Cervical Cancer Treatment in Indore

Cervical Cancer – Detailed Description

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cervical cancers develop slowly over time, starting as precancerous changes in cervical cells, which can progress to invasive cancer if untreated. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Causes & Risk Factors

The main cause is persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains. Other risk factors include:

Early sexual activity or multiple sexual partners

Smoking

Weakened immunity, such as from HIV infection

Long-term use of oral contraceptives

Family history of cervical cancer

Types of Cervical Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – arises from the thin, flat cells lining the cervix (most common)

Adenocarcinoma: originates from glandular cells within the cervical canal.

Other rare types include adenosquamous carcinoma.

Symptoms

Early-stage cervical cancer may have no symptoms, which is why regular screening is critical. When symptoms appear, they may include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding (following intercourse, between periods, or after menopause)

Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes with blood

Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Urinary problems in advanced cases

Diagnosis

Cervical cancer is diagnosed by:

Pap smear (Pap test) -Detects precancerous changes

HPV testing-high-risk HPV types are found by

Colposcopy - visual examination of the cervix with biopsy

Biopsy- confirms the cancerous cells

Imaging studies-CT, MRI, or PET scans to determine the spread

Overview of Treatment

Treatment depends on stage, tumour size, spread, and patient health. Early detection allows less invasive treatment, while advanced cancer requires a combination of therapies.

1. Surgery

Conization – removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix (for very early-stage cancer)

Hysterectomy-removal of the uterus (either simple or radical)

Lymph node removal: This is usually done in the course of radical surgery.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays target cancer cells in the cervix and surrounding tissues

May be external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation)

Often combined with chemotherapy for better outcomes.

3. Chemotherapy

Drugs to kill the cancerous cells

Often used in combination with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced-stage cervical cancer

Common drugs: cisplatin, paclitaxel, carboplatin

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Bevacizumab may be employed in advanced cases - Anti-angiogenic drug

Immunotherapy may be considered in recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

Diagnosis/Prognosis

Early-stage cervical cancer has high survival rates with appropriate treatment.

Advanced disease or metastatic cancer has a lower survival rate, but modern therapies do improve outcomes.

Regular follow-up is needed for monitoring recurrence.

Prevention

HPV vaccination - highly effective in preventing high-risk HPV infections

Regular screening: Both by Pap smears and HPV tests.

Not smoking and practising safe sex

Follow-up and Monitoring

Regular pelvic examinations, imaging, and Pap tests after treatment. Monitoring for recurrence, side effects, and long-term complications