Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
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: This type of cervical cancer starts in the glandular cells lining the cervical canal. It is less common but tends to be more aggressive than squamous cell carcinoma.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type, originating in the thin, flat cells on the cervix’s outer surface. It develops slowly and is often detected through routine screening.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer symptoms may not appear in the early stages, making regular screenings essential. As the disease progresses, noticeable signs can indicate potential concerns that require medical attention.
- 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
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer causes include various factors that lead to abnormal cell growth in the cervix. 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
Cervical cancer risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease. While HPV infection is a primary cause, other factors like lifestyle choices and medical conditions can also contribute.
- HPV infection: The most significant risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Multiple sexual partners: Increases the risk of HPV exposure.
- Smoking: Damages cervical cells, raising cancer risk.
- Weakened immune system: HIV or other conditions can make the body more vulnerable.
- Long-term use of birth control pills: Slightly elevates cervical cancer risk.
- Other STDs: Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea may contribute to cervical cancer risk factors.
- Family history: A close relative with cervical cancer may increase your risk.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer diagnosis involves various tests to detect abnormal cervical cells and confirm the presence of cancer. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Pap Smear Test: Identifies abnormal cervical cells that may lead to cancer.
- HPV DNA Test: Detects high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer.
- Colposcopy: Uses a magnifying device to examine the cervix for abnormalities.
- Biopsy: Removes a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
- Imaging Tests: MRI, CT scans, or PET scans help determine cancer spread.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease and may include:
- Surgery: Removes cancerous tissue or, in advanced cases, the entire cervix and uterus.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Administers drugs to kill or slow cancer cell growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Attacks specific cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer effectively.
Prevention of Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer prevention focuses on reducing the risk of developing the disease through vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle changes. Preventive measures include:
- HPV Vaccination: Protects against high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer.
- Regular Screening: Pap smears and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes early.
- Safe Sexual Practices: Using protection and limiting sexual partners can lower HPV risk.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a strong immune system through a balanced diet and exercise.
- Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, so quitting is beneficial.
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.
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.
Care at ONUS Hospitals
At NUS 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.
