What is cervical cancer?

According to a gynaecologist in Kolkata, cervical cancer is a kind of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of your uterus that connects to your vagina. It is caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that causes changes to the cells in the cervix, leading to cancer.

In the early stages, cervical cancer might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as cancer grows and spreads, it may cause the following symptoms:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding 2. Unusual vaginal discharge 3. Pain during sex 4 . Pelvic pain 5. Pain during urination 6. Swelling in the legs

The most vital cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection. Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point or the other in their lives, but in most cases, the infection does not lead to cervical cancer. However, in some cases, HPV can cause changes in the cells of your cervix that can lead to cancer. Other factors that increase the risk of developing cervical cancer have been discussed below by a gynae oncologist in Kolkata.

1. Smoking : Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than women who do not smoke. 2. Weakened immune system : Women with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or who have undergone an organ transplant, are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. 3. Long-term use of birth control pills : Women who have used birth control pills for five years or longer may have a slightly higher risk of cervical cancer. 4. Family history : Women who have a sister or mother who has had cervical cancer may be at increased risk for developing the disease.

The main treatment options for cervical cancer include:

1. Radiation therapy : It uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery or alone. 2. Chemotherapy : It is the use of drugs to kill cancerous cells. According to the best chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata, it may be used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery or alone. 3. Immunotherapy : Immunotherapy is a kind of treatment that helps the immune system destroy and recognize cancer cells. It may be used in combination with other treatments or alone. 4. Targeted therapy : Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific pathways or molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It may be used alone or along with other treatments. 5. Surgery : Surgery is one of the treatments for cervical cancer. The type of surgery depends on the stage of cancer and may include:

• Cone biopsy : A small amount of tissue is removed from the cervix.
• Hysterectomy : Removal of the cervix and uterus.
• Radical hysterectomy : Removal of the cervix, uterus, and other surrounding tissues.