Cervical Cancer Treatment — Expert Gynecologic Oncologists
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer refers to the cancer of the uterine cervix, i.e. the lower part of the uterus, which extends slightly into the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women and the second most frequent cancer worldwide.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Spotting or bleeding between periods
Heavier or longer periods than usual
Pain during sexual intercourse
Back pain
Fatigue
Leg pain
Pelvic pain
Single swollen leg
Weight loss
Vaginal bleeding after sex
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Other abnormal vaginal discharge
Many initial symptoms may coincide with other reproductive conditions, making it harder to spot the issue early on.
Risk factors
Tobacco smoking
Overweight
HIV infection
Current or past Chlamydia infection
Immune system suppression
Long-term use of oral contraceptives
Having more than three full-term pregnancies
Being pregnant before the age of 17
Living in unhygienic conditions
Family history of cervical cancer
Diagnosis of cervical cancer
If there is a suspicion of cervical cancer, the doctor will suggest an examination of the cervix with a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope — a procedure called colposcopy, used to check for abnormal cell growth. A sample of cervical cells is then taken for biopsy or laboratory testing.
Punch biopsy
A sharp tool is used to pinch off sample cells from the cervical tissue for laboratory testing.
Endocervical curettage
A small, spoon-shaped curette is used to scrape off a tissue sample from the cervix.
Cone biopsy
Performed under general anaesthesia when initial results are concerning — lets the doctor obtain deeper layers of cervical cells for biopsy.
Electrical wire loop
A thin, low-voltage electrical wire is used to obtain a small tissue sample, performed under local anaesthesia.
Stages of cervical cancer
Abnormal cervical cells are only present on the surface of the cervix, known as CIN 3. This stage is referred to as carcinoma in situ (CIS) and is not included in the FIGO staging system.
A small number of tumours are present but have not spread to any tissue, lymph nodes, organs or distant body parts.
The tumour begins to spread beyond the cervix and uterus, but has not invaded the lower parts of the vagina or the pelvic walls.
Cancer cells grow into the pelvic walls and invade the lower part of the vagina, and the tumour blocks the ureter tubes carrying urine to the bladder — but has not spread to other body parts.
The most advanced stage — cancer invades other parts of the body, including the bladder, rectum and other distant organs.
Treatment options
Common treatment options include Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy. Different types of doctors are involved in treating this condition:
Gynecologic oncologist
A surgeon who specialises in treating female reproductive cancers through surgical procedures.
Radiation oncologist
Uses radiation therapy to treat different types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
Medical oncologist
Uses chemotherapy and other procedures like targeted therapies to treat cervical cancer.