Cervical Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Cervical Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Are you looking for Cervical Cancer Treatment in Lucknow? Apollo Hospitals Lucknow offers everything from comprehensive assessment and correct diagnosis to tailored treatments by experienced doctors. This page will outline what cervical cancer is, the various types, symptoms of cervical cancer, its causative factors, and methods of treatment. Apollo’s expert team aims to identify cervical cancer as soon as possible and treat patients effectively with support throughout their treatment journey.

What is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix, part of the uterus, is located at its bottom and connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer is a condition in which certain cells in the cervix multiply uncontrollably. There may not be any symptoms, which emphasises the need to get tested. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread via sexual contact or skin contact, is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. 

Many individuals carrying this virus can clear it over time as the immune system helps the body to fight against it. In some women, the HPV cannot be eliminated. This can lead to certain changes in the cervical cells that cause cancer or precancer. So it is important to detect HPV early to prevent further spreading.

Types of Cervical Cancer

There are generally two major types of cervical cancers-

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type and makes up most cases of cervical cancer. This type begins in the flat cells that cover the outside of the cervix. Most cervical screening procedures are good at finding cell changes.
• Adenocarcinoma: This less common type of cervical cancer begins in mucus glands within the cervical canal. This type tends to grow deeper within the cervix and may not be found with most cervical screening procedures.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

A woman having cervical cancer might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease develops, the woman can develop any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: It is one of the main symptoms. It may involve bleeding between normal menstruation periods, bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, bleeding after menopause, and heavy or prolonged bleeding during periods.
• Pelvic pain: As the disease continues, one may suffer from pelvic pain or discomfort. In addition, a woman may experience pain during sexual intercourse. While pelvic pain can develop from many causes, it is important not to ignore possible symptoms.
• Changes in vaginal discharge: This discharge could become blood-tinged, increase in volume, smell stronger or more offensive, or be watery or much thicker.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

The vast majority of cervical cancers are usually caused by the HPV virus. Once HPV is acquired, it usually resolves spontaneously. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains may lead to malignancy of cervical cells.

Risk Factors

• HPV Infection: High-risk HPV becomes most prevalent due to chronic infections.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces the body’s ability to get rid of HPV and increases the risk of abnormal cervical cells.
• Family History: Women who have had a family history of cervical cancer may have a higher possibility of developing the disease and should talk to a physician regarding the right screening.
• A Weak Immune System: When an individual’s body cannot easily eliminate the HPV due to a weak immune system, the risk of chronic infection increases.
• Early Initiation of Sexual Intercourse: HPV infection at a young age may be linked to chronic infection at a later age.
• More Pregnancies: A history of multiple pregnancies is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Prevention and Screening

Cervical cancer is among the several cancer types that can be avoided through the process of HPV vaccination and regular cervical examination. 

HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine effectively protects against the high-risk HPV strains. The vaccine is very effective before exposure to HPV; therefore, it is recommended for adolescents and young adults. Young and middle-aged women may choose vaccination depending upon their health status and age after consulting their healthcare provider. While a vaccine makes the chances of cervical precancer and cancer highly unlikely, it cannot substitute for a Pap Smear. 

The Pap Smear: A Pap Smear is a simple and fast test in which a sample of cells from the cervix is taken. A Pap Smear screens for precancer of the cervix, ultimately helping to prevent cervical cancer.

Diagnosis

• Pap Smear: The physician collects cells from the cervix using a spatula or brush and sends them to the lab for early diagnosis of cell changes.
• HPV Test: The HPV test is done to check whether high-risk types of HPV virus causing cervical cancer are present. The test can either be done along with the Pap smear or after obtaining abnormal Pap test results. A positive HPV test does not mean that a woman is having cervical cancer but only indicates that she needs some additional monitoring and testing.
• Colposcopy: If the Pap smear or the HPV test comes back abnormal, your physician may choose to perform a colposcopy. While doing the procedure, the colposcope is kept outside your body, and the doctor can look inside to see whether a biopsy is required.
• Biopsy: No test screens for cervical cancer. So the only reliable method to diagnose cervical cancer is through a biopsy. During the biopsy, the doctor takes a sample of the affected part, and it will be viewed under the microscope by the pathologist; the pathology report helps diagnose cancer, its extent, and the treatment required.

