Introduction:
The Cervix and Cervical Tumor:
The cervix is located in the female reproductive system. It is the lower, more constrictive portion of the uterus. Throughout pregnancy, the uterus houses a developing fetus. And this forms the birth canal and the vagina by joining the bottom part of the uterus.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a change in healthy cells that lie on the surface of the cervix. This being the first step in the development of cervical cancer, these abnormally growing cells eventually form a mass (lump) known as a tumor. A growth or tumor can develop due to a persistent HPV infection on the cervix, which can cause cancer. This tumor may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous if they have the potential to spread to other body parts. And if a tumor is benign, it won’t grow further.
The term ‘Atypical cells’ describes alterations in a cell that are initially aberrant but not malignant. According to researchers, some abnormal changes represent the beginning of a sequence that can result in cancer. Also, some abnormal cells disappear independently without therapy, while others can develop into cancer. “Cervical Dysplasia” is the term for this stage of precancerous illness (aberrant cell proliferation). So, to prevent cancer onset, dysplasia tissue may occasionally need to be removed. It is frequently possible to eliminate or remove the dysplasia tissue without damaging healthy tissue. But sometimes, a hysterectomy is followed to stop cervical cancer. Through this process, the uterus and cervix are surgically removed.
Types of Cervical Cancer:
Based on the specific damaged cells, cervical cancer can be divided into different categories. The primary forms of cervical cancer consist of the following:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Around 70–90% of cervical cancer cases are of this kind, which is most prevalent. It develops from the squamous cells lining the cervix’s outer surface. It is frequently associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with high-risk strains (notably HPV types 16 and 18).
Adenocarcinoma:
Between 10 to 20 percent of instances of cervical cancer are adenocarcinomas. This type of cervical cancer is generated by the epithelial cells in the cervix that create mucus. Moreover, it has been linked to HPV infection, which includes subtypes of HPV such as 16, 18, and 45.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma:
Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma features can be found in this less frequent cervical cancer. Both squamous and glandular cells can be seen there.
Small Cell Carcinoma:
A rare and dangerous form of cervical cancer is Small Cell Carcinoma. It originates from neuroendocrine cells and tends to expand fast.
Clear Cell Carcinoma:
It is less frequent and is distinguished by the presence of transparent or pale cells. It is frequently linked to diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in the mother’s pregnancy.
What are the Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer?
Make better-educated decisions regarding your lifestyle, proper medical care, and awareness of your risk factors, and discuss them with your doctor. Although risk factors frequently define how cancer develops, it does not mean that they cause cancer. Sometimes, while some people with a minimum number of risk factors will not get cancer, others with no known risk factors do.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection:
So, HPV is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer. It is a prevalent infection. Infections start when a person engages in sexual activity, and most people recover from the virus without any issues.
Do you know? HPV comes in more than 100 distinct varieties. But, all of those are not connected to cancer. HPV16 and HPV18 are the HPV kinds, or strains, that are most frequent in the case of cervical cancer. Among these, one is more likely to contract high-risk HPV kinds, especially if they begin having sex early in life or have several partners.
Immune system deficiency:
You must understand that a weaker immune system increases the likelihood of acquiring cervical cancer in a person. Immunosuppression brought on by corticosteroid medicines, organ donation, cancer therapies, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, can all result in a weakened immune system (AIDS).
Herpes:
Cervical cancer can probably strike those with genital herpes.
Smoking:
Smokers have a 2 fold risk of developing cervical cancer compared to non-smokers.
Age:
Cervical cancer typically does not strike individuals under the age of 20. But in late adolescence and mid-thirties, the risk increases. Individuals who are older than this remain at risk and require routine cervical cancer screenings.
Oral Contraceptives:
Oral contraceptives (such as birth control tablets) may raise the risk of cervical cancer. This cancer may be linked to higher-risk sexual behavior, according to specific research studies. Research is needed to fully comprehend the association between oral contraceptive use and cervical cancer development.
Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES):
From roughly 1940 to 1970, DES was distributed. It is a rare form of cervix or vaginal cancer. It probably occurs in people whose mothers took this medication to prevent miscarriage during pregnancy. Individuals exposed to DES should undergo an annual pelvic exam, including a cervical test, to collect cell samples from all four corners of the vagina to look for abnormal cells.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
A precancerous cervix issue frequently does not exhibit any symptoms. At the same time, early-stage cervical cancer has signs or warning signals. Depending on the affected tissues and organs due to metastasis, the symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may be more severe.
Signs and symptoms can be used to characterize a medical condition. So, people require medical attention to consult with the best cervical cancer treatment in Hyderabad. They will recommend you if they experience a new unwanted change in the body (symptom or sign) that lasts for an extended period, because a source of a symptom may also be a medical problem unrelated to cancer.
The following could be indications or symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Blood spots or minor bleeding before or after periods
- Unusual longer and thicker menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding after sexual activity, douching, or a pelvic exam
- More vulvar leaking
- Pain while intercourse
- After menopause bleeding
- Persistent back or pelvic discomfort
If the precancerous cells or cancer in the cervix are identified and treated soon, the likelihood that cancer can be prevented or treated is greater. You must meet the doctor if you observe any of these symptoms. Sometimes, they seem to be symptoms of other, less severe disorders, discussing them with your doctor if they manifest is essential.
What are the Stages of Cervical Cancer?
To know the severity of the cancer and treatment choices, any chronic disease has to be staged. The size of the tumor, its infiltration into neighboring tissues, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body are the standard parameters for classifying cervical cancer according to its stage. It goes through the following phases:
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ):
At this stage, abnormal cells exist in the cervix’s outer layer and have not yet spread to its inner tissues.
Stage I:
The cancer persists in the cervix because it has not spread to other parts. Stage I is divided further into:
Stage IA:
One can only see cancer through a microscope since it is tiny. Deeper tissues are not yet penetrated in this case.
Stage IB:
Cancer can be seen without a microscope even though it is still restricted to the cervix. It involves more of the cervix and intrudes into the nearby tissues.
Stage II:
The bottom third of the vagina/ the pelvic sidewall is unaffected by the cancer past the cervix.
Other divisions of Stage II include:
Stage IIA:
The pelvic sidewall has not been affected. Cancer has progressed to the upper two-thirds of the vagina.
Stage IIB:
The pelvic sidewall has not been affected by the cancer. But it has spread to the parametrium (the connective tissues around the cervix) and may affect the lower third of the vagina.
Stage III:
The pelvic sidewall or the lower portion of the vagina have both been affected by the malignancy.
Other divisions of Stage 3 include:
Stage IIIA:
The malignancy has affected the lower third of the vagina but not the sidewall of the pelvis.
Stage IIIB:
Due to ureteral stenosis, cancer has either progressed to the sidewall of the pelvis or resulted in kidney issues (hydronephrosis).
Stage IVA:
Nearby organs like the bladder or rectum have been affected.
Stage IVB:
The lymph nodes or distant organs are affected.
Medical professionals can assess cervical cancer prognosis with patients to determine optimal treatment options. This way, they keep tabs on how well the recommended treatments work.
How to prevent Cervical Cancer?
Firstly, understand that there is no guarantee that Cervical cancer can be prevented. But the following tips are some crucial actions to lower your risk of cervical cancer:
HPV Vaccination:
Cervical cancer is frequently brought on by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore, this risk can be dramatically decreased by receiving an HPV vaccination. Ideally, men and women should go for it before engaging in sexual activity.
Frequent Pap Tests:
Getting Pap tests and other routine cervical cancer screenings is better. Pap tests can identify precancerous abnormalities in the cervix. It enables prompt treatment and halts the development of cancer. Pay attention to your doctor’s advice regarding frequent Pap tests.
Practice Safe Sex:
Use barrier contraceptives regularly, such as condoms. It helps lessen the risk of HPV transmission.
