Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus or womb, and is connected to the upper vagina. It is the structure that dilates during childbirth to allow the baby to traverse the birth canal. This is the area where cervical cells are most likely to become cancerous. It is called the transformation zone.
Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to multiply out of control and form pre-cancerous lesions. If not successfully treated at an early stage, cervical cancer is capable of invading through the wall of the uterus into adjacent areas and sometimes can spread through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to parts of the body away from the uterus.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Abnormal bleeding - Women with cervical cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can be heavy or light bleeding during the month.
Unusual heavy discharge - An increased vaginal discharge is also a symptom of cervical cancer. It may be foul smelling, watery, thick, or contain mucus. It varies from woman to woman. It is important to report any unusual vaginal discharge to your doctor.
Pelvic pain - Pelvic pain that is not related to the normal menstrual cycle can be a cervical cancer symptom. Many women describe them ranging from a dull ache to sharp pains that can last hours. It can be mild or severe.
Pain during urination - Bladder pain or pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This cervical cancer symptom usually occurs when cancer has spread to the bladder.
Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam - Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam can be cervical cancer symptoms. This is due to the irritation of the cervix during these activities. While a healthy cervix may have a very small amount of bleeding, many conditions may cause bleeding after activities like sex.
Types of Cervical Cancer: There are two major types of cancer that develop from the cervix.
Squamous Cell Cancers - Squamous cell cancers arise from the squamous epithelium that covers the visible part of the cervix. Squamous cell cancers are unique because there is a well established progression through premalignant changes before a cancer develops. These premalignant changes are easy to detect by a simple screening test called the Pap test.
Adenocarcinomas - Adenocarcinomas arise from the glandular lining of the endocervical canal.
Each of these major types has several subtypes that may require special treatment. About 85% of cervical cancers are squamous cell cancers and the remainder are adenocarcinomas.
Causes of Cervical Cancer: The cause of cervical cancer is unknown. Human papilloma virus or HPV is considered to have a strong assosiation with cervical cancer. There are many different types of HPV. It is sometimes called the genital wart virus as some types of HPV cause genital warts. In fact, the types that cause warts are not the types that cause cervical cancer. HPV is passed on from person to another through sexual contact. Women who get cervical cancer have had past infections with HPV. High risk types of HPV can cause changes in the cells covering the cervix that make them more likely to become cancerous in time. But most women infected with these viruses do NOT develop cervical cancer. So other factors must also be needed.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer:
Pap Smear Test - A Pap smear is an examination under the microscope of cells scraped from the tip of the cervix. Doctors do this by putting an instrument called a speculum inside vagina and then scraping the cervix with a small brush.
Liquid Based Cytology - Liquid based cytology (LBC) is a way of preparing cervical samples for examination in the laboratory. The sample is collected in a similar way to the Pap smear, using a special device (spatula) which brushes cells from the neck of the womb.
Hybrid Capture II Test - The Hybrid Capture II HPV test tells if treatment is essential for women or not. It is a DNA based test that provides information about 13 types of HPV virus that might be the agent of infection of cervical cells.
Colposcopy - A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This helps your health care provider find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) - The test involves the use of an electrode put inside the cervix to remove abnormal cells from the cervix and endo-cervical canal. A high frequency electric current is running through the wire.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - This test uses magnetism to build up pictures of the organs in your abdomen. It is very good at imaging the tissues of the pelvis where the cancer is. MRI is painless, and the magnetism is harmless.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan - A CT scan is a type of x-ray that gives a cross-sectional picture of organs and other structures (including any tumours) in your body.
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - A positron emission tomography (PET) scan can check to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Stages of Cervical Cancer: If a patient has cancer of the cervix, the doctor will order more tests to find out if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This process is called staging. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
The following stages are used to describe cancer of the cervix:
Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ (dysplasia): Carcinoma in situ is a precancerous condition. Abnormal cells are found only in the first layer of cells of the lining of the cervix and do not invade the deeper tissues of the cervix. Treatment at this stage may be one of the following:
Conization
Laser surgery
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
Surgery to remove the cancerous area, cervix, and uterus (total abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy) for those women who cannot or no longer want to have children
Stage IA: Stage IA cancer involves the cervix but has not spread to nearby tissue. A very small amount of cancer that is only visible under a microscope is found deeper in the tissues of the cervix. Treatment may be one of the following, depending on how deeply the tumor cells have invaded the normal tissue:
Surgery to remove the cancer, uterus, and cervix (total abdominal hysterectomy). The ovaries may also be taken out (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), but they are usually not removed in younger women.
Conization.
For deeper tumors (3-5 millimeters), surgery to remove the cancer, the uterus and cervix, and part of the vagina (radical hysterectomy), along with the lymph nodes in the pelvic area (lymph node dissection).
