Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the female reproductive organ. It is the third most common malignancy that affects women. The cervix is the bottom section of the uterus that opens up into the top of the vagina. This cancer occurs in the cervix region and begins as a precancerous disease known as dysplasia. Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus and the vaginal canal, alter. This cancer can harm the cervix's deeper tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), most commonly the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

Types of Cervical Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma. This develops in the cervix's lining. It can be discovered in up to 90% of cases.
• Adenocarcinoma. This occurs in the mucus-producing cells.
• Mixed carcinoma. This has characteristics of the other two categories.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms. However, advanced stage cervical cancer may show the following signs and symptoms:

• After intercourse, between menstruation, or after menopause, vaginal bleeding can occur.
• Vaginal discharge that is watery, red, heavy, and smells foul.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

Cervical cancer can be cured if it is discovered early. Treatment for cervical cancer is determined by several criteria, including cancer's stage, other health issues the patient may have, and personal preferences.

The following are the treatment options for cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms. However, advanced stage cervical cancer may show the following signs and symptoms:

• Surgery:
  • Cervical cancer in its early stages is usually treated with surgery. The optimal operation for you will be determined by the size and stage of your cancer, as well as whether or not you want to contemplate becoming pregnant in the future.
• Radiation therapy :
  • High-energy X-ray beams are used in radiation therapy to eliminate malignant cells. Radiation therapy can be administered both within and outside the body, utilizing a metal tube inserted into the uterus or vaginal canal and a machine.
• Chemotherapy:
  • Chemotherapy is a treatment in which medicinal drugs are administered into the body to eliminate cancer cells. This treatment is given in a particular order by medical oncologists. They administer chemotherapy to the patient for a set amount of time. Later on, the therapy is stopped to help heal the patient's body.
• Targeted therapy:
  • Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment in which medications target specific genes and proteins involved in cancer cell development and survival. These medications target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
  • Drugs used in targeted therapy can block or inhibit cancer cells' signals to develop or direct cancer cells to self-destruct. Targeted medications prevent cancer cells from multiplying. In a nutshell, these medications prevent cancer cells from dividing and forming new cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy:
  • Immunotherapy is a medicine that boosts your immune system's ability to fight cancer. It works by interfering with the immune system's natural processes. Because cancer cells release proteins that immune system cells cannot recognize, your body's disease-fighting immune system may fail to battle cancer.