Cervical Cancer Treatment

What Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. It often has a prolonged pre-malignant stage, making it detectable through routine screening and regular follow-up. This characteristic makes cervical cancer a largely preventable disease.

What Forms the Cervix?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, connecting the body of the uterus with the vagina (birth canal). It is typically 2-3 cm in length and is divided into two parts: the endocervix (related to the uterus) and the ectocervix (related to the vagina).

Best Cervical Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad

Hyderabad offers excellent cervical cancer care. Doctors tailor treatment using surgery, radiation, chemo, or targeted therapy, depending on your specific case. This personalized approach aims for the best outcome. When it comes to cervical cancer treatment in Hyderabad, skilled robotic oncologists like Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, employ a customized approach based on each patient’s unique situation.

Burden of Disease in India

In India, 96,922 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, with 60,078 deaths occurring each year due to the disease. It is a leading cause of death among women in India.

Symptoms

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding: This can include bleeding after intercourse, between periods, after menopause, or having heavier periods than usual.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge: This may be watery, bloody, have a strong odor, or be heavier than usual discharge.
  • Pelvic pain: You might experience pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis, especially during sex. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked out. Early detection is key for successful treatment of cervical cancer.
  • Painful urination: This can occur when the cancer has spread to nearby tissue.
  • Increased urinary frequency: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual.
  • Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss that is not due to dieting or exercise.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

If any screening tests (Pap test, VIA, HPV test) are positive, further testing may be necessary to determine whether changes in the cervix are cancerous. Diagnostic procedures include:
  • Colposcopy: A colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas.
  • Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy can be performed in an outpatient department (OPD), but a larger cone-shaped sample (cone biopsy) may require hospital admission.

Risk for Cervical Cancer

Having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop cervical cancer, but it is advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns.

  • Persistent infection of the cervix with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Having many sexual partners
  • Husband having multiple sexual partners
  • Having first sexual intercourse at a young age
  • Giving birth to many children
  • Smoking
  • Having other diseases that lower immunity such as HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs, or undergoing a transplant.

Are There Tests for Early Detection?

Screening tests for cervical cancer include:
Pap Smear: A simple test that collects cells from the cervix to diagnose precancerous and cancerous conditions. Women above the age of 21 should get a Pap test every 3 years until age 65. If combined with an HPV test, the interval may be extended to every 5 years.Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA): A naked-eye visual inspection of the cervix after applying 5% acetic acid for early detection of precancerous lesions and early invasive cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for pre-cancerous lesions include:

Cryosurgery

Freezing abnormal or diseased tissue in the cervix. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Removing abnormal cells with a loop electrical wire.

Laser Surgery

Using a laser beam to burn abnormal cells in the cervix.

Conization

Excision of a cone-shaped sample of tissue from the cervix. Treatment of Invasive Cervical Cancer

Preventive Methods

Prevention strategies for cervical cancer include:

Changing lifestyle or eating habits

Avoiding known cancer-causing factors

Taking medications to treat precancerous conditions or to prevent cancer from starting

Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent cervical cancer.

Protective factors include getting an HPV vaccine.

Avoid being sexually active at a young age or having many sexual partners