CERVICAL CANCER

Definition

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissue in a woman's cervix, which is the part that connects the uterus to the vagina. It's the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Before cancer cells appear, there are changes in the cervical tissue that can be detected early and treated. If left untreated, these abnormal changes can develop into cancer and spread to nearby areas.

Mode of Transmission

The main cause of cervical cancer is a common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Both men and women can get infected with HPV, but our bodies can usually clear the infection on their own. However, if the infection persists, it can lead to pre-cancerous lesions and eventually develop into cervical cancer. It typically takes a long time, around 15-20 years, for cervical cancer to develop from an HPV infection.

Signs and Symptoms

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are usually no visible signs or symptoms. As the cancer progresses, it can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, which may occur after sex or randomly.

Treatment

Screening for cervical cancer is important for early detection. If pre-cancerous changes are detected, treatments like cryotherapy or thermal ablation may be recommended. These procedures can be done in an outpatient clinic and are safe and effective. If a woman is not eligible for ablative treatment or there is suspicion of cervical cancer, further evaluation with colposcopy and biopsies may be needed. In some cases, a procedure called LLETZ (Large Loop. Excision of the Transformation Zone) may be performed. If cancer is diagnosed, a personalized treatment plan is created based on the stage of the disease, the patient's health and preferences, and the available healthcare resources. Cryotherapy and thermal ablation treatments are available at local health centers and clinics. It's important for women to seek appropriate healthcare and get regular screenings to detect cervical cancer early and improve the chances of successful treatment.