Cervical Cancer – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Prevention & Vaccine [UPDATED]

Cervical cancer symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in women across the world. Recent statistics have revealed a concerning trend in the incidence and mortality rate related to cervical cancer in India. With more than 3,40,000 cervical cancer cases in India in 2023, cervical cancer continues to be a public health concern, despite all medical advancements and technologies.

The positive news is that cervical cancer is preventable with regular screenings and timely vaccinations.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the growth of cells on the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, connecting to the vagina.

The cervix has two parts: ectocervix, which is the outer part, and endocervix, which is the opening of the cervix.  The endocervix is lined with glandular cells that are responsible for producing cervical mucus. The ectocervix is covered in thin squamous cells, flat cells found in the lining of the cervix. The transformation zone of the cervix is the location where both the endocervix and ectocervix join. This is the most common site for cancer to develop. The transformation zone location can change with age or after giving birth. 

Cervical cancer develops when healthy cells start developing abnormal changes. These changes are described as precancerous. Your doctor may refer to these precancerous changes as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and dysplasia.

Various HPV or Human Papillomavirus strains play a role in most of the cervical cancer cases. HPV is an infection that passes through sexual contact and is usually prevented by the body’s immune system. However, in some individuals, this virus manages to survive and leads to some cervical cells turning into cancerous cells.

7 Common Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer develops when abnormal cells continue to grow uncontrollably and divide, gradually forming lumps and tumours.

Common causes that increase the chances of cervical cancer are:

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

This is the most common cause of cervical cancer. There are hundreds of various types of HPV strains that increase the risk of cervical cancer. However, the majority of HPV infections resolve on their own. Women who experience persistent infection are at higher risk as cervical cells can start developing abnormalities.

Multiple sexual partners

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be spread through skin on skin and sexual contact. Women who have had many sexual partners are at higher risk of contracting HPV infection.

Smoking

Tobacco is an HPV cofactor that can increase the risk of both precancerous and cancer cells.

Weakened immune system

Existing conditions like HIV or AIDS can lead to cervical cancer. The use of immunosuppressant medication is also a contributing factor.

Birth control pills

Taking some type of contraceptive pills for a more extended period can marginally increase your risk.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, herpes, gonorrhoea, or syphilis can increase your risk of developing HPV, which may lead to cervical cancer.

Exposure to DES

DES was given to women in the 1950s as a means to prevent miscarriage. Exposure to this medicine before birth has been linked to a type of cervical cancer.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Early stages of cervical cancer very rarely cause any symptoms. This is why regular Pap tests, HPV tests, and screenings are critical to detecting cervical cancer early.

As the cervical cancer grows, the symptoms may include –

  • Vaginal bleeding that’s unexplained or after intercourse
  • Heavier and longer than usual bleeding during periods
  • Watery or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul smell
  • Pelvic pain during intercourse

Symptoms of cervical cancer

It is essential to contact your healthcare provider if you have experienced or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. These symptoms can be related to other health problems, so it is important to visit your doctor.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Once a sample of tissue from the lining of the cervix has been collected, any abnormalities seen are graded on a scale of 1 to 3:

  • CIN1: Also referred to as mild dysplasia or low-grade SIL, indicates not too much of the tissue is showing abnormalities. 
  • CIN2 or CIN3: Also known as moderate to severe dysplasia or high-grade SIL, is a more severe form of pre-cancer.

Cervical cancer begins with precancerous cells, but not all cases will develop into cancer. Treating precancerous cells can prevent nearly all cervical cancers.

Different Types of Cervical Cancer

Precancerous and cervical cancer types are determined in the lab and characterized by how they appear under a microscope.

Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are common types of cervical cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cells are found in the ectocervix, and squamous cell carcinomas often originate in the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma

This is when the cancer forms in the glandular cells found in the endocervical canal and further forms in mucus-secreting glands throughout the body. This is a less common type of cervical cancer.

Adenosquamous Carcinomas

This is a very rare form of cervical cancer that involves both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Other uncommon cervical cancers include melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma, which can occur more commonly in other parts of the body.

Different Stages of Cervical Cancer

Staging of cancer is done to assess how advanced the cancer is, in order to establish the best treatment options. This is done using imaging tests that include CT scans, chest X-rays, ultrasounds of the abdomen, or PET scans.

A 4-stage approach is commonly used to stage cervical cancer.

Stage 0 Cervical Cancer

Precancerous cells are detected.

Stage 1 Cervical Cancer

Cancer cells have spread deeper into the cervix’s tissue, or into the uterus and lymph nodes.

Stage 2 Cervical Cancer

Cancer has spread to the pelvis walls from the cervix and uterus. It could have spread to the lymph nodes nearby.

Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

Cancer cells have spread to the lower part of the vagina or pelvis walls. The ureters, which are the tubes that pass urine from the bladder, may have blockages. 

Stage 4 Cervical Cancer

Cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum from the pelvis. Lymph nodes can be affected. If cancer progresses in stage 4, it can start spreading to other organs, including the liver, bones, and lungs.