Cancer Staging

Stage helps the medical team decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. Only a health care professional can accurately determine the stage. 

Treatment Options

The treatment of cancer is reliant upon several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, plans for fertility in the future, and the treatment preferred. 

Surgery: The most common surgical interventions are as follows:

• Abnormal tissue removal from the cervix
• Partial or complete removal of the cervix
• Hysterectomy
• Removal of lymph nodes in proximity to the cancer, when necessary.

• Fertility Preservation: If the treated woman is in the very early stages of cervical cancer and has a strong desire to preserve her fertility in the future, a fertility-sparing surgery could be performed. The options include radical trachelectomy, which keeps the uterus but removes the cervix.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy, which employs high-energy beams for killing cancer cells, can be administered either alone or after the surgery. The real purpose of radiation therapy is to minimise the chances of the disease manifesting again.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a medical procedure performed to eliminate cancerous cells or minimise their growth. The oncologist will discuss the methods to be used, the side effects, and supportive measures available.
• Targeted Therapy: It uses drugs that attack specific properties of cancer cells. Doctors may utilise this treatment in special cases of recurrent cervical cancer. 

Recovery and Follow-up

The time required for recovery from pelvic cancer treatment varies based on several factors such as the treatment involved and the general health of the patient. Some can recover within weeks after surgery, while others may require a longer time after the treatment involving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

Regular medical appointments play a necessary part in recovery. At these appointments, the physician monitors and assesses the patient’s health. The physician also performs a physical examination and gynaecological examination and may recommend imaging or laboratory tests whenever required. 

Furthermore, women also receive recommendations regarding nutrition, physical rehabilitation, as well as emotional support during the course of cancer treatment.

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals Lucknow?

• A team of specialists is available at the hospital, including gynaecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, and rehabilitators, with substantial experience in their field of work.
• The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment for thorough examination, visualisation, and diagnosis of the disease.
• Various treatment therapies are available, including, but not limited to, surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and other innovative therapies.
• Doctors outline specific treatment programs based on the stage of the disease. Various medical services are available to assist the patients in achieving physical rehabilitation and comfort.

Timely evaluation and intervention by the top oncology specialists at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow can make all the difference.

Meet the Specialist

Dr Isha Pai specialises in gynaecologic oncology and is skilled in identifying and treating cancers of the female reproductive system, such as cervical cancer. Along with her team of specialists, she successfully creates individualised treatment plans for her patients depending on their needs and treatment goals.

FAQs

1.What is the cause of cervical cancer? 

High-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Although HPV infections are frequent, very few are persistent long enough to result in changes in cervical cells.

2. How does the HPV vaccine help in reducing the risk of cervical cancer? 

The HPV vaccine is utilised to reduce the chances of contracting types of HPV that lead to the development of cervical cancer. However, it works best if it is administered before being infected.

3. How frequently should a Pap smear be done? 

The frequency is determined by various factors such as age, results from previous Pap smear exams, and others.

4. What are the early indications of cervical cancer? 

Early stages of cervical cancer do not show any indications. Whenever indications do show, they take the form of unusual bleeding, vaginal discharge, among others.

5. Is it possible to treat cervical cancer if it is diagnosed at an early stage?

Cervical cancer is often easier to treat and has higher survival rates when it is diagnosed early, before the disease has had time to progress. 

6. What happens during a colposcopy? 

During the colposcopy, a physician uses a special visualisation device that makes it easy to identify any abnormal area. The doctor may take a sample of the affected tissue for testing.

7. Can it be possible to stay fertile after cervical cancer therapy? 

In certain cases, women with early detection of cervical cancer can undergo surgery to retain fertility. This procedure is available for women depending on the type of tumour, its dimensions, and its stage of development.

8. What are the characteristics of cervical cancer stages? 

Stage I indicates the cancer affects only the uterus, while stage IV indicates the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well. The various stages of cervical cancer are important for doctors to be able to prescribe appropriate treatment.

9. Cervical cancer ke Lakshan kya hain?

Cervical cancer ke lakshan mein kabhi bhi bleeding hona, pelvic pain hona, aur asamanya vaginal discharge ho sakta hai. 

Related Services 

Some patients may also be interested in our services related to:

• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer
• Fallopian Tube Cancer

Book Your Appointment Today!