Cervical cancer
Cervix is that part of the uterus between the vagina and the body of the uterus. Cancers of the cervix behave differently from the cancers of the body of the uterus. Cervical cancers are very common in developing countries like India. It. is the leading cancer in females in India.
Who is at risk for cervical cancer?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a virus which is linked to the development of cervical cancer. The main mode of transmission of HPV is through sexual contact. The chances of developing HPV infection are higher when there is :
Most of the HPV infections resolve spontaneously while in some cases they are persistent. The infection which is persistent lead to precancerous changes and in some cases cancer. The chances of developing cancer are much higher if the immunity of the person reduces in conditions like HIV infection.
Most of the HPV infections resolve spontaneously while in some cases they are persistent. The infection which is persistent lead to precancerous changes and in some cases cancer. The chances of developing cancer are much higher if the immunity of the person reduces in conditions like HIV infection.
What are the symptoms ?
What is PAP smear?
PAP smear is a test commonly performed to screen ladies for cervical cancer. PAP smear is usually part of a annual health check and it is recommended to all ladies after beginning sexual intercourse. Even ladies with normal pap smear are recommended to repeat checks once in 3-5 years.
Since the cervix is easily felt , what is usually done in a pap smear is that scrapings are taken with a spatula from the cervix and sent to the pathologist for examination under a microscope.
The a pathologist examines the smears and categorizes the smears into either normal or changes of HPV infection are present. The changes are further categorized into mild, moderate or severe. In some cases, there may actually be the presence of cervical cancer which may be detected.
How is cervical cancer treated?
When cervical cancer is confirmed based on clinical and radiologic examination, the stage of the cancer is determined.
Cervical cancer is staged from I- IV depending on the spread of conditions. Surgery is preferred in early cases of cervical cancer. The procedure is known as radical hysterectomy in which the ovaries, uterus, and lymph nodes around the uterus are removed. In the more advanced cases the treatment is usually a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
Surgery is reserved for those cases which has not responded to radiation and chemotherapy.
Radiation is given by two methods :A combination of both therapies is usually required for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy alone is given in advanced cases of cervical cancer as a palliative measure.
Is vaccination useful for cervical cancer?
There are vaccines available which help in preventing females from HPV infection. Though there is still a great deal of controversy surrounding the vaccine, the American Cancer Society recommend that the vaccine should be given to all girls between the age of 11-13. Three doses of the vaccine are given over a 6 month period. The exact duration of protection is not known
In India with the lack of clear recommendations the vaccine is given after a discussion of merits and dmerits with the Parents.