Internal radiation therapy.
Stage IB: Cancer involves the cervix but has not spread nearby. A larger amount of cancer is found in the tissues of the cervix. Treatment may be one of the following, depending on how deeply the tumor cells have invaded the normal tissue:
Internal and external radiation therapy
Radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection
Radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection with or without chemotherapy
Radiation therapy plus chemotherapy
Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to nearby areas but is still inside the pelvic area. Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to the upper two thirds of the vagina. Treatment may be one of the following:
Internal and external radiation therapy
Radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection
Radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection with or without radiation or chemotherapy
Radiation therapy plus chemotherapy
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to nearby areas but is still inside the pelvic area. Cancer has spread to the tissue around the cervix. Treatment may be internal or external radiation therapy plus chemotherapy.
Stage III: Cancer has spread throughout the pelvic area. Cancer cells may have spread to the lower part of the vagina. The cells also may have spread to block the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (the ureters). Treatment may be internal or external radiation therapy plus chemotherapy.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bladder or rectum (organs close to the cervix). It is unusual for cervical cancer to reach this stage. If it does, treatment may be internal or external radiation therapy plus chemotherapy.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs. It is unusual for cervical cancer to reach this stage. If it does, treatment may be radiation to relieve symptoms caused by the cancer plus chemotherapy.
Cervical Cancer Treatment: Treatment for cervical cancer begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows your health care professional to best evaluate your risks of developing cervical cancer, perform routine Pap smear screening, and promptly order further diagnostic testing as needed. These measures greatly increase the chances of detecting cervical cancer in its earliest, most curable stage. This stage is called cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition that is 100% treatable.
The goal of cervical cancer treatment is to permanently cure the cancer or to bring about a complete remission of the disease. Remission means that there is no longer any sign of the disease in the body, although it may recur or relapse later. Cervical cancer treatment plans use a multifaceted approach and are individualized to the type of cancer and stage of advancement; your age, medical history, and coexisting diseases or conditions; and other factors.
Cervical Cancer Surgery: The following surgical procedures may be used as part of cervical cancer treatment.
Conization - Conization, also called a cone biopsy, is a procedure that is used to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. A pathologist will view the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. This type of surgery may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition.
Hysterectomy - A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus but not the ovaries) is not often performed for cervical cancer that has not spread. It may be done in women who have repeated LEEP procedures.
Radical Hysterectomy - Radical Hysterectomy removes the uterus and much of the surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina.
Cryosurgery - Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as carcinoma in situ. This type of cervical cancer surgery is also called cryotherapy.
Laser Surgery - Laser surgery is a procedure that uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) as a knife to make bloodless cuts in tissue or to remove a surface lesion such as a tumor.
Pelvic Exenteration - Surgery to remove the lower colon, rectum, and bladder. In women, the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Artificial openings (stoma) are made for urine and stool to flow from the body to a collection bag. Plastic surgery may be needed to make an artificial vagina after this operation.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy may be given for larger tumours contained in the cervix and it’s usually given if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix and is not curable with surgery alone. Radiotherapy may also be used after surgery if there is a high risk that the cancer may come back. It is often given in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation).
Treatment with radiotherapy may last for 5–8 weeks. Your cancer specialist (clinical oncologist), who plans your treatment, can discuss this treatment in detail with you.
External Radiotherapy - External radiotherapy is normally given as an outpatient, as a series of short daily treatments. High-energy x-rays are directed from a machine at the area of the cancer. The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the cancer, but the whole course of treatment for early cancer will usually last a few weeks.
Internal Rradiotherapy (Brachytherapy) - Internal radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) gives radiation directly to the cervix and the area close by. It’s often given following external beam radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy: This is the treatment of cancer with anti-cancer drugs. The aim is to destroy all cancer cells while doing the least possible damage to normal cells. The drugs work by stopping cancer cells from growing and reproducing themselves. Chemotherapy is usually given to women with more advanced cancer or together with radiotherapy. You will probably have chemotherapy through a vein. You may need to stay in hospital overnight or you may be treated as a day patient. This depends on the drugs you are given and how you are feeling.
Post Surgery Precautions: After your cervical cancer surgery, you’ll be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. This is an essential part of your recovery and, even if you have to stay in bed, the nurses will encourage you to do regular leg movements and deep breathing exercises. You’ll be seen by a physiotherapist who can help you to do the exercises.
Alternatives to Cervical Cancer Surgery: Types of alternative to cervical cancer surgery include:
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Herbal products
Vitamins or special diets
Visualizatio,
Meditation
Spiritual healing.
