What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. Cervix is a part of the women’s reproductive system which connects the uterus to the vagina. Higher probability of the formation of cervical cancer is at the surface of the cervix.
What are the types of Cervical Cancer?
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Almost 90% of cervical cancers attribute to this type. It is formed in the lining of cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: This kind of cancer is formed in the mucus producing cells in the cervix.
- Mixed carcinoma: This kind is a blend of both the above types.
Who is at a higher risk of Cervical Cancer?
Few factors could increase the risk of cervical cancer such as women who have:
- Early indulgence in sexual activities, probably a year within the onset of menstrual cycle.
- Multiple partners in sex.
- Prolonged use of birth control pills.
- Weak immune system.
- Sexually transmitted disease.
- Smoking.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
- HPV Vaccine: Vaccination against HPV can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
- Regular checkups: Having routine checks done especially pap test can detect precancerous cells which can be treated early.
- Quit Smoking.
- Have protected sex.
What are the stages of Cervical Cancer?
- Stage 0: The cells are precancerous.
- Stage 1: Cancer cells have grown and spread to the deeper tissues of the cervix from the surface to the nearby lymph nodes as well.
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix as well as uterus but not as distant as to affect the pelvis.
- Stage 3: Cancer has now spread to the vagina or the pelvis walls. It is also noticed that the cancerous cells have invaded the ureters that carry urine from the bladder.
- Stage 4: Cancer has invaded the pelvis walls also to the bladder or rectum and even has the capacity to grow to further distant organs such as bones, lymph nodes, etc.
What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer usually does not show any manifestations in the early stages, only after the advancement of cancer, few symptoms do appear but are often thought to be issues due to menstrual cycle or UTI (urinary tract infections). Few of the symptoms are:
- Irregular bleeding between the periods cycle.
- Bleeding post menopause.
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Frequent urination tendency.
- Pain during urination.
How is Cervical Cancer diagnosed?
Certain tests can help detect and diagnose cervical cancer, such as:
- Pap Test.
- HPV DNA Test.
- Colposcopy.
- Biopsies.
How is Cervical Cancer Treated?
Based on the staging of the cancer, treatment plan can include:
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy.