Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the tube that connects the uterus and the vaginal canal. The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Cervical cancer is commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine aids in preventing HPV.
When the body comes in contact with the HPV virus, the immune system generally defends the body against infection. On the other hand, the virus can persist for years in a small number of people, contributing to the transformation of some cervical cells into cancer cells.
We assist people in recognizing and comprehending the signs of various types of cervical cancer in their early stages and the necessary treatment. If the symptoms of cervical cancer are recognized early and brought to the attention of a cervical cancer specialist, the disease can be cured. Dr. PK Das is one of the most renowned and experienced cervical cancer specialists in Delhi NCR.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer has little to no symptoms in its initial stages. These are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer that has advanced:
- Instances of vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or after menopause.
- Vaginal discharge that is watery, crimson, and has a bad odor.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual activity
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The uncontrolled division and development of aberrant cells cause cancer. The greater part of the cells in our bodies have a fixed lifespan, and when they die, the body regenerates new ones to replace them.
Atypical cells do not die and continue to divide, unlike normal cells. An overabundance of cells accumulates, as a result, eventually creating a lump or tumor. Scientists are still baffled as to why cells become cancerous.
On the other hand, some risk factors may increase the chances of cervical cancer. These are some of them:
- Having many sexual partners or being sexually active at a young age: Sexual contact with a person who has HPV almost invariably results in the transmission of cancer-causing HPV types. Women who have had a lot of sexual partners are more likely to contract HPV. This raises their chances of getting cervical cancer.
- Immune system dysfunction: Cervical cancer is more common among those who have HIV or AIDS, as well as those who have had a transplant and are using immunosuppressive medicines.
- HPV: This is a virus that is spread by sexual contact. There are about 100 different varieties of HPV, with at least 13 of them having the potential to cause cervical cancer.
- Birth control pills: Long-term usage of various common contraceptive pills boosts a woman’s risk by a small amount.
- Smoking: Cervical cancer, as well as other types, is increased as a result of this.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
Identifying cancer’s stage is critical since it allows a person to choose the most effective treatment option. The goal of staging is to determine how far cancer has spread and whether it has migrated to surrounding structures or further away organs.
The most frequent technique to stage cervical cancer is using a four-step system.
- Stage 0: There are precancerous cells present.
- Stage 1:Cancer cells have moved from the surface of the cervix to the deeper tissues of the cervix, as well as the uterus and lymph nodes nearby.
- Stage 2: The malignancy has spread beyond the cervix and uterus, but not to the pelvic walls or the lower section of the vaginal canal. It may or may not affect the lymph nodes in the area.
- Stage 3: Cancer cells can be found in the lower section of the vaginal canal or the pelvic walls, and they can obstruct the ureters, which convey urine from the bladder. It could or could not affect the lymph nodes in the area.
- Stage 4: The malignancy grows out of the pelvis and damages the bladder or rectum. It will extend to distant organs, including the liver, bones, lungs, and lymph nodes, later in stage 4.
Types of cervical cancer
The type of cervical cancer you have impacts your prognosis and treatment options. The most prevalent types of cervical cancer are as follows:
- Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer commences in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the cervix’s outer part and protrude into the vaginal canal. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of cervical cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma. The column-shaped epithelial cells that line the cervical canal are where this type of cervical cancer originates.
Treatment of cervical cancer
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments are all options for cervical cancer treatment. The type of treatment chosen is determined by several criteria, including cancer’s stage, age, and overall health. Early-stage cervical cancer treatment has a high success rate since the cancer is still contained within the cervix. The lower the success percentage, the further a tumor spreads from its original location.
Early-stage options for treatment
When cancer has not gone beyond the cervix, surgery is a typical therapeutic option. Radiation therapy may be advantageous if a doctor suspects cancer cells are present inside the body following surgery.
Radiation therapy has the ability to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy may be used if the surgeon wants to shrink the tumor to make it easier to operate on, albeit this is not a frequent technique.
Treatment for advanced-stage cervical cancer
Surgery is usually not an option when cancer has progressed beyond the cervix.
Advanced cancer is also known as invasive cancer since it has spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer demands a more rigorous treatment plan that frequently includes radiation therapy or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Palliative therapy is a treatment used by doctors in the terminal stages of cancer to help patients cope with their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
When it comes to the treatment of cervical cancer, finding the finest specialist becomes critical. Make an appointment with Dr.PK Das if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you. Dr.PK Das is the best cervical Cancer doctor in Delhi. We provide consultation from the best oncology doctor in Delhi. Visit the official website of CCI to know more.