Cervical cancer treatment in India

Function of the Cervix in the Female Reproductive System

• Cervix is a passage that allows fluids to flow inside and out of the uterus. It is also a powerful gatekeeper that can open and close in ways that make pregnancy and childbirth possible.

• The period blood a women shed each month as part of the menstrual cycle has to pass from the uterus and through the cervix before exiting the vagina.

• The cervix allows sperm to pass into the uterus through the endocervical canal. It also produces mucus which helps sperm to enter.

• The cervix protects the upper reproductive tract from harmful bacteria and other unhealthy substances. The cervix produces thick layers of mucus that contain lactic acid and an enzyme called lysozyme, which help to protect the uterus and reproductive system.

• During pregnancy, the cervix helps to keep the foetus in place until it's ready to be born. 

• During childbirth, the cervix expands to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Types of Cervical Cancer 

Cervical cancer is divided into types based on the type of cell in which the cancer begins. The main types of cervical cancer are:

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cervical cancer begins in thin, flat cells, called squamous cells. The squamous cells line the outer part of the cervix. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal.

What Causes Cervical Cancer? 

• Long-lasting (persistent) infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers. Two high-risk types, HPV 16 and HPV 18, cause 70% of cervical cancers.

• Nearly all people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own within a year or two as the immune system controls the infection. These short-term infections do not cause cancer. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, resulting in a precancerous lesion. If the precancerous lesion is not found and removed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer.

• People who become sexually active at a young age, especially before age 18, or have multiple sexual partners are more likely to become infected with a high-risk type of HPV.

• Conditions like HIV/AIDS significantly heighten the risk of developing cervical cancer due to a compromised immune response that fails to clear HPV infections effectively. Women with weakened immune systems may experience a faster progression from precancerous lesions to invasive cancer.

• Smoking is linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer as it introduces carcinogenic substances that can damage cervical cells and impair immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections.

• Using birth control pills for five years or more may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. However, this risk diminishes after discontinuation of the pills.

• Women who have had three or more full-term pregnancies are at increased risk, potentially due to increased exposure to HPV and hormonal changes during pregnancy that might facilitate cancer development.

• A diet low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to an increased risk, while socioeconomic status can affect access to healthcare services, including regular screening and preventive measures like HPV vaccination.

• A family history of cervical cancer can elevate an individual's risk due to potential genetic factors or shared environmental influences

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer 

Early stages of cervical cancer don’t usually involve symptoms and are hard to detect. The first signs of cervical cancer may take time to develop.

Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul Odor.

Vaginal bleeding after sex, between menstrual periods or after menopause.

Pain during sex (dyspareunia).

If cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, symptoms may include:

Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood in urine.

Diarrhoea, or pain or bleeding from the rectum when passing stool.

Fatigue, loss of weight and appetite.

A general feeling of illness.

Dull backache or swelling in the legs.

Pelvic/abdominal pain.

Cervical Cancer: Diagnostic Procedures and Tests Stages of Cervical Cancer: Understanding the Progression and Severity

Cervical cancer diagnosis involves a series of tests designed to confirm the presence of cancer and assess its stage. The primary diagnostic procedures include:

Pap Smear: This test involves collecting cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. It is a routine screening tool that can detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.

Colposcopy: If the Pap smear indicates abnormalities, a colposcopy is performed. This procedure uses a magnifying instrument to closely examine the cervix, allowing for targeted biopsies of suspicious areas.

Biopsy: A biopsy is essential for confirming cervical cancer. It involves taking a small sample of cervical tissue, which is then examined microscopically by a pathologist.

CT scan: Helps visualize any spread of cancer beyond the cervix.

MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues and can help assess tumour size and location.

PET Scan: Detects areas of high metabolic activity, indicative of cancer spread.

Chest X-ray: Used to check for metastasis in the lungs.

Physical Exams: A thorough pelvic and rectal examination may be performed to assess the local extent of the disease.

Cystoscopy: Examines the bladder if there are concerns about cancer affecting this area.

