Cervical Cancer Treatment in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, though early-stage cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Early diagnosis through screening methods such as Pap smears supports timely intervention. At Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, cervical cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, selected according to the stage and extent of the disease. Our oncology team Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune also highlights prevention, including the cervical cancer vaccine, as an important tool in reducing long-term risk.

Overview

To understand the meaning of cervical cancer, you need to understand what it is. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Early stages of cervical cancer often present no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, common cervical cancer symptoms may include:

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding:

This is one of the most common signs of cervical cancer. It can manifest as bleeding between menstrual cycles, after sexual intercourse, or following menopause. This bleeding often occurs because cervical tumours disrupt the normal tissue, causing fragile blood vessels to rupture more easily. Such bleeding is not normal and should always prompt a medical evaluation.

Unusual Vaginal Discharge:

Vaginal discharge associated with cervical cancer can be watery, tinged pink with blood, or have a foul odour. This occurs due to the breakdown of tissues or infection caused by the tumour. While some discharge is natural, persistent or significantly unusual changes should be addressed by a doctor.

Pelvic Pain:

Persistent pain in the pelvic region or discomfort during intercourse may indicate that the cancer is pressing on nearby tissues or nerves. This symptom becomes more apparent as the disease progresses, highlighting the importance of early detection to prevent advanced-stage complications.

It’s essential to consult an oncologist if these symptoms persist.

Stages of Cervical Cancer Simplified

Cervical cancer progresses in stages based on how far it has spread in the body. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown:

Stage I: Localized to the Cervix

The cancer is only in the cervix and hasn't spread elsewhere.

• Stage IA: Very small cancer, visible only under a microscope
  • IA1: Cancer is less than 3 mm deep.
  • IA2: Cancer is between 3 mm and 5 mm deep
• Stage IB: Tumour is larger but still confined to the cervix.
  • IB1: Tumor is 2 cm or smaller.
  • IB2: Tumor is between 2 cm and 4 cm.
  • IB3: Tumor is larger than 4 cm.

Stage II: Spread Beyond the Cervix

The cancer has spread outside the cervix but hasn't reached the pelvic wall.

• Stage IIA: It affects the upper part of the vagina but not the surrounding tissues.
  • IIA1: Tumor is 4 cm or smaller.
  • IIA2: Tumor is larger than 4 cm.
• Stage IIB: Cancer spreads to the tissues around the uterus.

Stage III: Advanced Local Spread

The cancer involves the lower part of the vagina or the pelvic wall and may affect kidney function.

• Stage IIIA: Cancer spreads to the lower part of the vagina.
• Stage IIIB: It reaches the pelvic wall or blocks the ureters, affecting kidney function.
• Stage IIIC: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
  • IIIC1: Pelvic lymph nodes are involved.
  • IIIC2: Lymph nodes near the aorta are involved.

Stage IV: Spread to Other Parts of the Body

The cancer extends beyond the pelvis and affects distant organs.

• Stage IVA: Cancer spreads to nearby organs like the bladder or rectum.
• Stage IVB: It spreads to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones.

Cervical Cancer Causes

The primary cervical cancer causes include:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, disrupts normal cell processes and increases the risk of cervical cancer development over time.
• Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV or medications that suppress immunity can make it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections, raising the risk of cervical cancer.

Prevention of HPV infection through vaccination is vital in reducing the risk.

Diagnosis

Cervical cancer screening plays a key role in early detection and includes:

• Pap Smear: A screening test that identifies precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, helping detect cervical abnormalities early.
• HPV Test: Checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains, particularly those linked to cervical cancer, often performed alongside a Pap smear.
• Colposcopy: A procedure using a magnifying device to closely examine the cervix for abnormalities if Pap smear results are unclear or abnormal.
• Biopsy: Involves taking a small tissue sample from the cervix to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells for an accurate diagnosis.

For staging, imaging tests like CT or MRI scans may be used to determine the cervical cancer stages.

Treatment

Cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage and extent of the disease:

• Surgery: Removes the tumour and surrounding tissues, primarily for early-stage cervical cancers.
• Radiation Therapy: Often paired with chemotherapy, this treatment targets and destroys cancer cells in advanced stages.
• Chemotherapy: Administers drugs to kill or reduce cancer cells, especially in advanced or recurrent cases.
• Targeted Therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell mechanisms to inhibit growth and spread.

Prevention

Preventing cervical cancer involves proactive measures:

• Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Offers protection against high-risk HPV strains, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
• Regular Screening: Pap smears and HPV tests are essential for detecting abnormalities early, before cancer develops.
• Safe Practices: Practicing safe sex helps lower the chances of HPV transmission and subsequent complications.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking and maintaining a robust immune system support overall cervical health.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if you experience persistent symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge. Early intervention by an oncologist in Pune or your local healthcare provider significantly improves outcomes

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease with the right steps, including vaccination, regular screenings, and timely treatment. Awareness and proactive health measures can save lives and improve quality of life.