Gynecological Cancer

CERVIX CANCER–

POINTS TO REMEMBER—

• Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the cervix.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer.
• There are usually no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer but it can be detected early with regular check-ups.
• Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding or discharge, and lower abdomen or low back pain.
• Treatment depends on the stage and may be advised for Surgery or Radiation treatment with Chemotherapy

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. 

Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. After years, these  abnormal cells may turn into cancer cells and start  growing  and spreading  deep  into the cervix and to surrounding areas.

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Being  infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer.
• Giving birth to many children.
• Smoking cigarettes.
• Using oral contraceptives  for a long time.
• Low Immunity— The body’s ability to fight HPV infection may be lowered by 
• being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• taking medicine to help prevent organ rejection after a transplant.
• Being sexually active at a young age.
• Having many sexual partners.
• Older age is a main risk factor for most cancers. The chance of getting cancer increases as you get older.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical cancer-

Vaginal bleeding  (including bleeding after sexual intercourse), Post menopausal bleeding

Unusual vaginal discharge.

Pain in lower abdomen or back

Pain during sexual intercourse.

TREATMENT OPTIONS—

Depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer.
• The type of cervical cancer.
• The patient’s desire to have children.
• The patient’s age.

Diagnosis and Staging workup-

One or more of the following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:

Biopsy—Done generally as a OPD procedure, where a chunk of tissue is removed from the growth, and examined under a microscope.

CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. 

PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. 

Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. 

Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.

Cystoscopy:  A procedure some times needed to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for tumour invasion in the bladder. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. 

Treatment Options

There are different types of treatment for patients with cervical cancer.

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.

Treatment for cervical cancer may cause side effects.

Follow-up tests may be needed.