Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
Cervical cancer is indeed a significant health concern for women worldwide. It ranks fourth among the types of cancer that affect women, and it can have devastating consequences. In 2018, approximately 311,000 women lost their lives to cervical cancer, based on estimates of diagnosed cases. One of the reasons why many cases go unrecognized is due to a lack of knowledge about the symptoms, early detection methods, and treatment options available for this type of cancer. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about cervical cancer and educating women about its signs and risks.
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It often develops slowly over time, starting with precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix before progressing to cancer.
Let us delve into the blog and better understand the topic.
What is Cervical Cancer, and What are the major causes of it?
Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower region of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It takes place when precancerous cells start to develop in the cells of your cervix. Although not all precancerous cells will develop into cancer, it is crucial to identify these unfavorable cells and treat them before they have a chance to do so if you want to avoid cervical cancer. The two main kinds of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Between 10% and 20% of cervical malignancies are adenocarcinomas, while 80% to 90% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by various strains of the sexually transmitted infection, human papillomavirus (HPV). Cancer-causing HPV is transmitted by sexual contact, whether it be anal, oral, or vaginal. While the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm upon exposure to HPV, in a minority of cases, the virus can persist for years and contribute to the development of cancerous cervical cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Detecting cervical cancer in its early stages can be challenging since it usually doesn’t present any symptoms. In fact, it can take several years for symptoms of cervical cancer to manifest. The stage 1 indications are as follows-
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal discharge – vaginal discharge that is bloody or watery, with a possibly strong odor and a significant amount
- Vaginal Bleeding – There may also be instances of vaginal bleeding that occur after intercourse, in between menstrual cycles, or following menopause
- Longer and heavier menstrual Bleeding – Menstrual periods may also be longer and heavier than what is typical
The possible symptoms if cancer develops into the next stages are-
- Experiencing discomfort or pain during urination, sometimes accompanied by blood in the urine.
- Instances of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or discomfort when urinating.
- Other general symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and an overall feeling of being unwell.
- Dull pain or swelling in the legs, as well as abdominal and pelvic pain, may also be present.
Stages of Cervical Cancer:
Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of cervical cancer, where just the cervix’s surface is affected by abnormal cells. Cancer in situ is another name for this stage.
Stage 1: The cancer has started to spread into the cervix’s underlying connective tissue, but it is still contained there.
Stage 2: Cancer has left the cervix and entered surrounding tissues, such as the upper vagina, but has not yet reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina.
Stage 3: The cancer has not yet progressed to other organs but has reached the pelvic wall or the lower portion of the vagina.
Stage 4: The cancer has metastasized to further organs, such as the lungs, bladder, or rectum.
The stages of cervical cancer play a crucial role in deciding the best course of treatment for each individual. Regular cervical cancer screening is advised for women since early detection and treatment can result in improved outcomes.
What is the occurrence rate of Cervical Cancer, and Which age group of Women is more vulnerable to it?
The most common age range for cervical cancer diagnoses is between 35 and 44. The typical diagnostic age is 50. Every year, almost 4,000 people pass away from cervical cancer. As long as it is identified early and carefully handled, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable types of cancer when it is diagnosed. With the right medical care and palliative care, cancers that have already advanced to the next stage can also be controlled. It’s also known that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not related to cervical cancer or abnormal pap smear results.
Nevertheless, it remains of paramount importance for women to acquire knowledge and consistently remain vigilant regarding the indications linked to cervical cancer. Noteworthy indicators to be mindful of include atypical vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding occurring between menstrual cycles, following sexual intercourse, or after menopause. Instances of abnormal vaginal discharge, potentially accompanied by a trace of blood, should also be taken into consideration. Additionally, experiencing pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, as well as an increased frequency or urgency of urination, may serve as signs to be aware of.
Diagnosis and Testing for Cervical Cancer:
The majority of cervical cancer cases can be found through routine gynecological examinations with a Pap test. In a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, cells from your cervix are gathered for analysis. These cells are checked for any anomalies or early cancer indications.
Additional testing is required if your Pap results are abnormal. This can involve an HPV test, a specialized test that looks for HPV infection in the cells of your cervix. Cervical cancer has been linked to specific HPV infection types.
Additional tests will determine whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) if the biopsy results in a cancer diagnosis. These examinations may involve studies on kidney and liver function, tests on blood or urine and abdominal cavity, rectum, bowels, and bladder X-rays.
Treatment plans for Managing Cervical Cancer:
A gynecologic oncologist-recommended course of action for cervical cancer depends on a number of variables, including the disease’s stage, your age, general health, and if you intend to have children in the future. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are all available therapies for cervical cancer.
Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
It is crucial to be aware of risk factors and their potential effects on one’s health. Individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have been affected by HPV and HIV infections, and those who smoke and consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer. Additionally, people who have had multiple full-term pregnancies and multiple sexual partners may also be at increased risk. Being aware of these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps toward preventing cancer and maintaining their overall health.
Pap smear screening, or Pap test, is vital for detecting early signs of cervical cancer in women. It involves collecting cervix cell samples to check for abnormalities or precancerous changes. Recommended for women from 21 years old or three years after becoming sexually active, the frequency of testing varies based on age and risk factors. Early detection through Pap smears enables prompt treatment, improving outcomes and reducing cervical cancer rates. Women should discuss their screening schedule with healthcare providers to prioritize cancer prevention and reproductive health.
A Piece of Counsel
It might be shocking and unexpected to learn that you have cancer. To completely comprehend your diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s crucial that you express any queries or worries you may have with your medical staff. Regular gynecological check-ups and safe sex practices are crucial actions you may take to lower your risk of acquiring this disease.
Conclusion
At Cystercare, we take pride in having a team of talented and highly professional gynecologists who are dedicated to providing exceptional care. Our gynecologist will thoroughly examine each patient, addressing their specific needs and concerns with the utmost expertise and compassion.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
Early signs of cervical cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, watery or bloody vaginal discharge, and longer or heavier menstrual bleeding.
The most common age range for cervical cancer diagnoses is between 35 and 44, with the typical diagnostic age being 50.
Cervical cancer is often diagnosed through routine gynecological examinations with a Pap test, followed by additional testing if abnormal results are found.
Treatment options for cervical cancer may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and individual health factors.
Dr Ankita S
MBBS, MS, DNB OBGY
M.Tech Food Biotechnologist
M.Tech Food Biotechnologist
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