Symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is crucial. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to manifest. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, after menopause, or after a pelvic exam, is a common symptom. Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, bloody, or have a strong odor, can also be indicative of cervical cancer. Pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain, back pain, and bone pain may arise as the cancer spreads and affects nearby tissues and organs. Other symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, swollen legs, difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and chest or bone pain. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so seeking medical advice for proper evaluation and diagnosis is crucial. Regular screening tests, such as Pap smears, play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

Stages of cervical cancer

  1. Stage 0: This stage is also known as carcinoma in situ or pre-cancer. The abnormal cells are present only on the surface layer of the cervix and have not invaded deeper tissues.
  2. Stage I: The cancer is confined to the cervix and has not spread to nearby tissues or organs. Stage I is further divided into subcategories:
    • Stage IA: The cancer is microscopic and can only be detected through a microscope.
    • Stage IB: The cancer is visible and confined to the cervix.
  3. Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the cervix but has not reached the pelvic sidewall or the lower third of the vagina. Stage II is further divided into subcategories:
    • Stage IIA: The cancer has spread to the upper part of the vagina but not to the tissues around the uterus.
    • Stage IIB: The cancer has spread to the tissues around the uterus but not to the pelvic sidewall or the lower third of the vagina.
  4. Stage III: The cancer has spread to the pelvic sidewall or the lower third of the vagina. It may also involve the ureters, causing hydronephrosis or a nonfunctioning kidney. Stage III is further divided into subcategories:
    • Stage IIIA: The cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina but not to the pelvic sidewall.
    • Stage IIIB: The cancer has spread to the pelvic sidewall or caused hydronephrosis or a nonfunctioning kidney.
  5. Stage IV: The cancer has spread beyond the pelvic area to other parts of the body. Stage IV is further divided into subcategories:
    • Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum.
    • Stage IVB: The cancer has metastasized to distant organs, such as the lungs or bones.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment of cervical cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. The treatment options for cervical cancer may include:

  1. Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for cervical cancer, especially in the early stages. The surgical procedures used may involve removing the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. Examples of surgical procedures include radical trachelectomy (removal of most of the cervix), radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), or pelvic exenteration (removal of the cervix, uterus, and nearby tissues) for advanced cases.
  2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or damage cancer cells. It can be administered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy). Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
  3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, or in combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiotherapy).
  4. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target certain molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. These therapies work differently from chemotherapy and may be used in combination with other treatments.
  5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be used in certain cases of advanced cervical cancer.