Know Your Disease
Cervical Cancer
Overview
Cervical cancer, a cancer that commonly affects women, starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (uterus) that opens at the top of the vagina. This cancer develops very slowly and starts as a pre-existing condition called dysplasia. Cervical cancers are generally caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse, says the best cancer surgeon in Kolkata. All women should start screening for cervical cancer when they are 21 years old. It is the easiest female cancer to prevent through regular Pap smears and follow-up.
What are Its Signs and Symptoms
During the early stages, there could be no symptoms of cervical cancer. However, its features include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after periods and intercourse
- Menopausal bleeding, if you have stopped it for six weeks or are not on HRT
- Persistent vaginal discharge
- Abnormal and / or abnormal vaginal discharge
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Leg pain
- Pelvic pain
- A swollen foot
- Weight loss
- Heavy period than usual
Treatment
Cervical cancer treatment in Kolkata is usually based on various factors – the stages, the size and shape of the tumour, the age of the patient and her general health. There are various cervical cancer treatment options:
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
This procedure, also known as LEEP, uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue.
Cryotherapy
The process involves freezing abnormal cells.
Laser Therapy
This treatment uses light to destroy cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy
This includes the use of certain drugs that destroy cancer tissue.
Radiation Therapy
Internal or external radiation can be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis
or cancer that has returned.
Radical Hysterectomy
It requires the removal of the uterus and many surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes
and the upper part of the vagina, says the cancer specialist in Kolkata.