Proctoscopy: Checks for involvement of the rectum.

Stages of cervical cancer

There are four main stages of cervical cancer, and within each stage, there can be several different substages. 

Stage I: Cancer is found only in the neck of the cervix. It hasn’t spread to the deeper parts of the cervical tissue. 

IA: Invasive cancer that can only be diagnosed microscopically.

IB: Visible invasive carcinoma.

Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but hasn’t yet spread to the pelvic wall (the tissues that line the part of the body between the hips) or lower vagina.

IIA: No involvement of the pelvic wall.

IIB: Involvement of surrounding tissues.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina and may have spread to the pelvic wall, ureters (tubes that carry pee from the kidneys to the bladder) and nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum or other parts of the body like bones or lungs.

IVA: Invasion into adjacent organs like the bladder or rectum.

IVB: Distant metastasis to other organs such as lungs or liver

Cervical Cancer Treatment Options: Surgery, Therapy, and Supportive Care Preventing Cervical Cancer: Lifestyle Changes and Risk Reduction 

Cervical cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, according to the individual based on the cancer's stage, type, and the patient's overall health. 

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. The types of surgical procedures include:

Laser surgery: This surgery uses a laser beam to burn off just the cancer cells.

Cryosurgery: This surgery freezes cancer cells, destroying them.

Conization: Removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix, suitable for very small cancers.

Radical Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix and upper part of the vagina, preserving the uterus for potential future pregnancies.

Radical Hysterectomy: Removal of the cervix, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which may include lymph nodes.

Pelvic Exenteration: In advanced cases, this may involve removing the cervix, uterus, vagina, and surrounding organs (bladder or rectum) if necessary.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) uses drugs injected into the veins or taken by mouth to kill cancer cells. It enters the blood and is effective for killing cells anywhere in the body. There are several drugs used for chemo and they can be combined. Chemo is often given in cycles. The length of the cycle and the schedule or frequency of chemotherapy varies depending on the drug used and where the cancer is in the body.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses energy beams to kill cancer cells on the cervix. There are two types of radiation therapy:

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Aims high-powered radiation at cancer from a machine outside the body.

Brachytherapy: Puts the radiation in or just near cancer.

Targeted therapy

Targeted drug treatment destroys specific cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. It works by targeting proteins that control how cancer cells grow and spread. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses medicine to stimulate immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells pretend to be healthy to hide from the immune system. Immunotherapy helps target these signals so the cancer cells can’t trick the body into thinking it’s a healthy cell.

Supportive care

It is crucial throughout treatment to manage side effects and enhance quality of life. This includes:

• Pain management.
• Nutritional support.
• Psychological counselling.
• Palliative care for advanced stages

Preventing Cervical Cancer: Lifestyle Changes and Risk Reduction

Lifestyle Changes

Regular Screening: Pap tests and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes early.

Vaccination: The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer by protecting against high-risk HPV strains.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts immune function.

Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is a known risk factor; quitting can lower cervical cancer risk.

Risk Reduction

Limit Number of Sexual Partners: Reducing sexual partners decreases exposure to HPV.

Use Protection: Consistent use of condoms can lower HPV transmission risk.

Manage Other Health Conditions: Conditions like HIV can increase cervical cancer risk; managing these can help reduce overall risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer Treatment in India           

What are the main treatment options for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer treatment typically includes Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy.

How effective is early detection in treating cervical cancer?

Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular screenings (like Pap smears and HPV tests) and vaccinations can prevent the development of cervical cancer by identifying precancerous changes early.

What are the risk factors associated with cervical cancer?

The primary risk factors include Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Multiple sexual partners, Long-term use of birth control pills, Smoking.

If you're suffering from Cervical cancer and need help with your treatment options, feel free to reach out to Nishma Health Assist Private Ltd. We're here to help with any questions you may have, and our services are completely free.

Contact Number: +918009003879

Email ID: bdteam@nishmahealthassist.com

Website: https://www.nishmahealthassist.com/