What causes cervical cancer?

The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Other risk factors include smoking, a weakened immune system, multiple sexual partners, early sexual activity, and a family history of cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Early-stage cervical cancer may not present any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), pelvic pain, pain during sex, and unusual vaginal discharge.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Cervical cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of methods, including a pelvic exam, Pap test (or Pap smear), HPV test, colposcopy, biopsy, and imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scan) to determine the extent of cancer spread.

What are the stages of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is staged based on the size of the tumour, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has metastasized (spread) to distant organs. Stages range from 0 to IV, with higher stages indicating more advanced cancer.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Cervical cancer can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests and HPV tests), practicing safe sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, and avoiding smoking.

How does HPV vaccination help prevent cervical cancer?

HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer by protecting against the types of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. Vaccination is recommended for adolescents and young adults before they become sexually active.

What is the prognosis for cervical cancer?

The prognosis for cervical cancer varies depending on factors such as the stage of cancer at diagnosis, the type of cervical cancer, and the individual's overall health. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally favourable.

Cervical Cancer | Oncology | Apex Hospitals Jaipur

What is cervical cancer?

When cancer arises in the cervix of a female, it is referred to as Cervical Cancer (CC). CC typically progresses gradually, initially manifesting as abnormal cells in the cervical tissue. Subsequently, cancer cells proliferate and extend further into the cervix and surrounding regions.

Treatment

Upon receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer, your healthcare team will engage in discussions with you regarding available treatment options. When selecting your treatment strategy, considerations will include your age, overall health, and personal preferences, in addition to the guidance provided by your cancer care team.

Upon receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer, treatment options may include surgery, chemoradiotherapy (combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy), chemotherapy alone, radiotherapy alone, or a combination of targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy drugs.

Surgery

Surgery stands as a primary treatment for cervical cancer. Surgical interventions may involve procedures such as radical trachelectomy, which entails removing a significant portion of the cervix, or radical hysterectomy, which consists of the removal of the uterus.

Radical trachelectomy

A radical trachelectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a substantial portion of the cervix, the surrounding cervical tissue, and the upper segment of the vagina.

Radical hysterectomy

A radical hysterectomy is a surgical procedure designed to excise the cervix, the adjacent cervical tissues, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the upper portion of the vagina. In some cases, it may also involve the removal of the ovaries.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy employs cytotoxic drugs to target and eliminate cancer cells, distributing them throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, known as chemoradiotherapy, is a primary treatment for cervical cancer. Additionally, chemotherapy may be administered for advanced stages of cervical cancer. Cisplatin is frequently utilized as one of the drugs in these treatments.

Chemoradiotherapy

Chemoradiotherapy involves receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy concurrently, often as a combined treatment approach for cervical cancer. This regimen entails the administration of cytotoxic drugs circulating through the bloodstream to target cancer cells, alongside radiation therapy employing X-rays to destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapy

Radiotherapy employs high-energy X-rays to eliminate cervical cancer cells. Typically, for early-stage or locally advanced cervical cancer, the primary treatment involves external radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), followed by internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy).

Targeted and immunotherapy

Targeted and immunotherapy drugs may be incorporated as part of your cervical cancer treatment.

Targeted cancer drugs function by specifically targeting variations in cancer cells that facilitate their growth and survival.

Immunotherapy harnesses our immune system to combat cancer, assisting it in recognizing and attacking cancer cells.

Certain medications possess dual functionality, serving as both targeted agents and collaborators with the immune system.

Speak to our team about cervical cancer.

It's crucial to discuss comprehensively with your healthcare team regarding all available treatment options, their objectives, and potential side effects. Asking questions about any uncertainties is also highly encouraged. While the stage of the disease primarily influences treatment decisions, factors such as age, overall health, individual circumstances, and personal preferences may also play a role. Considering that cervical cancer treatment can impact your sex life and fertility, these concerns should be taken into account when making treatment decisions. Understanding each treatment option's risks and side effects is essential before reaching a conclusion.

Given the opportunity, seeking a second opinion can provide additional insights and enhance confidence in your chosen treatment plan. Schedule a consultation with our experts today and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future.