervix is located in the interior of the cervix—farther inside the body—and contains glandular cells. The exocervix is located further away from the center of the body—near the opening of the vagina—and contains squamous cells.

The two cell types of the cervix meet in an area known as the transformation zone. A majority of cervical cancers begin in the transformation zone.

Signs and Symptoms

Although cells may be considered pre-cancerous, a majority of women will not experience any symptoms while cervical cancer is in its earliest stages. Instead, most women will only present severe symptoms when pre-cancerous cells have developed into cancerous cells. This is why it is important that woman stay attuned to the most common warning signs of cervical cancer in Palm Beach Gardens, including:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Changes in bowel movements

Women should also be keenly aware of some of the risk factors which may lead to cervical cancer, including smoking, multiple sexual partners, a weakened immune system, and advanced age.

HPV is a Leading Cause of Cervical Cancer

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is not a single virus, but rather a group of nearly 100 similar viruses. HPV is the most common variety of viral infection, and according to the World Health Organization, most sexually active women and men will be infected with a strain of HPV in their lifetime.

The National Cancer Institute reports that two particularly high-risk types of HPV cause a majority of cervical cancer cases. Specifically, HPV types 16 and 18 are cited as causing up to 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases.

It is crucial to get checkups from a doctor for HPV and it is the doctor’s duty to correctly diagnose the viruses.

Identifying the Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer in Palm Beach Gardens

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cervical cancer because of medical malpractice, contact an experienced and compassionate cervical cancer lawyer today. An attorney could help you through the difficult process of recovery and work to hold negligent doctors responsible for their failure to address the Palm Beach Gardens warning signs of cervical cancer.