Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. There are various strains of HPV, or the human papillomavirus, which is usually the primary reason for cervical cancers. HPV is a common STD that can be prevented through a vaccine at an early age. Here are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer and its treatment options.
Signs and symptoms
Unusual bleeding
This is one of the most common signs of cervical cancer. The unusual bleeding can occur between menstrual period cycles, after menopause, or even after intercourse with a partner.
Pelvic pain
This is another common symptom usually experienced when the cancer cells start to spread to nearby organs and tissues. The metastasis of cancer cells leads to pain in the pelvic region.
Pain during intercourse
Just like pelvic pain, one can also experience pain or discomfort during intercourse, and this is known as dyspareunia. This can happen due to the tumor in the cervix.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy bleeding during a regular menstrual cycle should be noted as an abnormal symptom. It typically indicates an underlying health condition, like cervical cancer.
Unusual discharge
While vaginal discharge is normal, in cervical cancer, the discharge can be watery or bloody. It could also have some foul smell, which is not usual. This may point towards an advanced stage of cervical cancer.
Treatment options
The treatment options depend on various factors, like the cancer stage and other underlying health conditions that may affect the course of treatment. There are three options for the treatment of cervical cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases, a combination of all three is also used.
Surgery
This is an option used for tumors that have typically not grown beyond the cervix and can be surgically removed effectively from the region. Some factors that affect the option of surgery include the stage of the cancer and the desire to get pregnant. In the procedure, doctors can remove just the cancerous tumor, surgically remove the cervix, also known as trachelectomy, or surgically remove the cervix and the uterus, which is called hysterectomy.
Radiation therapy
In this type of therapy, doctors use powerful energy beams, which help kill cancer cells. This energy can come from X-rays, protons, or other energy sources. Usually, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy to help treat cancer when it has grown beyond the cervix. There are three ways in which radiation therapy can be given:
External beam radiation therapy involves directing the radiation beam at the affected area of the body.
Brachytherapy is a process in which the device is filled with radioactive material, which is then placed inside the vagina for a couple of minutes.
The third option is a combination of both external and internal therapies.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually given in combination with radiation therapy because this can enhance the effects of the treatment. Depending on the treatment’s progress, it can be increased or decreased.
