Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Risks & Treatments
The cervix is characterized as the lower part of a woman’s womb or the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancers can be caused due to a variety of reasons, however, the most commonly observed reason is the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. More often than not, this contraction is attributed to sexual intercourse with someone already inflicted with the virus. That being said, not all HPVs lead to cervical cancer signs and symptoms and some may only leave a wart. Some of the best gynecology hospitals in Bangalore would even recommend you to opt for the vaccine available for the prevention of cervical cancers. Apart from HPV, some of the other common causes for cervical cancer signs and symptoms are excessive smoking, multiple sexual partners and a damaged immune system.
What are the various cervical cancer signs and symptoms? Just like other cancers, cervical cancer signs and symptoms only become evident at an advanced stage, thus making it difficult to be diagnosed during the initial stages of contraction: • • • •
Spotting or bleeding from the vagina Post-intercourse bleeding from the vagina Unusual vaginal discharge Pain during intercourse
These cervical cancer signs and symptoms must prompt one to visit a gynecologist in Bangalore at the earliest as it may help in early-stage detection. At an advanced stage, the cancer tends to spread to the abdomen and limbs and thus affecting those organs severely, the signs to which may be:
• • • • •
Urinary blockage / pain Weight loss Lack of appetite Anemia due to blood loss Fatigue and weakness
Cervical Cancer Treatment Treatment of cervical cancer, if detected in the early stages, has a high cure rate. The type of treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of cancer. A single therapy or a combination of therapies can be used for the treatment of cervical cancer. The options for treatment are: • • • •
Surgery – to remove the cancer (usually at an early stage) Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Chemoradiation
The type of treatment of cervical cancer also depends on the patient’s age, lifestyle, desire to have children (need to conserve the uterus) and overall health.
