What is cervical cancer?
Cervix is the lowermost part of the uterus or womb which opens in the vagina. Development and proliferation of abnormal cells in this region leads to cervical cancer. Persistent infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) plays the central role in the development of cervical cancer.
How common is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Each year about 1.4 lakh women develop cervical cancer in India.
What are the risk factors for developing cervical cancer?
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Multiple sexual partners
- Early onset of sexual activity
- Multiple child births
- History of sexually transmitted disease
- Immuno-compromised state like HIV infection
- Smoking
What are the common symptoms of cervical cancer?
- Foul smelling or blood stained vaginal discharge.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual activity, post menopausal bleeding.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
When a lady present with symptoms suspicious of cervical cancer, first a clinical examination is done. If any abnormal cervical growth is detected, a biopsy is performed. If biopsy is confirmatory of cancer, subsequently staging scan is done which includes MRI of pelvis.
What are the available treatment options for cervical cancer?
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on stage of disease.
- In early stage disease / stage I – Patients are treated with surgery with or without radiation therapy.
- In locally advanced stage / stage II & III – Patients are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- In widespread / stage IV – Patients are treated with chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy
Can cervical cancer be cured with treatment?
If treated properly, majority of patients who are diagnosed with stage I, II & III disease are completely cured. However, patients presenting with stage IV disease have poor outcome.