Overview
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, almost always because of persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). It progresses slowly through pre-cancerous changes that screening can detect and treat. It remains one of the commonest cancers in Indian women, largely because screening coverage is low.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
- Bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes foul-smelling
- Pain during intercourse, pelvic pain
- In advanced disease: leg swelling, urinary or bowel symptoms
Risk factors
- Persistent high-risk HPV infection
- Early sexual activity, multiple partners, or a partner with multiple partners
- Smoking, weakened immunity (HIV)
- Never having been screened
Diagnosis
Screening uses a PAP smear and/or HPV DNA test. An abnormal result leads to colposcopy and biopsy. Once cancer is confirmed, MRI of the pelvis and PET-CT determine the stage.
Treatment at Shichim Oncocare
Pre-cancer is treated with simple outpatient procedures. Early cancer is treated with surgery; locally advanced cancer with chemoradiation (weekly cisplatin with radiotherapy). Advanced or recurrent disease is treated with chemotherapy, bevacizumab and immunotherapy. Shichim Oncocare delivers weekly and three-weekly chemotherapy as day-care and coordinates radiotherapy with partner centres.