Any abnormal changes occur in the cervix which is a lower part of the uterus is called cervical cancer. It is very common in women and it is caused by the HPV virus. Approximately 660000 females are experiencing cervical cancer and the death rate is increasing all over the world. At an early stage, it can be treated with comprehensive approaches like screening, treating etc. The best treatment can help women to live a good quality of life.

Types of Cervical Cancer

It is divided into the following types that depend on its appearance.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas:- It occurs due to excess production of squamous cells which starts in the lining of the cervix.

Adenocarcinomas:– It occur those glands that produce mucus.

Mixed Carcinomas:– It comprises two distinct histotypes i.e. squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

It is common in HIV patient rather than non HIV women.

• Those individuals who are sexually active and engaged with more than one sexual partner get infected by Human Papillomavirus. Its harmful strains cause abnormal changes in the cervix.

• An individual with a weak immune system can experience this cancer. It is because HIV infection weaken the immune system.

• Mutation in DNA

• Use of oral contraceptive pills

• Giving birth to multiple children

• Smoking

• Chewing tobacco

• Consumption of alcohol

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Its symptoms are not diagnosed in the early stage. However, here are some symptoms of early-stage and advanced cancer:-

• Heavy bleeding during menstrual which stays for a long duration

• Pelvic pain and discomfort

• Swellings of the legs

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Unusual vaginal discharge includes blood with foul smell

• Abdominal pain

• Painful bowel movement

• Difficulty in passing urine

How can Cervical Cancer be diagnosed?

Some early tests should be performed to diagnose and treat promptly.

• Biopsy

• Physical examination

• MRI and PET-CT scan

• Colposcopy

• Pap smear

Cervical Cancer Treatment

There are some factors should be considered areBefore starting the treatment. Such as stages, age, health, effective treatment plan etc.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Stage I:– Cancerous cells or tissues are only found in the cervix.

Stage II:– In this stage, it spreads beyond the surface of the cervix which affects the tissues around the uterus.

Stage III:– At third stage, it reaches to the pelvic wall which also involves lymph nodes.

Stage IV:- It is a fourth stage of cervical cancer in which it develops in an uncontrolled manner beyond the pelvis. It rapidly spread to the bladder or rectum and other parts of the body.

Types of Treatment For Cervical Cancer

There are various types of treatment which can be used to treat cervical cancer, these are as follows:-

1) Radiation Therapy

In this radiation therapy, high rays of radiation are used to kill cancerous cells.

a) Internal Radiation Therapy – A radioactive substance is packed in devices like catheters, needles etc., are placed into the cancerous site of the vagina or cervix.

b) External Radiation Therapy – It is a 3-D radiation therapy of IMRT which is used to provide external radiation from outside of the body to the tumor site without damaging other healthy tissues.

2) Surgery

It is considered as the main treatment if cervical cancer gets diagnosed at an early stage. There are different types of surgeries:-

a) Hysterectomy – This surgery is performed through vagina in which surgical incision is required. In this vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum and the areas tissues which are affected by cancer.

b) Cryosurgery – A cold metal probe is used which is placed into the cervix to destroy or damage cancerous cells by freezing them.

c) Conization – It is a cone biopsy in which a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix by using scalpel (cold knife conization). It is useful for removing early cancers and pre-cancers.

3) Targeted Therapy

In this, particular medicines are used to target the specific protein and enzymes which are responsible to promote the growth of cancerous cells.

4) Chemotherapy

Chemical medicines are taken orally or intravenously which helps to halt the growth of cancerous cells or tissues. Sometimes, this therapy is given with other types of treatment to get its maximum effect.

5) Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are the research studies which have a significant impact to improve the latest treatment. Various researches are done on the basis of type of cancer, age of the patient etc. Its research shows whether the treatment is effective and safe or not.

6) Immunotherapy

These medications help an individual’s immune system to recognize the cancerous cells and destroy them eventually. It help patient’s immune system to fight against cancer. There are some effectiveness of immunotherapy medications, like Pembrolizumab.

7) Follow-up care during and after treatment

It is very important for a patient to follow-up regular check-ups and tests because it is important to diagnose the disease, its stage and how effectively medicines are working. It will also help to know about changes and indications of reccurrence of cervical cancer.