Many patients claim that these alternative treatments help them feel better. It is important to note that some types of alternative treatment may interfere with standard treatment. In some cases, the combination of alternative treatment and standard treatment may even be harmful.
Benefits of Cervical Cancer Treatment and Surgery: The goal of cervical cancer surgery is to permanently cure the cancer or to bring about a complete remission of the disease. The benefits of cervical cancer screening are substantial. Pre-cancer conditions are completely curable when followed up and treated properly. The chance of being alive in 5 years (5-year survival rate) for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix area is 92%.
Cervical Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India: India with its ever growing economy has achieved a standing of world’s best medical tourism destination of the world. India offers complete medical facility specializing in many disciplines that was built especially to cater medical tourists. It has some of the best hospitals of the world especially for cancer treatment. Most of the surgeons and doctors are internationally trained and has huge experience of handling cancer cases. With rapidly evolving technology, international quality standards and protocols for medical and surgical care, and international accreditation with JCI, ISO, etc, India has gained reputation as leading destination for cervical cancer treatment. The state-of-the-art hospitals and apparatus including highly advanced radiation technology enables the oncologists in India to more accurately target the cancer cells.
Cities in India that offers Cervical Cancer Surgery in India are as follows;
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
Cost of Cervical Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India: Treatment of Cervical Cancer in India is extremely cost effective. The quality of treatment is unparalleled. For Patients travelling to India from a different country accommodation and transportation is always a concerned. India offers some of the world’s best hotels with 3-5 star rating and still low rates.
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
Zealand
Nigeria
Kenya
Ethiopia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Congo
Lanka
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Nepal
Uzbekhistan
ABOUT INDIA
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.
Mumbai - Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This port city (India's largest and busiest) accounts for a major share of the government's revenue, and has one of the world's largest harbour. There are many things to love about Mumbai. One is simply the geographical names, like The Queen's Necklace and Elephanta Island, all with roots in the British Empire.
Hyderabad - Also known as City of Nizams. The city of Hyderabad has its own individual character, which is evident in the beautiful, ancient palaces and the equally modern, and state-of-the-art offices and buildings. Medical tourism at hospitals in Hyderabad combines care for your health with international tourism. The primary reason behind its surging popularity is better healthcare services at an affordable budget.
Goa - Popularly known as the ‘Rome of the East’, Goa boost of natural, magnificent churches and exquisite works of man. Plunge into the clear blue water of the large pool, or soak in the blissful sunshine on the picturesque island. Goa is an interesting location for getting your health propped up and getting those long postponed surgeries done. You have modern facilities, short waiting times and very affordable prices for procedures, hospital services and medicines.
Bangalore - The progressive and modern city of Bangalore is the state capital, being located within India's Karnataka state. Bangalore is often referred to as the country 'Garden City', due to its high concentration of parks and green spaces. Bangalore has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained by the rigorous Indian medical education system as well as in countries like UK and USA.
Nagpur - Nagpur City has many distinctions. It is also the second greenest in India and is located at the very center of the heartland, almost equidistant from Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi and Mumbai. The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district. The Nagpur District has a varied culture, as well as being in the central part of India, the market in Nagpur is flooded with products from all over India. Nagpur has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained in countries like UK and USA.
Kerala - Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country. Kerala is famous for its alternative medical therapies such as Ayurveda, which help to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. The region is also home to India’s only virgin tropical rain forest – the Silent Valley National Park, supporting an overwhelming range of life forms, many of which are highly endangered, and endemic to this part of the planet.
Delhi - "Welcome to The Capital City of India - New Delhi" Delhi is famous as Capital city of India is located in North India. Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger joints and up market shopping malls. Delhi has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors.
Pune - Once referred to as the Oxford of the east, Punecontinues to be a stronghold for academics and culture. An array of factors like availability of efficient and experienced doctors, comparatively low treatment costs, hospital facilities of international standards and many more have made Pune one of the top destinations for medical tourism.
Jaipur - Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. The magnificent forts, beautiful havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur a popular tourist destination among tourists. Jaipur has pioneered health and medical tourism in India.
Chennai - Chennai is one of the most developed urban centers in the Indian subcontinent. The city forms the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. They have some of the very best hospitals and treatment centers in the world. Each hospital is equipped with state of the art facilities. The technology brought into practice is the very latest, including robotic surgery.
Gurgaon - Located in the National Capital Region, Gurgaon is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Greater Delhi. In the last few years Gurgaon has boomed as the hub of IT and other new-age businesses. Gurgoan is the latest destination for Medical Tourism in India as it is the latest modern upcoming city near Delhi.
Chandigarh - Located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and happening cities of India. Chandigarh has great potential for Medical tourism as the unpolluted and excellent environs give many opportunities to patients to recover from their illness.
