Cervical Cancer : Symptoms,Causes, Stages & Treatment

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A recent study on cervical cancer, published in The Lancet Public Health, reported that India recorded the highest number of cases in Asia. The study also found that 23% of global cervical cancer deaths (40% of all such deaths) occurred in India, while 17% occurred in China. In 2020, there were 341,831 worldwide deaths from vaginal cancer and an estimated 604,127 new cases.

The National Cancer Registry Programme reports that the most prevalent cancers among women are cervical and breast cancer. In India, 6-29% of all cancer cases among women were cervical. According to the data, India recorded about 21% of all cervical cases. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), based on data from the Indian Council of Medical Research, projects an increase in cases, potentially reaching 2 million per year by 2026

Given the severity of this health issue, the following information outlines everything you need to know about cervical cancer, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, risk factors, and prevention.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix grow out of control and form tumours. Early detection and removal of these precancerous cells are crucial for preventing cervical cancer. Premalignant cells do not always progress to become cancerous. If not detected early through screening tests like Pap smears, these tumours can spread beyond the cervix to other parts of the body. 

Staying informed about ongoing research and seeking prompt treatment are essential in the fight against cervical cancer.

What is the Cause of Cervical Cancer?

Many people wonder about the dangers and causes of cervical cancer.

• Cervical cancer develops when healthy cells in the cervix undergo genetic mutations. These mutations, which alter the cell's DNA, disrupt normal cell function.
• Normally, cells grow and replicate at a controlled rate and then die. However, these mutations cause cells to grow and replicate uncontrollably, forming tumors. These cancerous cells can then invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
• While the precise cause of cervical cancer is not fully understood, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant factor. Most people with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, suggesting that other factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, also contribute to the disease.
• There are over 100 different strains of HPV, but only certain types cause cervical cancer. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most common cancer-causing strains.

Having an HPV strain associated with cervical cancer does not necessarily mean you will develop the disease. The immune system clears most HPV infections within two years.

Some cancers can be brought on by HPV in both men and women. A few of these include:

• Throat cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Penile cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Anal cancer

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Most women may want to know, “What does vaginal cancer look like?” While one may have no vagina cancer signs in the initial stages, it is important to know that the cancer in vagina may look like sores or small lumps. In some cases, these signs may show in the upper third of the vagina, which is nearest to the cervix. It is also highly recommended that women should, therefore, routinely undergo cervical smear screenings, sometimes known as Pap tests.

Pap tests are preventative. Instead of detecting cancer, it seeks to highlight any cell abnormalities that might be precursors to the disease so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

These are the most typical vagina cancer signs:

• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding in between periods
• Blood-tinged vaginal discharge
• Longer or heavier menstrual cycle compared to the usual
• Urination problems
• Swollen legs
• Bleeding following a sexual encounter
• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity
• Post-menopausal bleeding in women
• A pungent discharge from the cervix

Infection is just one of the possible reasons for these symptoms. Anyone exhibiting even one of these vaginal cancer symptoms should visit a medical professional.

How to Diagnose Cervical Cancer?

Doctors can detect cervical cancer via a Pap smear test. The doctor takes a sample of your cervix's outer layer for cervical cancer diagnosis. Then, a lab will examine these cells for precancerous or cancerous alterations.

Your doctor might advise a colposcopy, a technique for looking at your cervix to detect abnormalities if any. During a colposcopy exam, tissue is gently collected using minimally invasive methods:

• Punch biopsy - It acquires a small amount of abnormal cervical tissue with a specialised tool. This precisely guides the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma.
• Endocervical curettage - In this process, the doctor uses a tiny spoon-like instrument or brush to carefully collect cells from the endocervical canal.If punch biopsy and curettage findings suggest cervical cancer may be present, and symptoms are severe, additional tests provide confirmation:
• Electrical wire loop examination - During this minimally invasive test, a fine electrified wire is used to gently collect a small tissue sample. The low-voltage wire allows the removal of just what is needed for analysis while minimising discomfort.
• Cone biopsy - The patient exhibiting symptoms of pelvic cancer must be admitted to the hospital for this procedure. Cone biopsy enables the doctor to remove abnormal and sick cervical cells for laboratory analysis from the deeper layers of the female cervix.

If all these tests reveal the patient has cancer, more testing will be done to see if the infection has spread (metastasised). These examinations may involve:

• Examinations of kidney and liver function.
• Tests on the blood and urine.
• Abdominal, rectal, colon, and bladder X-rays.

All these procedures are called Staging.

