In our last Article we talk about what is Curvical Cancer, in this article we present detailed information about Symptoms, Complications and how to treat Curcival Cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, some of the possible symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling.
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex.
- Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, such as infections or benign growths, but they need to be evaluated and treated.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
If you have abnormal screening test results or symptoms of cervical cancer, your doctor may perform further tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer. Some of the diagnostic tests include:
- Colposcopy – This is a procedure that uses a magnifying device called a colposcope to examine the cervix and look for abnormal areas. The doctor may also take a biopsy, which is a small sample of tissue, from the cervix for further analysis.
- Endocervical curettage – This is a procedure that uses a thin instrument called a curette to scrape cells from the endocervical canal, which is the opening of the cervix into the uterus. The cells are then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.
- Cone biopsy – This is a procedure that removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix, which may include the endocervical canal and part of the uterus. The tissue is then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. This procedure may also be used as a treatment for some early-stage cervical cancers.
- Imaging tests – These are tests that use X-rays, sound waves, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of the body. Imaging tests can help show the size, shape, and location of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs. Some of the imaging tests used for cervical cancer are chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and ultrasound.
How is cervical cancer treated?
The treatment of cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the type and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age and general health, and the patient’s preferences and goals. The main types of treatment for cervical cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Some of the treatment options include:
- Surgery – Surgery is the removal of the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery may also involve removing the lymph nodes near the cervix to check for cancer spread. The type and extent of surgery depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s fertility wishes. Some of the surgical procedures used for cervical cancer are hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus and cervix; trachelectomy, which is the removal of the cervix and part of the vagina, leaving the uterus intact; and pelvic exenteration, which is the removal of the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder, rectum, and part of the colon, requiring the creation of new ways for urine and stool to leave the body.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Radiation therapy can be given externally, by a machine that directs radiation to the cancer and surrounding area, or internally, by placing radioactive materials inside the cervix or nearby. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy for cervical cancer.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be given by mouth, by injection, or by infusion into a vein. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or radiation, or to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy is the use of drugs that target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for cervical cancer. One of the targeted drugs used for cervical cancer is bevacizumab, which blocks the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumor.
What are the possible side effects and complications of cervical cancer treatment?
The side effects and complications of cervical cancer treatment vary depending on the type and extent of treatment, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s individual response. Some of the possible side effects and complications include:
- Bleeding and infection – These are common risks of any surgery and can be treated with medications and proper wound care.
- Lymphedema – This is the swelling of the legs or genitals caused by the buildup of fluid due to the removal or damage of the lymph nodes. This can be managed with compression garments, massage, exercises, and skin care.
- Menopause and infertility – These are the loss of menstrual periods and the ability to become pregnant, which may occur due to the removal or damage of the ovaries or uterus. This can be treated with hormone replacement therapy, fertility preservation, or assisted reproductive techniques.
- Sexual dysfunction – This is the difficulty or pain during sexual intercourse, which may occur due to the removal or damage of the cervix, vagina, or other pelvic organs. This can be treated with lubricants, dilators, counseling, and physical therapy.
- Bladder and bowel problems – These are the changes in the function or control of the bladder or bowel, which may occur due to the removal or damage of the bladder, rectum, or other pelvic organs. This can be treated with medications, exercises, biofeedback, catheters, ostomies, or surgery.
- Nerve damage – This is the numbness, tingling, or weakness of the legs or feet, which may occur due to the removal or damage of the nerves in the pelvis. This can be treated with medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Fatigue – This is the feeling of tiredness or exhaustion, which may occur due to the stress of the cancer and its treatment. This can be managed with rest, exercise, nutrition, and emotional support.
- Nausea and vomiting – These are the feeling of sickness or the urge to throw up, which may occur due to the chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This can be treated with anti-nausea medications, dietary changes, and complementary therapies.
- Hair loss – This is the loss of hair from the head or body, which may occur due to the chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This can be managed with wigs, hats, scarves, or hair products.
- Skin changes – These are the changes in the color, texture, or sensitivity of the skin, which may occur due to the radiation therapy. This can be managed with skin care, sun protection, and moisturizers.
What is the prognosis of cervical cancer?
The prognosis of cervical cancer is the chance of recovery or survival from the disease. The prognosis depends on many factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the type and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age and general health, and the response to treatment. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. The survival rates of cervical cancer are based on the percentage of people who live for a certain period of time after diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rates of cervical cancer by stage are:
- Stage I: 93%
- Stage II: 63%
Disclaimer:
Please note that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you should always consult your doctor before making any health decisions.