Cervical Cancer
In India, cervical (mouth of uterus) cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy. To reduce the risk of developing cancer, women are offered regular testing to detect changes in the cervix. At a stage before they become cancerous.
Cervical smears taken at regular intervals and appropriate treatment of abnormal smears by following them up with colposcopy or biopsy and treating with cryotherapy, Lasers, or electro diathermy will bring down the incidence of cervical cancer.
Risk Factor
Smoking
HIV
Many sexual partners
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Cervical carcinoma is considered a sexually transmitted disease
Prevention
Vaccines have emerged to prevent cervical cancer and it need to be given before sexual exposure. These vaccines prevent the occurrence of HPV Infections.
Symptoms
Mostly asymptomatic
Non menstrual bleeding (bleeding other than periods)
Post coital bleeding (bleeding after sex)
Offensive vaginal discharge
Diagnosis is Confirmed by
Clinical examination
Biopsy
Imaging modalities like USG\CT\MRI Scan
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Depends on stage of the cancer
Stage I:
Cancer confirmed to cervix wertheims hysterectomy with or without radiotherapy depending on lymph node involvement
Stage II:
Cancer has spread locally to the uterus treatment is the same as in stage 1
Stage III:
Cancer has spread to pelvic wall and lower ⅓ of vagina.
Treatment involves extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to bladder or rectum
Treatment is palliation only. Little help can be extended.
Cancer cervix is largely a preventable disease in the modern days. Due to the development in screening and treatment modalities.
Awareness about a disease helps one in early detection and unnecessary turmoil of
going through pain and agony.
