Treatment of Cervical Tumors

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Early detection significantly improves the success rate of cervical cancer treatment. Most medical guidelines recommend that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

1. Stage 1: Cancer is confined to the cervix.
2. Stage 2: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to the upper vagina.
3. Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the lower vagina or side walls of the pelvis.
4. Stage 4: Cancer has spread to nearby organs (bladder, rectum) or distant organs (lungs, liver, bones).

To determine the stage of cancer, doctors use the following tests:

• Imaging Tests – X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans help assess cancer spread.
• Bladder and Rectal Examination – To check for tumor involvement in nearby organs.

Tests for Cervical Cancer

1. Pap Smear Test:
   • Detects abnormal cells in the cervix, including precancerous and cancerous cells.
   • Recommended for routine screening.
2. HPV DNA Test:
   • Detects Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is strongly linked to cervical cancer.
   • Typically performed in women over 30 or younger women with abnormal Pap smear results.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

1. Colposcopy:
   • A magnifying instrument is used to examine the cervix for abnormal cells.
   • If abnormalities are found, the doctor will take a biopsy (tissue sample) for lab testing.
2. Types of Biopsies:
   • Punch Biopsy:
     • Uses a sharp tool to remove small samples of cervical tissue.
   • Endocervical Curettage (Endometrial Scraping):
     • Uses a small spoon-shaped instrument (curette) or thin brush to collect tissue from inside the cervix.
3. Other Diagnostic Procedures:
   • Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP):
     • Uses a low-voltage electrical wire loop to remove a small tissue sample.
     • Performed under local anesthesia in a doctor’s office.
   • Cone Biopsy:
     • Removes a deeper layer of cervical tissue for lab testing.
     • Conducted in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Treatment depends on the cancer stage, overall health, and patient preferences. Options include:

1. Surgery – Removes the cancerous tissue (hysterectomy in advanced cases).
2. Radiation Therapy – High-energy rays destroy cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy – Drug-based treatment to kill cancer cells.
4. Targeted Therapy – Focuses on specific cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
5. Immunotherapy – Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

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