Diagnosis and Treatments for Cervical Cancer

 


Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and is often caused due to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Let’s explore how cervical cancer is diagnosed and the available treatments.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows.

  1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

(Bleeding between cycle / Spotting, Post coital bleeding, Post menopausal spotting / Bleeding)

  1. Chronic Vaginal White Discharge (often foul smelling)

  2. Chronic Pelvic Pain

  3. Pain During Intercourse

  4. Swelling in leg

  5. Blood in Urine

  6. Unexplained Weight Loss

  7. Fatigue

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

The following tests are done to confirm the diagnosis and to know the extent or stage of the disease. 

Biopsy/Pap Smear: If cervical cancer is suspected, a biopsy is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. The Pap smear or Pap test is the most common screening tool for cervical cancer. During the test, the doctor collects cell samples from the cervix to detect any abnormalities. A regular Pap smear can detect some precancerous changes. This allows for early intervention before cancer develops.

  1. MRI Pelvis: An MRI of the pelvis is gold standard to evaluate the extent of cervical cancer and to assess whether it has spread to nearby tissues, such as the bladder, rectum, or lymph nodes. This imaging technique provides detailed images of soft tissues, allowing doctors to better understand the size and stage of the tumour.


  1. CT Scan Abdomen: A CT scan of the abdomen is used to check for signs of metastasis (spread of cancer) to the abdominal organs, such as the liver or lymph nodes. It can also detect any involvement of the abdominal lining or distant spread, which is critical for staging cervical cancer.


  1. CT Thorax/Chest X ray: A CT scan of the thorax (chest) or chest X-ray is performed to detect whether cervical cancer has spread to the lungs or other parts of the chest. Metastasis to the lungs is a common concern in advanced cervical cancer, and this imaging helps to assess any distant spread. A CT scan of the chest provides detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures, while a chest X-ray offers a more general view, often used in early staging or monitoring for any signs of cancer spread.

Treatments for Cervical Cancer

Treatments for cervical cancer mainly depend on the stage of the disease. 

  1. Very Early Stage: Surgery may be done in a proper setup.

  2. Advanced Stage: External radiation with chemotherapy is administered followed by internal radiation (brachytherapy).

  3. Metastatic: Chemotherapy is mainly given for cervical cancers that have metastasized. 


In our country, most patients present late with advanced stage disease and often undergo surgery without proper evaluation. This is detrimental! 

Early diagnosis and proper treatment is important for curing the disease. 

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with the help of regular screening and vaccination against HPV. Women are encouraged to speak with the doctor about regular screenings, vaccinations, and any concerns about cervical health. You can consult Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, our cervical cancer doctor in Kolkata for early intervention.


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