Cervical Cancer

Symptoms

 Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This may include bleeding between periods, after
sexual intercourse, or after menopause.
 Unusual vaginal discharge: This may be watery, thick, or foul-smelling.
 Pelvic pain: This may be a dull ache or cramping sensation in the lower
abdomen or pelvis.
 Pain during sexual intercourse: This may occur during penetration or deep
thrusts.
 Urinary symptoms: This may include frequent urination, painful urination, or
blood in the urine

Diagnostics
Pap test: This is a routine test that involves collecting cells from the cervix with a
small brush or spatula. The cells are then examined under a microscope to check for
any abnormalities.

1. HPV test: This test checks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in
the cervix. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause
abnormal cells in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer.
2. Colposcopy: This is a procedure in which a doctor uses a special instrument
called a colposcope to examine the cervix for any abnormalities. If any
abnormal areas are found, the doctor may take a biopsy (a small tissue sample)
for further testing.
3. Cone biopsy: This is a surgical procedure in which a cone-shaped piece of tissue
is removed from the cervix for examination under a microscope. This
procedure may be done if abnormal cells are found on a Pap test or
colposcopy.
4. MRI or CT scan: These imaging tests may be done to determine the extent of
the cancer if it has spread beyond the cervix.
Treatment
 Surgery to cut away the cancer only. For a very small cervical cancer, it
might be possible to remove the cancer entirely with a cone biopsy. This
procedure involves cutting away a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue,
but leaving the rest of the cervix intact. This option may make it possible
for you to consider becoming pregnant in the future.
 Surgery to remove the cervix (trachelectomy). Early-stage cervical cancer
might be treated with a radical trachelectomy procedure, which removes
the cervix and some surrounding tissue. The uterus remains after this
procedure, so it may be possible to become pregnant, if you choose.
 Surgery to remove the cervix and uterus (hysterectomy). Most early-
stage cervical cancers are treated with a radical hysterectomy operation,
which involves removing the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and nearby
lymph nodes. A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and
prevent recurrence. But removing the uterus makes it impossible to
become pregnant.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill
cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy as the primary
treatment for locally advanced cervical cancers. It can also be used after surgery if
there's an increased risk that the cancer will come back.
Radiation therapy can be given:
 Externally, by directing a radiation beam at the affected area of the body

(external beam radiation therapy)
 Internally, by placing a device filled with radioactive material inside your
vagina, usually for only a few minutes (brachytherapy)
 Both externally and internally
If you haven't started menopause yet, radiation therapy might cause menopause. If
you might want to consider becoming pregnant after radiation treatment, ask your
doctor about ways to preserve your eggs before treatment starts.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. It can be
given through a vein or taken in pill form. Sometimes both methods are used.
For locally advanced cervical cancer, low doses of chemotherapy are often combined
with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation.
Higher doses of chemotherapy might be recommended to help control symptoms of
very advanced cancer.
Targeted therapy
Targeted drug treatments focus on specific weaknesses present within cancer cells.
By blocking these weaknesses, targeted drug treatments can cause cancer cells to
die. Targeted drug therapy is usually combined with chemotherapy. It might be an
option for advanced cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer

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Cervical Cancer

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Symptoms

Radiation therapy can be given:

 Externally, by directing a radiation beam at the affected area of the body

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