Limit Your Sexual Partners:
Yes! Having fewer sexual partners can help reduce the risk. Having numerous partners raises your chance of acquiring the HPV virus. And this virus is associated with cervical cancer.
Stop Smoking:
As everyone knows, there is evidence that smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer. So, give up smoking or avoid all tobacco products.
Maintain Good Hygiene:
Please keep your hands clean and frequently wash them, and this practice will help stop the transmission of HPV and other infections that can lead to cervical cancer.
A Healthy Lifestyle:
A healthy lifestyle can enhance your overall well-being and lower your risk of developing cancer. It entails eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, exercise frequently, and keep a healthy weight.
Regular Check-ups:
Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to evaluate your general health and go over any symptoms you may have regarding cervical cancer treatment.
Finally, taking these precautions can dramatically lower your risk of acquiring cervical cancer. But remember that they are not guaranteed. Therefore, talking with the best cervical cancer hospital in Hyderabad is crucial for specific advice and direction, depending on your unique situation.
How Punarjan Ayurveda Treats Cervical Cancer?
Punarjan Ayurveda: A Natural Way to Fight Cervical Cancer When it comes to tackling the challenges brought on by cervical cancer, Punarjan Ayurveda offers a singular, comprehensive approach that fuses conventional wisdom with cutting-edge innovations. Our objective is to empower women by providing compassionate care and efficient therapies.
Our team at Punarjan Ayurveda is conscious about the psychological and physical toll on a woman suffering from cervical cancer. Our research and development team concentrates on creating custom treatment programmes which can meet the distinct needs of our patients. By combining Ayurveda medications, cleansing procedures, immune-boosting methods, and dietary adjustments, we work to restore the dosha balance in the body and promote natural healing. Our treatments target the disease-causing cells while attempting to strengthen the body’s overall resistance system. But, treatment is only one part of our strategy. We offer unwavering support, information, and guidance through our counselors. And therapists will guide people all the way through this journey. Our goal is to create awareness in all women and provide them with resources they need to take control of their health.
Punarjan Ayurveda is a way that values your health and accepts the conventional wisdom of Ayurveda. It offers specialized care. Together, let’s combat cervical cancer with tenacity, hope, and the therapeutic abilities of Ayurveda.
Our Cervical Cancer Survivors
FAQ’s
What were the first signs of cervical cancer?
Notably, abnormal vaginal bleeding, manifesting in a perplexing variety of contexts such as postcoital episodes, intermenstrual intervals, or even postmenopausal stages, stands out as one of the key indicators worthy of scrutiny.
Other signs may include:
Pelvic pain.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Unusual vaginal discharge.
Changes in urinary or bowel habits
What are the 5 warning signs of cervical cancer?
Five primary signs commonly serve as warnings for cervical cancer:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pelvic pain
Changes in urinary or bowel habits
Regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection and prevention.
What is cervical cancer caused by?
High-risk HPV strains cause most cervical cancers. HSV is quite common. HPV strains may cause abnormal cervix cell modifications that lead to cervical cancer.
What age does cervical cancer start?
Cervical cancer typically strikes women between 35 and 40. Pap smears and HPV screenings help discover and treat health issues early in all ages.
Is cervical cancer harmful?
Cervical cancer is dangerous. This deadly disease can infect the cervix, the uterus’ bottom opening. Cervical cancer can spread to other body regions and produce life-threatening complications if not treated early.
Can a person live with cervical cancer?
Yes, a person can live with cervical cancer. Cancer stage, patient health, and treatment success can alter prognosis and outcome. After a cervical cancer diagnosis, the patient and healthcare team should create a treatment plan.
What is Stage 1 cervical cancer?
Stage 1 cervical cancer solely affects the cervix. The local cancer cells have not metastasized yet. Cancer often progresses through two stages: stage 1A, which requires a microscope to detect, and stage 1B, which the naked eye can see.
