<strong>Treatment of cervical cancer</strong>

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer which affects a woman’s cervix region. The cervix is a hollow cylinder connecting the Uterus's lower part to the vagina. Cervical cancer begins in the cells present on the surface of the cervix. Gradually it affects the deeper tissues of the cervix and may spread to other parts of the body.

Different Types of Cervical Cancer?

There are three types of cervical cancer–

Squamous cell carcinoma– This occurs in the lining of the cervix. The Squamous cells are the flat, skin-like cells which cover the outer surface of the cervix (Seventy to eighty per cent of carcinomas are squamous cell carcinomas)

Advertisment

Adenocarcinoma- This occurs in the gland cells that produce mucus.The cervix has glandular cells scattered inside the passage that runs from the cervix to the womb. Adenocarcinoma is less common compared to squamous cell carcinoma.

Adenosquamous carcinoma or mixed carcinoma-. This carcinoma has both squamous and glandular cancer cells. This is a rare kind of cervical cancer. Around 5 to 6 out of 100 cervical carcinomas are of this type.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

In the early stages cervical cancer shows no signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms are visible only in the advanced stage, they are-

Advertisment

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, in between periods, after intercourse, or even after menopause
• Vaginal discharge which may be heavy or watery with a foul odour
• Pelvic pain
• Painful urination accompanied by blood
• There is weight loss and fatigue
• Bleeding while pooping

Causes of cervical cancer

Most cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infections with certain strains of the HPV virus. HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is transmitted through sexual contact. Other causes are excessive smoking and a weak immune system. Now vaccines are available to prevent cervical cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is easily treated if caught early. The main treatments are:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Advertisment

Prevention of cervical cancer

One can try and prevent cervical cancer naturally by consuming a diet high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate – all these are found in fruits and vegetables.

These foods can help the body fight off HPV and also prevent an HPV infection from transforming cervical cells into cancerous lesions.

One can take the HPV vaccine to prevent oneself cervical cancer.