Cervical Cancer Treatment

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (the womb), and is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The condition typically begins with abnormal cell growth in the cervix, starting with precancerous changes that can be detected through regular screenings. If left undiagnosed, these changes can progress into cancer and potentially spread to surrounding organs.

Cervical Cancer Causes

The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is not fully understood. However, there is strong evidence that persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role in triggering cervical cancer. These high-risk HPV strains are typically transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and can also be spread through sharing sex toys.

Early signs of cervical cancer

In the very early stages, cervical cancer may not show any symptoms, which makes regular cervical screenings crucial for detecting cell changes early on.

However, there are 5 warning signs of cervical cancer. If you notice any of them, you should consult your gynecologist immediately and not ignore them: bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and unusual discharge.

Seeking prompt medical advice can significantly impact diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include one or more of the following:

• Spotting or bleeding after intercourse
• Increased or blood-stained vaginal discharge
• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods or unusually heavy periods
• Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Leg pain and swelling
• Pelvic pain
• Weight loss

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Cervical Cancer Stages

Cervical cancer staging is crucial for understanding the extent of the disease and guiding treatment decisions. According to The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, cervical cancer stages are:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)

At this stage, cancer is confined to the surface of the cervix and has not invaded deeper tissues. It is often referred to as “in situ” cancer, meaning “in place.”

Stage I

Cancer is limited to the cervix, meaning the tumor is still confined to the cervix but has slightly invaded deeper than in the in-situ stage.

Stage II

Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but has not reached the pelvic sidewall or the lower third of the vagina.

Stage III

Cancer has extended to the pelvic sidewall, the lower third of the vagina, or caused kidney problems.

Stage IV

Cancer has advanced to nearby organs outside the pelvis, such as the bladder or rectum, or distant organs like the lungs or liver.

These stages help provide a clearer diagnosis of the cancer’s extent and guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan to maximize the best outcomes for patients.

Cervical Cancer Screening

The age range for cervical cancer screening typically falls between 21 and 64 years. Cervical cancer screening usually involves two primary tests: a Pap smear (Pap test) and, an HPV test. If either of these tests returns positive or suspicious results, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy to confirm the diagnosis. A colposcopy uses a magnifying instrument (colposcope) to closely examine the cervix. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) may be taken from the cervix for further examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Screening is essential for the early detection of cervical cancer, enabling timely intervention and improving the chances of better outcomes.

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Cervical Cancer Treatment options

Most cervical cancers are both preventable and treatable. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, and the doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following approaches:

• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): This procedure uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.
• Cryotherapy: Involves freezing abnormal cells to destroy them.
• Laser Therapy: Uses concentrated light to target and destroy cancerous tissue, typically for small, early-stage tumors.

For more advanced stages of cervical cancer, the following treatments may be necessary:

• Radical Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina, often recommended for advanced-stage cancers.
• Pelvic Exenteration: A rare, extensive surgery that involves removing all the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder and rectum, when the cancer has spread to these organs.
• Radiation Therapy: Can be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis or that has recurred. Radiation is also often used alongside surgery to ensure no cancer remains.
• Chemotherapy: Involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments to shrink the tumor or used alone if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When to See a Specialist for Cervical Cancer Treatment?

Regular screening is essential to detect early changes; don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

• It’s recommended to see a specialist at least once every 3 years, especially if you’re married or sexually active.
• If you have a family history of cervical cancer, consult your doctor as early as possible to understand the recommended screening frequency and assess your risk.
• If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, pain, or spotting during intercourse, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection is crucial for better health outcomes.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Cervical Cancer Treatment?

At Reem Hospital, we boast internationally board-certified doctors with over 60 years of combined experience in addressing a wide range of gynecological and obstetric concerns. With our cutting-edge technologies, Our Gynecologists and Obstetricians offer best-in-class care for women around the clock, covering all aspects of women’s health.

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