Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Brain Cancer?
Common Symptoms
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Between menstrual periods
After sexual intercourse
After menopause
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Watery, pink, or foul-smelling discharge
Pelvic Pain
Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Pain During Intercourse(Dyspareunia)
Advanced Stage Symptoms
Difficulty urinating or blood in urine
Swelling of legs
Fatigue, weight loss
Back pain or leg pain (due to spread to nearby tissues)
Detection
How to detect Cervical Cancer?
1. Screening Tests (Early Detection)
Pap Smear (Pap Test):
Detects abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix.
Recommended for women starting from age 21every 3 years (or as per guidelines).
HPV Test:
Detects high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (the main cause of cervical cancer).
Often combined with Pap test (co-testing).
2. Diagnostic Tests (If Screening is Abnormal)
Colposcopy:
A special microscope is used to closely examine the cervix for abnormal cells.
Biopsy:
Small sample of cervical tissue is taken during colposcopy and tested for cancer cells.
3. Imaging & Advanced Tests (For Staging)
Pelvic Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET scan
Used to check the extent (stage) of cancer spread.
Treatments
What are the available treatments for Cervical Cancer?
1. Surgery
Conization: Removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix (for very early stages, like CIN or microinvasive cancer).
Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus (for women who wish to maintain fertility).
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and cervix; may also include removal of ovaries and lymph nodes in some cases.
Simple hysterectomy: Uterus and cervix only.
Radical hysterectomy: Uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues.
2. Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Targets the pelvic region from outside the body.
Brachytherapy (internal radiation): Radioactive material placed near the tumour.
Often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) for locally advanced disease.
3. Chemotherapy
Usually given with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced or locally advanced stages.
Common drugs: Cisplatin, sometimes combined with Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Topotecan.
For metastatic or recurrent disease, systemic chemotherapy may be used.
4. Targeted Therapy
Bevacizumab (Avastin): An angiogenesis inhibitor used in combination with chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.
5. Immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): For PD-L1 positive or MSI-H tumours in advanced or recurrent cases.
Nivolumab: Another checkpoint inhibitor used in some cases.
6. Clinical Trials
Trials may offer access to new immunotherapies, vaccines, or novel drug combinations.
7. Palliative Care
For advanced disease to manage symptoms like pain, bleeding, and improve quality of life.
