Causes

• Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cells growing in the cervix. The sexually-transmitted human papillomavirus has been linked to this abnormal cell growth.
  
  

Symptoms

• Watery, bloody, vaginal discharge may be a symptom of cervical cancer. Vaginal bleeding after menopause, between periods or after intercourse may be symptoms as well.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Having sexual intercourse at an early age and having many sexual partners may put you at risk for cervical cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. Smoking, having other sexually transmitted diseases or having a weakened immune system increase your risk as well.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A small section of the cervix may be removed and tested for cancerous cells. Your doctor may examine your cervix with a special microscope called a colposcope.
  
  

Treatment

• In cervical cancer's early stages, laser surgery or cryosurgery (freezing abnormal cells) may be used to kill the abnormal cells. In more advanced cases, the uterus may need to be removed with a hysterectomy, and radiation treatments may be needed.