Cervical Cancer: Overview
Overview
Cervical cancer, commonly known as cancer of the cervix, first starts on the surface of the cervix. Abnormal growth of cells in the cervix leads to cancer. The crucial risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus infection, which can be stopped by HPV vaccination. Because cervical cancer grows slowly, it can generally be detected and treated before it becomes a significant threat. Thanks to better screening methods like pap smear tests, which can detect cancer early.
Cervical cancer is more common in women between 35 and 44 of age. However, more than 15% of new cases include women over 65, especially those who haven't been getting regular checkups. It is necessary to detect precancerous cells and treat them before they become cancerous.
Types of Cervical cancer
Both treatment and prognosis depend on the type of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer's main subtypes include:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Symptoms
- Abnormal bleeding, such as after sex, between cycles, or after menopause
- Vaginal discharge that has a distinct look or scent than normal
- Pelvic discomfort
- The need to urinate more often
- Pain during urination
When To See A Doctor?
Schedule an appointment with the doctor if you observe a change that isn't usual for you or if you exhibit any possible cancer symptoms. Even if the symptoms might not be due to cancer, if you're worried about the symptoms, don't delay consulting a gynaecologist.
Causes of Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer develops due to genetic changes (mutations) in healthy cervix-based cells. The abnormal DNA mutations cause cells to multiply uncontrollably and result in cancer. Cancer cells break from a tumor and infiltrate nearby tissues (metastasize) to other body parts. HPV plays a vital role in cervical cancer development, even if its precise cause is uncertain. When tested positive for HPV testing for women, the majority of people never get cancer.; other factors such as genetics, the environment, and lifestyle choices also influence Cervical cancer development.
Risk Factors of Cervical cancer
The assumed cause of Alzheimer's disease is a combination of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle factors and age-related brain changes. Following is a discussion of these factors:
- HPV This is a sexually transmitted virus. About 100 forms of HPV may exist, and at least 13 have been linked to cervical cancer.
- Having Multiple Sexual Partners Sexual contact with a person with HPV almost invariably results in the transfer of cancer-causing HPV strains. In general, women with several sexual partners are more likely to get HPV and their chance of getting cervical cancer rises.
- Smoking Smoking increases the risk of cervical and other cancers.
- Weak Immune System Those with HIV or AIDS and organ transplant patients have an increased chance of developing cervical cancer, requiring immunosuppressant drugs.
- Birth Control Pills Some commonly used contraceptive pills have a modest risk increase with long-term usage for women.
- Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Other <Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD): Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis all raise the chance of getting cervical cancer, which is another sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Family History of Cervical Cancer Some individuals may have a history of cervical cancer. A woman's odds of getting cervical cancer are two to three times higher if her mother or sister had the condition.
Prevention of Cervical cancer
The cervical cancer preventive measures are:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: The link between the development of cervical cancer and some types of HPV is clear. If every female keeps to the current HPV vaccination programs, they could reduce the frequency of cervical cancer.
- Practice Safe Sex Using a condom during sex prevent STD’s and lower the chance of developing cervical cancer.
- Cervical Screening Regular cervical screening can allow a person to see early cancer symptoms and take action before the disease progresses or spreads too far.
- Having Fewer Sexual Partners The chance of passing the HPV virus increases with more sexual partners; therefore, practice safe sex practices.
- Stopping Smoking Cervical cancer is more likely to affect women who smoke and have HPV infection than healthy women.
Diagnosis of Cervical cancer
The greatest development in cervical cancer detection is the expanded use of high-risk HPV testing and pap smear testing. The examination of a woman's pelvis usually involves a Pap smear. The doctor will do a technique known as a biopsy to remove a small sample of cervical tissue if they find anything unusual.
Several types of cervical biopsies may be used to diagnose cervical cancer. Treatment for precancerous lesions may include specific treatments that can eliminate abnormal tissue from affected locations. Depending on the biopsy process, local or general anaesthesia may be needed. Cervical biopsies are available in various forms, including
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) A method for obtaining a tissue sample so it may be studied under a microscope using an electric wire loop.
- Colposcopy Colposcopy: During this procedure, the cervix is examined for abnormalities using a colposcope, a device with magnifying lenses. Usually, a biopsy is done if abnormal tissue is discovered.
- Endocervical curettage The endocervical canal's lining is scraped using a thin curette during this procedure. Usually, the colposcopic biopsy is accompanied by this kind of biopsy.
- Cone biopsy To extract a larger, more cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix is collected. It is either the cold knife cone biopsy method or the loop electrosurgical excision. Precancerous lesions and early malignancies may be treated using the cone biopsy method.
- HPV DNA test This examination finds cervical HPV infection. The cells are collected for a standard pap smear test, but it does not serve as a substitute for one. For additional testing, the HPV DNA test may be performed as a screening test for women over 30 or those with mildly abnormal Pap test results.
Treatment of Cervical cancer
The cervical cancer treatment includes:
- Surgery Surgery aims to remove as much cancer as possible. Sometimes the doctor can remove just the cervix area containing malignant cells. During surgery, the cervix and other pelvic organs may need to be removed for more advanced malignancy.
- Radiation therapy Radiation therapy: This cancer treatment uses high-energy x-rays or other radiation particles to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
- Chemotherapy Chemotherapy: Chemo drugs eradicate cancer cells throughout the body. After receiving chemotherapy for a while, the medication will be discontinued to give your body time to heal.
Dos and Don’ts
Cervical cancer, the second most frequent cancer in women, claims the lives of more than 2,00,000 women annually. Human Papillomavirus is the cause of cervical cancer (HPV). We have the power to defend our bodies against HPV by eating certain foods and avoiding others. Here are a few prevention tips for cervical cancer disease.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Do Pap test | Eat processed and junk foods |
| Get vaccinated at the right time | Ignore symptoms that are new & persistent. |
| Practice safe sex | Eat raw or uncooked meat products |
| Eat zinc in the diet | Consume foods and drinks that include high sugar. |
| Exercise Regularly | Smoke cigarettes |
Follow the Cervical cancer dos and don'ts to manage the symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Track the condition's progress, seek treatment as soon as possible and follow up with the doctor.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted group of oncologists, gynecologists, and healthcare specialists skilled at providing our patients with the best medical treatment with compassion and care. In order to address the condition for complete treatment, recovery, and wellbeing, we use a holistic approach with the actively participating of healthcare specialists from different departments, each with their own specific specialty. Modern technology and tools are available in our diagnostic section to carry out the required tests to identify Cervical cancer. Our excellent group of medical oncologists and gynecologists approaches the condition's diagnosis and treatment methodically. They deliver the necessary medical care and therapeutic rehabilitative services to effectively treat this illness.
