Cervical cancer refers to a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the lower part of your uterus that connects to your vagina, also known as the cervix. The cervix along with the vagina form the birth canal. Cervical cancer begins when the healthy cells on the cervix’s surface and grow excessively, forming a mass known as tumour. Tumours can be either benign or cancerous. When a tumour is benign it means that the tumour is harmless and is unlikely to spread to the rest of your body. A cancerous tumour, on the other hand, is malignant and can spread to other parts of your body as well.
There are 2 main types of cervical cancer, based on the location and type of the cells where the cancer started. Listed below are the two cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma cater for over 80% – 90%of all cervical cancers. The cancer starts on the outer surface covering of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinomamakes up 10% – 20% of all cervical cancers. This cancer begins in the cells that form a line on the outer side of the birth canal.
Warning signs of Cervical Cancer
According to oncologists in Hyderabad’s Care Hospital, most women do not show any signs or symptoms of a precancer. This is why they advise their lady patients to regularly get pelvic exams and PAP tests done to timely detect the development of cancer. This allows for better and effective treatment in case a tumour is found. Women with advanced and metastatic cancers show symptoms are severe depending on the part of the body the cancer has spread to. In case the symptoms persist for a long time, ladies should visit their doctors immediately to get themselves checked. Listed below are a few signs and symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Blood spots or light bleeding between periods
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Heavier and longer menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding after sex, douching and/or a pelvic examination
- Unexplained persistent pelvic and back pain
- Bleeding after menopause
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately and get your tests done. Visit Care Hospitals to consult the best surgical oncologists in Hyderabad.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
It is important to know that cervical cancer is usually highly treatable, especially when the cancer is caught in its early stages. The first step in the treatment of cervical cancer is to determine the stage, size and location of the cancer. Based on all these parameters, the type of treatment is decided. Apart from the cancer details, the doctor takes into consideration your age, medical history and your choice of wanting to have kids in the future, before finalising your treatment and the procedures involved. The following treatments are used to treat cervical cancer:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Targeted therapy
It is best to take your time and review all your options before you make the final decision. The doctor will explain how the treatment works and clear all your doubts before beginning.