What is the meaning of screening for cervical cancer?

Early detection is the first and most important step when it comes to fighting against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer routine screening or regular pap smear test is recommended for all women from the age of 21.

A cervical cancer screening cannot diagnose cancer but can detect any abnormal changes in cells. HPV DNA testing can determine if there are any high-risk HPV strains in the cells of the cervix, which can develop into cancer. A specialist can perform a biopsy to diagnose the cancer. The process of biopsy involves removing a small part of cervical tissue to be examined for cancer cells. This procedure is done under general anaesthesia.

Get information on cervical cancer treatment centre and pap smear price in Noida.

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Surgery

Surgery depends on the stage of cancer, the size, and if you are planning to have children. Small tumours can be removed surgically with a cone biopsy, which involves only removing the cervical tissue. A trachelectomy is a procedure that removes the cervix and surrounding tissue and may be recommended to treat early-stage cervical cancer.

Both of these procedures allow for a possible future pregnancy.

However, a hysterectomy that can remove early-stage cancer and prevent cancer from coming back involves removing the cervix, uterus, and some parts of the vagina. This will also prevent any future pregnancies.

Radiation

Radiation therapy can be used with chemotherapy to treat advanced cervical cancer. It used high-energy beams like X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given both externally and internally.  It can also be considered as a treatment option post-surgery to prevent a recurrence. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs and medication to kill cancer cells. It can be used with radiation therapy for advanced localised cervical cancer. The dosage used will depend on how advanced the cancer is.

Targeted Therapy

This type of therapy uses targeted drugs to block cancer cells and kill them. Targeted therapy is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy to treat advanced cervical cancer. The most common targeted medicine used is bevacizumab. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that can boost your immune system to help fight cancer. This treatment may be recommended if other treatments fail or for an advanced form of cervical cancer.

Supportive Care

Palliative care helps cancer patients find relief from pain and other symptoms. Specialists work with the patient and family to provide support during treatment. This treatment focuses on prolonging life and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Women over the age of 21 primarily, should ensure they are getting their routine screenings as recommended by their doctor. Early detection is crucial in treating cancer successfully.  

Schedule an appointment with the best oncologist in Noida and get a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

Crucial Steps Before Starting Cervical Cancer Treatment

Before you start with the cervical cancer treatment cycle, fertility preservation is something that must be considered by the patient. This stands true especially when they are of childbearing age or may want to have children in the future. Healthcare providers and doctors need to discuss the fertility preservation options for cancer patients early on in the cervical cancer treatment process.

The right fertility preservation option can empower the patients to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and take charge of their family planning goals.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

The introduction of vaccination for cervical cancer in recent years has made a significant contribution in preventive care of the disease. The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is highly effective and now available in India, to prevent potential infections from the HPV strain.

The HPV vaccine is particularly important for young girls to protect them against the virus before they become sexually active. Having said that, the HPV vaccine is just as beneficial for women who are already sexually active, protecting them against other HPV strains they may not have encountered.

Also read, Fight Against Cancer Continues – The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in India Will Prevent Cervical Cancer

Holistic Approach Towards Cervical Cancer

Beyond medical treatments, a holistic approach towards cervical cancer care is gaining recognition. A holistic approach acknowledges the importance of addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional, psychological, and social constraints that the patient may face.

Cancer support groups, counsellors, and integrative therapies can provide tremendous support to patients throughout their cancer journey. Moreover, nutritional counselling and supplementary treatment can minimise the side effects of traditional cancer treatments and help with their overall well being.

Preventive Measures & Lifestyle Changes

Apart from the HPV vaccination, certain preventive measures and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Regular exercise, a healthy and nutritionally rich diet, and healthy lifestyle practices are all vital to prevent the risks of cervical cancer. Also, practising safe sex can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infections.

Routine screenings and pap smear test is recommended for women above the age of 21 years for early detection.

Empowerment Through Education

Education and awareness are pivotal in empowering women in India to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Promotion of cervical cancer awareness through suitable school-based education programs, workplace initiatives, and campaigns can help. This will keep girls and women aware about the risk factors, the symptoms, and the preventive measures of cervical cancer.

Fostering a culture of proactive health management, women across India can be empowered to prioritise regular screenings and take charge of their reproductive health.

Cervical cancer is incredibly challenging, but the advancements in prevention, treatment, and supportive care today can offer tremendous hope, improved clinical outcomes, and an overall good quality of life for the patients. If you have been experiencing any of the signs & symptoms or if you feel you might be at a risk for cervical cancer, schedule an appointment with the best oncologist in Noida – Dr. Vikas Goswami and take a step towards a healthier life.

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Dr. Vikas Goswami, M.B.B.S. from MAMC, M.D. in Internal Medicine, ECMO, and D.N.B. in Medical Oncology, is a Senior Consultant and experienced Oncologist with 17 years of experience in the field of medicine. He is an excellent speaker and presented his knowledge of Oncology at national & international conferences and workshops. Book an Appointment View Details

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