Cervical cancer: from the first changes to treatment

Cervical cancer requires increased attention to this disease among women. The insidiousness of the disease lies in its hidden onset.

An effective way to prevent this type of cancer is through regular checkups and vaccination. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about cervical cancer — from causes to rehabilitation.

What is cervical cancer and why should it not be ignored?

Cervical cancer is a malignant disease that develops from the epithelial cells lining the cervical canal.

In the International Classification of Diseases, cervical cancer ICD 10 is coded as C53. This allows doctors around the world to use the same terminology and treatment standards.

This disease cannot be ignored for several reasons.

If the pathology is not treated, the tumor can spread to other organs and metastasize. This makes treatment more difficult and the prognosis less favorable. If a woman postpones a visit to the doctor because of embarrassment or fear, she puts herself in mortal danger.

Lack of treatment leads to serious complications. Bleeding, bladder and intestinal dysfunction may begin. The quality of life deteriorates sharply.

Medicine has means of prevention. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of this disease and protect a woman's health.

Cervical cancer: causes and factors of development

The main cause of cancer is the human papillomavirus. The most dangerous types are 16 and 18. This virus is sexually transmitted. However, not all types of HPV lead to cancer. A healthy person's body can neutralize this pathogen within 1-2 years.

Other causes of cancer include:

• early onset of sexual activity
• multiple pregnancies at a young age
• HIV infection
• prolonged uncontrolled use of oral contraceptives
• vitamin deficiency
• smoking

Stages of cervical cancer

Classification of cervical cancer helps doctors determine the extent of the lesion and select a treatment strategy.

1. Stage 0 (non-invasive cervical cancer) — altered cells are located only on the surface of the epithelium.
2. Stage 2 cervical cancer — the pathological process spreads beyond the organ. However, the cancer has not yet reached the pelvic wall.
3. Stage 3 — the neoplasm spreads to the pelvic wall or the lower third of the vagina, and the lymph nodes may be affected.
4. Stage 4 — the tumor extends beyond the pelvis or grows into the bladder or rectum.

If you are diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer, how long will you live with this diagnosis? Only a doctor can give an accurate prognosis. It depends on the spread of the disease and the condition of the woman's body.

How does cervical cancer manifest itself?

The first symptoms of cervical cancer are usually difficult to notice. They do not cause any discomfort, so a woman may not even realize that the pathology is already developing. This is why preventive examinations are so important.

Early symptoms of cervical cancer that should raise alarm bells:

• minor bleeding during sexual intercourse
• increased discharge, change in its smell or color
• discomfort during urination
• feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen

However, these symptoms do not always indicate cancer. They may be signs of other gynecological diseases. If you notice such symptoms, do not delay making an appointment with your doctor.

The main methods of diagnosis for suspected cervical cancer

A gynecologist uses several methods to establish an accurate diagnosis.

The first and most important of these is screening for cervical cancer. This is a system of regular examinations of healthy women to detect precancerous changes or early stages of cancer. A Pap smear cytological examination can detect atypical cells long before clinical symptoms appear. Cervical cancer screening is recommended for all women aged 21 and older at least once every three years.

Cervical cancer test — detection of high-risk HPV by PCR. This test is informative for women over the age of 30. It is at this age that the persistence of the virus becomes most dangerous. The combination of cytological examination and HPV testing provides the highest accuracy in detecting pathological changes.

If cervical cancer is suspected, colposcopy allows you to visually see the changes. The doctor uses a special device — a colposcope, which magnifies the image 10-40 times.

Many women are interested in whether cervical cancer is visible on an ultrasound. After all, it is a familiar and safe method of examination. An ultrasound can detect volumetric formations, but it is not the primary method of diagnosing this disease.

If suspicious changes are detected, a biopsy is mandatory — a tissue sample is taken for histological examination. Only after examining the cells under a microscope can a final diagnosis be made and the type of tumor determined. Suspicion of cervical cancer is an indication for additional examinations: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging to assess the spread of the process.

How is cervical cancer treated?

The treatment for this type of cancer depends on the extent of the disease, the woman's age, the presence of metastases, and her overall health.

For cervical cancer, surgery is the best option in the early stages. During the procedure, the doctor removes a cone-shaped fragment of the cervix. This allows reproductive function to be preserved. In more advanced cases, the uterus and its appendages are removed, and in some cases, the pelvic lymph nodes are also removed.

How is cervical cancer treated in later stages? In such cases, combination therapy is used. It combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can be performed externally or internally, when the radioactive source is placed directly in the tumor area. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that destroy cancer cells.

The doctor chooses the method of therapy only after a comprehensive and complete examination of the patient.

How are precancerous conditions treated?

Precancerous conditions that develop slowly usually only need to be monitored. Moderate and severe dysplasia requires intensive treatment. At the Oncare Medical Center, we offer patients the following methods to combat the problem: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and radiosurgery.

After treatment for dysplasia, the patient should visit the doctor regularly for follow-up tests and monitoring.

What not to do when diagnosed with cervical cancer

The biggest mistake is to reject traditional methods of treatment in favor of folk remedies. This is not only ineffective, but also leads to a worsening of the condition. The use of herbal tinctures, decoctions, and douching does not help.

Refrain from taking hot baths, saunas, and massages in the pelvic area. This can provoke bleeding.

Do not use vaginal suppositories, ointments, or other medications without consulting your doctor. Self-medication can cause allergies and irritation.

Do not change the dosage of the prescribed medication on your own and do not stop taking it without consulting your gynecologist. Follow the course and dosage of the medication.

You should also refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. This worsens the condition of the body and can affect the effectiveness of therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, the consequences of this disease can be minimal, provided you see a gynecologist in a timely manner. Do not put off seeing a doctor out of fear or prejudice that the disease will go away on its own.

Rehabilitation after treatment

Depending on the extent of the treatment, the duration of rehabilitation after treatment of the pathology ranges from several months to a year. During the first few weeks, avoid physical activity, intimate contact, and lifting heavy objects.

After chemotherapy, adjust your diet, stick to a daily routine, and take walks in the fresh air.

If you feel anxious, depressed, or afraid of a relapse, consult a psychologist. They will help you restore your mental state and calm down.

Prevention of the disease

The main preventive measure for this disease is vaccination against HPV. Currently, there are vaccines that protect against the most dangerous oncogenic types of papillomavirus. Consult your gynecologist about vaccination.

After reaching the age of 21, visit your doctor annually to prevent and detect the first symptoms of cancer.

Also, be sure to use condoms when having sex with a new partner.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat right, and support your immune system. These measures will help prevent cancer.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a dangerous disease that can be prevented by vaccination. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist are the key to early detection and successful treatment.