Cancer care at ZenHeal
Cervical Cancer: symptoms, tests and treatment
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the lower part of the womb. Almost all cases are linked to long-term infection with high-risk HPV. It grows slowly, so regular screening can catch changes before they turn into cancer.
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Warning signs of cervical cancer
- Bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain in the lower abdomen or during intercourse
- Back or leg pain and swelling in advanced disease
These signs often have other causes. If one lasts more than two to three weeks, see a doctor and get it checked.
Who is at higher risk
- Long-lasting high-risk HPV infection
- Marriage or first pregnancy at an early age
- Many pregnancies
- Smoking
- Weak immunity, including HIV
- Never having had a Pap or HPV test
How cervical cancer is diagnosed
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1
Pap smear and HPV test
Screening tests that find abnormal cells or HPV before symptoms appear.
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2
Colposcopy and biopsy
The cervix is examined under magnification and a small sample is taken to confirm cancer.
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3
MRI and PET-CT
Show the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on the stage, the type of cancer and your overall health. Most patients receive more than one of these.
Surgery
For early-stage cancer, removal of the womb and nearby tissue (radical hysterectomy) can be curative.
Chemoradiation
External radiotherapy given together with weekly chemotherapy. This is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer.
Brachytherapy
Internal radiotherapy placed close to the tumour, which delivers a high dose to the cancer while sparing the bladder and bowel.
Cervical Cancer treatment at ZenHeal
Radiation oncologists at both hospitals treat cervical cancer with chemoradiation. The Prayagraj radiation oncologist has a special interest in brachytherapy and gynaecological cancers.
Doctors who treat cervical cancer
Common questions about cervical cancer
Largely, yes. The HPV vaccine (best given at ages 9 to 14) and regular screening from age 30 prevent most cases.
Early-stage cervical cancer is curable in most women. Even locally advanced disease is often controlled with chemoradiation and brachytherapy.
Some patients have temporary loose motions or urinary irritation during radiotherapy. Modern planning keeps long-term side effects low.
Other cancer types
Diagnosed or worried about cervical cancer?
Upload your reports for a free review, or ask a ZenHeal oncologist to call you back.