Cervical cancer often develops silently, showing no signs in its early stages. Many women only notice symptoms like unusual bleeding or pelvic pain once the disease has progressed. Doctors use a staging system to determine how far it has spread, which helps guide treatment.
Understanding these stages and treatment options can make a difference in early detection and care. This blog covers everything from the warning signs to the stages of cervical cancer and the treatments available. Let’s break it down step by step.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear, affecting the reproductive system and other parts of the body. Recognising these cervical cancer symptoms early can help with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Early Symptoms
In the initial stages, cervical cancer may cause mild or vague symptoms, such as:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding: Bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge: Watery, pale, or foul-smelling discharge that may contain blood.
- Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain that may worsen over time.
Advanced Symptoms
As the cancer spreads beyond the cervix, symptoms may become more noticeable and severe:
- Pelvic pain: Persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis that is not linked to menstruation.
- Frequent or painful urination: Cancer spreading to nearby tissues can cause bladder irritation.
- Blood in urine or bowel movements: Tumours pressing on the bladder or rectum may lead to bleeding.
- Swelling in the legs: If cancer blocks lymphatic drainage, it can cause leg swelling (lymphoedema).
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss: Late-stage cervical cancer may lead to general weakness and loss of appetite.
What Are the Stages of Cervical Cancer?
Doctors classify cervical cancer into stages based on how far it has spread. Staging helps guide treatment and gives an idea of the outlook.
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Abnormal cells are present only in the top layer of the cervix and have not invaded deeper tissues.
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix. It may be small (IA) or slightly larger (IB) but has not spread beyond the cervix.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby structures, such as the upper vagina or tissues next to the cervix, but has not reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina.
- Stage III: Cancer has extended to the lower part of the vagina, the pelvic wall, or nearby lymph nodes. It may also block the ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bladder, rectum, lungs, or liver.
Doctors determine the stage using imaging tests, biopsies, and clinical examinations. The stage of the cancer plays a key role in deciding the best treatment approach.
How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?
Surgery
Surgery is often the first choice for early-stage cervical cancer. The type of procedure depends on the size and spread of the tumour.
- Cone biopsy: Removes a small, cone-shaped section of the cervix containing abnormal cells. It is used for very early-stage cancer and helps preserve fertility.
- Trachelectomy: Removes the cervix and surrounding tissue but preserves the uterus, making pregnancy possible.
- Hysterectomy: Removes the cervix and uterus, and in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is recommended for more advanced cases or when the cancer has a higher risk of returning.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy for better effectiveness in advanced cases.
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Directs radiation at the tumour from outside the body.
- Brachytherapy: Places a radioactive source inside the cervix to deliver radiation directly to the affected area.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is typically used:
- Alongside radiation therapy (chemoradiation) for locally advanced cervical cancer.
- As the main treatment when the cancer has spread to other organs.
- To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in later stages.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
These newer treatments help stop cancer growth or boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs like bevacizumab block blood vessel growth in tumours, slowing their spread.
- Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. This is considered for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.
The choice of cervical cancer treatment depends on factors like cancer stage, tumour size, and fertility concerns. Regular follow-ups help monitor recovery and detect any recurrence early.
Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, as it develops gradually from precancerous changes in the cervix. Prevention focuses on reducing risk factors, early detection, and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccination
HPV is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, typically between ages 9 and 14.
- It protects against high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
- Some adults up to the age of 45 may also benefit from vaccination, based on medical advice.
Regular Cervical Screening
Screening tests help detect abnormal changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer.
- Pap smear (Pap test): Identifies abnormal or precancerous cell changes in the cervix.
- HPV test: Detects the presence of high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer.
- Screening is recommended for women starting at age 21, with frequency depending on age, test type, and medical history.
Many women choose to get screened at a reputable hospital in India for accurate diagnosis and access to experienced specialists who can recommend the best treatment for their specific case.
Safe Sexual Practices
Since HPV is spread through sexual contact, practising safer sex can lower the risk of infection.
- Using condoms or dental dams can reduce, but not completely prevent, HPV transmission.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners may decrease exposure to high-risk HPV strains.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer, like many health issues, is easier to manage when caught early. Recognising the symptoms, understanding the stages, and knowing the treatment options are all steps toward taking control of your health. If anything in this blog resonates or raises concerns, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional. Don’t wait—your health is worth it.
