Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens into the vagina. It is the part of the uterus that dilates and opens fully to allow a baby to pass into the birth canal. The normal cervix has two main types of cells: squamous or flat cells, that protect the outside of the cervix, and glandular cells, that are mostly inside the cervix and make the fluid and mucus commonly seen during ovulation.

It is caused by abnormal changes in either of these cell types in the cervix and is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented by regular screening and preventive vaccination. Cervical cancer usually affects women between the ages of 30 and 55.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer and cervical pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. That is why it is important to have a Pap test. A woman usually does not have any symptoms until the cells turn into cancer and invade the deeper parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs.

Common symptoms include:

• Postcoital bleeding

• Postmenopausal bleeding

• Vaginal discharge

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Vaginal odor

• Pain

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or other health problems. It is important to consult a doctor if any of these symptoms occur.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a rectovaginal exam, and a general physical examination should be performed. If the exam is abnormal, further tests may be advised.

These may include:

• HPV test

• Colposcopy (examination of the cervix using a magnifying scope)

• Biopsy, depending on colposcopy findings

• Direct biopsy if there is a visible growth or lesion

Additional investigations such as CT scan or MRI of the abdomen or pelvis may be performed if cervical cancer is suspected or diagnosed.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the clinical or radiological stage of the tumor. Surgery is the most common treatment for early cervical cancer, although radiation therapy may also be used.

The final treatment plan depends on factors such as the stage and size of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.

Surgical Options

Radical Abdominal Hysterectomy may be performed through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically. The term “radical” means that the uterus, surrounding tissues between the uterus and pelvic wall, and part of the upper vagina are removed.

Lymph nodes in the pelvis are also removed and examined to determine if the cancer has spread (radical pelvic lymphadenectomy). In some cases, both ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed.

Surgery can be performed laparoscopically or robotically in selected cases.