Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnoses & Treatment

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Dr. Seema Singh
SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST
Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Diagnoses Treatment
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What is a Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer, known as cancer of the cervix,
initiates in the surface cells of the cervix. It
develops when cervical cells undergo changes,
becoming precancerous. Not all precancerous cells
progress to cancer, yet detecting and addressing
these abnormal cells beforehand is crucial in
preventing the onset of cervical cancer.
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Types of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer primarily exists in two main
types squamous cell carcinomas and
adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas
represent around 80 to 90 of cervical cancers,
while adenocarcinomas make up approximately 10
to 20 of cases.
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Symptoms and Causes
Detecting early stages of cervical cancer is
challenging as they typically dont present
noticeable symptoms. The development of initial
signs may take years. Screening tests for
abnormal cervical cells serve as the most
effective method for cervical cancer prevention.
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Symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer can include

• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge, potentially
  heavy and with an unpleasant odor.
• Vaginal bleeding post-intercourse, between
  menstrual cycles, or after menopause.
• Longer and heavier menstrual periods than usual.
• If the cancer spreads to nearby tissues or
  organs, additional symptoms might appear
• Painful or challenging urination, possibly with
  blood in the urine.
• Diarrhea, rectal pain, or bleeding during bowel
  movements.
• Fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and a
  general feeling of being unwell.

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Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer treatment typically involves a
multidisciplinary approach, often led by a
gynaecologic oncologist specializing in female
reproductive cancers. The treatment course is
determined based on various factors such as the
cancers stage, the patients overall health,
age, and fertility desires. There are several
primary treatment modalities for cervical cancer
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Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Radiation Therapy External beam radiation therapy
(EBRT) uses high-energy radiation externally to
target cancer cells. Brachytherapy involves
placing radiation sources near or inside the
cervix to treat the cancer. Chemotherapy Drugs
administered intravenously or orally are used to
kill cancer cells throughout the body. Different
drugs or combinations are employed in cycles, the
schedule of which varies based on the specific
treatment plan.
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Surgery

• Various surgical approaches are utilized,
  depending on the cancers stage and extent. These
  may include
• Laser surgery Employing a laser to remove cancer
  cells.
• Cryosurgery Freezing and eliminating cancer
  cells.
• Cone biopsy Removal of a cone-shaped piece of
  cervical tissue.
• Hysterectomy Removal of the uterus, with
  variations like simple or radical hysterectomy.
• Trachelectomy Removal of the cervix and the
  upper part of the vagina without eliminating the
  uterus.
• Pelvic exenteration An extensive surgery
  removing the bladder, vagina, rectum, and
  adjacent areas affected by cancer.
• 1. Targeted Therapy
• Targeted drugs focus on specific proteins
  controlling cancer cell growth and spreading,
  aiming to destroy these cells more selectively.
• 2. Immunotherapy
• Medications that stimulate the immune system to
  recognize and destroy cancer cells. This approach
  can counteract signals emitted by cancer cells to
  avoid the immune systems detection.

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Thank You