Do you experience dull pelvic pain or heavy bleeding during menstruation? A cervical screening test can be a good option for you to understand your issue. Dr Tanmoy Kumar Mandal, the best gynaecologic cancer doctor in Kolkata, with his expertise and experience, will guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process.
About Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer starts to form in the cells of the cervix. The cervix acts as a bridge between the uterus and the vagina, connecting them. It is made up of endocervix and ectocervix. Endocervix is the internal part of the cervix, while the ectocervix is the outer part that opens to the vagina. Cervical cancer starts to form in different stages. Before it becomes cancerous, abnormal cells begin to grow on the walls of the cervix. Over time, if not destroyed, it starts to spread around the surrounding areas.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can only be observed after it has spread. Some of the early symptoms include-
- Unusual vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Watery vaginal discharge with strong odour
- Pelvic pain during intercourse
- Periods lasting for a longer time
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer can be observed when it spreads beyond the cervix to other parts of the body. The symptoms include-
- Difficulty in bowel movements
- Abdomen pain
- Swelling of legs
- Feeling tired
- Painful urination with blood in urine
Understanding these symptoms requires the help of efficient doctors. The skilled gynecologic cancer doctor in Kolkata helps women with regular screening to avoid conditions before they become cancerous.
Diagnosis
Utilizing the proper diagnosis method is crucial for early detection.
Screening test
The most common way includes screening tests. It helps to detect precancerous cells before they become deadly. Screening tests include-
- PAP test-. This technique involves collecting samples by scraping and brushing cervical tissues to find abnormalities.
- HPV DNA test– HPV ( Human Papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted disease. The HPV test enables us to determine the presence of the HPV virus, which is responsible for the growth of cancer cells.
Colposcopic exam
A coloposcopic exam uses a particular magnifying instrument to examine the vaginal area. It is performed when the PAP test shows any warning signs. It is done to diagnose cervicitis (inflamed cervix area), vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. There are two types of colposcopy exams. These are-
- Punch biopsy– This targeted approach helps obtain a representative sample of the abnormal area, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Endocervical curettage (ECC)- This is a procedure for collecting tissue samples from the endocervical canal. It is performed particularly in cases where abnormalities are suspected but not easily accessible through other methods, such as Pap smear or colposcopy.
Treatment
Cervical cancer is treated with surgery (like hysterectomy), radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy), and chemotherapy. Early-stage cancer may be managed with surgery alone. At the same time, advanced cases often require combining these treatments for optimal outcomes, tailored based on cancer stage and patient health. The highly skilled gynaecologic cancer doctor in Kolkata offers personalized treatment options that are best suited to treat your disease, making you feel cared for and understood.You can receive optimum treatment with the right diagnosis and treatment offered by the best gynaecologic cancer doctor in Kolkata.