Cervix forms the area between vagina and uterus. When the cells of cervix start multiplying uncontrollably, it leads to cervical cancer. After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer in females.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused due to a virus, known as human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus. Multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of HPV which has the potential to turn into cervical cancer.
HPV virus is of many types, and all of them don’t necessarily lead to cervical cancer. Some HPV virus types are known to cause genital warts, whereas many other types of HPVs, don’t even come up with a symptom.
The virus HPV is said to infect most of the adults at some point, and in many cases, it goes away on its own. However, in certain cases, HPV virus leads to the development of cervical cancer. The only way to find out the presence of cancer cells due to HPV virus is undergoing a Pap test. With a Pap test, you can find out the changes that occur in cervical cells before they actually turn into cancer. Treating the cell changes can help in preventing cervical cancer.
Apart from HPV, there are various other causes of cervical cancer, some of which are:
Smoking: It is known to increase the risk of a woman developing different cancers, including cervical cancer.
Weak immune system: Those who have a weak immune system owing to AIDS, or those who have been taking immunosuppressive medications post any transplant are also prone to cervical cancer.
Lasting mental stress: Women experiencing high-stress levels over a constant period are less likely to fight off the HPV virus, which makes them susceptible to cervical cancer.
Young age pregnancy: Cervical cancer risk stands high in women who gave birth before the age of 17.
Several pregnancies: Women who have given birth to two or more children in separate pregnancies also have a high risk of cervical cancer.
Contraceptive pill: Taking contraceptive pills for a long-term is also known to increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD): Women infected with sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or Syphilis are at higher risk of cervical cancer.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Like other cancer types, cervical cancer can also be life-threatening if not treated on time. To get the right treatment for cervical cancer, it is very important to undergo the diagnosis.
Cervical cancer screening in Ahmedabad is the best way to identify cervical cancer. The further treatment process is recommended based on the results of the cancer screening.
A Pap test is recommended for cervical cancer screening. Detection of abnormal cells during Pap calls for a colposcopy process. This process examines outer part of the cervix using a lighted microscope. Biopsy of a small tissue sample is then recommended if any abnormal areas are detected that show signs of being cancerous.
Further tests will be conducted if at all cancer is detected, and the type of tests would depend on cancer cell size and extent. Test modules include MRI imaging, X-rays, CT, cystoscopy - where the inner area of the urinary bladder is examined, and proctoscopy - where the rectum is examined.
Based on the test results, the treatment plan is designed which is aimed at destroying the cervical cancer cells.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Keeping a watch over the symptoms can help in undergoing the cervical cancer screening in Ahmedabad on time. Though most of the cervical cancer symptoms are associated with different female health concerns like a yeast infection, urinary tract infection, and menstrual cycle, neglecting any of these symptoms can be problematic.
Let’s have a look at some of the symptoms of cervical cancer:
Unusual bleeding, like between menstrual periods, post-sex, or post menopause
Heavy vaginal discharge with unusual color, smell, or consistency
Urge to urinate more frequently
Pelvic pain
Painful urination
If you have any of these symptoms, then undergoing the screening is very important to determine the right cervical cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.
At Shalby Hospitals Ahmedabad - Cancer & Research Institute, our team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, medical oncologists and other medical specialities work together to treat each cervical cancer patient.
We consider each patient’s cancer type and extent of the disease to recommend the most appropriate treatment. We carefully consider and select the treatment option that will allow the patient to maintain improved quality of life with good survival rate.