Cervical cancer usually starts on the surface of the cervix. It occurs when the cells of the cervix develop into precancerous cells. HPV, a virus transmitted through sexual contact (human papillomavirus), is responsible for nearly all occurrences of cervical cancer. You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by having frequent cervical cancer screenings and the HPV vaccine.
At ILS Hospitals, cervical cancer treatment is personalized, offering a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Our expert oncologists and gynecologists use advanced diagnostic tools such as Pap smears, colposcopy, biopsy, and CT scans to accurately diagnose and stage cervical cancer. Based on the type and stage of the cancer, we develop individualized treatment plans that aim to improve survival rates, preserve fertility and enhance the quality of life.
Symptoms
If cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, symptoms can include:
- Difficult or painful urination, accompanied by blood
- Diarrhea, pain, or bleeding from the rectum while pooping/defecating
- Fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite
- A general feeling of illness
- Dull back pain or swelling in the legs
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
Causes
HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, causes the majority of cervical malignancies. It spreads through sexual contact (anal, oral, or vaginal) and can cause cancer. Most people will contract HPV at some point in their lives without realizing it because their bodies fight the illness. However, if your body fails to fight the infection, the cells in your cervix can develop into malignant cells.
Diagnosis
Cervical cancer typically develops gradually over several years. Before becoming cancerous, the cells in the cervix undergo numerous modifications.
The majority of cases can be detected with regular Pap test screenings. The purpose of cervical cancer screening is to detect cell changes on the cervix before they turn cancerous. A Pap test, often known as a Pap smear, is an examination of cells from the cervix using a microscope. These cells are evaluated for symptoms of precancerous growth or other abnormalities.
If the Pap test results are abnormal, further testing is recommended. This could involve an HPV test, which is a particular test that examines the cells of the cervix for the HPV types most likely to cause cancer. To obtain a tissue sample from the cervix, we make use of the following procedures :
- Punch biopsy: To remove precancerous cells, a cutting tool with a round top is used.
- Endocervical curettage: A procedure in which we scrape the lining of the cervix with a spoon-shaped tool
- LEEP: Your provider will remove abnormal cervical tissue with an electrical wire loop.
- Cone biopsy: Our doctor extracts a slightly larger, cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.
Prevention
Several steps can be taken to help avoid cervical cancer. The most important actions in prevention are to have regular gynecological check-ups and Pap testing. Other options are:
- Get an HPV vaccination
- Use condoms or other barrier methods when having sex
- Limit sexual partners
- Give up smoking and using tobacco products