Types of Cervical Cancer

The type of cervical cancer heavily influences the prognosis and course of therapy. The most prevalent forms of cervical cancer are:

• Carcinoma of the Squamous Cell: This specific form of cervical cancer starts in the flat, squamous cells that line the outer portion of the cervix that extends further into the vagina. Squamous cell carcinoma is a very common type of cervical cancer.
• Adenocarcinoma: The column-shaped glandular cell lines surrounding the cervical canal are the starting point for this type of cervical cancer.

Both kinds of cells can occasionally have a role in cervical cancer. Other cervix cells very seldom develop cancer.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Your doctor will determine the cervical cancer stages after a diagnosis has been made. Depending on the stage, it is possible to determine whether and how far the cancer has spread. Your doctor can identify the best course of treatment for you by identifying the stage of your cancer.

There are four stages of cervical cancer:

Stage 1: The cancer is mild in this stage. There's a chance that it affected the lymph nodes, but other body parts still remain unaffected.

Stage 2: The tumour has grown. It may have reached the lymph nodes or spread beyond the uterus and cervix, but it hasn't yet spread to other parts of your body.

Stage 3: The malignancy has gone to the pelvic or the lower vagina. It might obstruct the ureters, tubes that carry urine to the bladder from the kidneys. However, the other parts are still no affected. .

Stage 4: Cancer perhaps has spread to other organs, such as your bones, lungs, or liver, from the pelvis.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

The recommended course of action for cervical cancer depends on several variables, including the disease's stage, age, physical well-being, and if you intend to plan a pregnancy in the future. If detected early, cervical cancer can be effectively treated. There are four primary treatments:

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to eradicate as much cancer as possible. Sometimes, the doctor can only remove the portion of the cervix with cancerous cells. Surgery for more acute conditions may entail eliminating the cervix and other pelvic organs.

Chemotherapy

Drugs are used in chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells all over the body. Doctors provide this therapy in cycles. Patients undergo chemotherapy for a while. After that, the treatment will end, giving the body time to heal.

Radiation Treatment

X-ray beams with high energy are used in radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be given by a device outside the body. A metal tube inserted in the uterus or vagina can also be used to deliver it from within the body.

Targeted Therapy

A more recent medication called bevacizumab (Avastin) functions differently than chemotherapy and radiation. Inhibiting the development of fresh blood vessels prevents the tumour from spreading and surviving. Chemotherapy and this medication are frequently used simultaneously.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

These are some of the factors associated with cervical cancer:

• Several Partners - The risk of contracting HPV increases with the number of sexual partners you have and the number of partners your partner has.
• Other STIs - The risk of HPV increases if you already have other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, or HIV/AIDS.
• Early Sex - The risk of HPV increases with early sexual activity.
• Smoking - The risk of squamous cell cervical cancer increases with smoking.
• A Compromised Immune System - If you have HPV and your immune system is compromised by another medical issue, you are more vulnerable to cervical cancer.
• Using Contraceptive Pills - If you use oral contraceptive pills for a long term, it may increase your risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Having Multiple Children - If you have experienced three or more full-term pregnancies, you may have an increased chance of developing cervical cancer.

Preventive Measures for Cervical Cancer

To lessen your chance of developing cervical cancer:

• Consult Your Doctor on the HPV Vaccine: Vaccinating against HPV may lower your risk of developing cervical cancer and other malignancies linked to HPV. Check with your doctor if you should receive the HPV vaccine.
• Get Regular Pap Testing: Regular Pap tests can detect precancerous abnormalities, enabling early intervention and preventing cervical cancer. Most medical organizations recommend beginning regular Pap screenings at age 21.
• Avoid Smoking: Cease smoking as soon as possible. Consult your doctor for
• Ensure Safe Sexual Activity: By avoiding STDs, such as reducing your number of partners or ensuring precautions, you can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Takeaway

Cancer diagnosis is distressing–and overwhelming. Detection and treatment of this illness depend on the early identidification of abnormal cells in the cervix. By arranging routine gynaecological tests and engaging in safe sex, you can take precautions to lower your chance of developing cervical cancer. Moreover, cancer treatment comes bearing the risk of huge monetary drain, which can put yet another burden in the name of financial stress. Investing in the medical insurance can help ensure ease of money during treatment and recovery.

With cancer insurance plan, you can manage the expenses up to a certain limit. Cancer insurance from Care Health Insurance covers routine screenings that are the key to early detection. Annual check-ups, comprehensive protection at all cancer stages, chemo and radiotherapy cover, day care treatment etc. are a few attractive features of this policy.

>>Also Read: Complementary And Alternative Therapies For Cancer You Can Consider

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.