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Cervical Cancer: Staging and Treatment Options

cervical cancer staging and treatment options

Cervical cancer is a critical health issue, and many patients and their families want to know about its stages and how it can be treated. We are a leading centre for the treatment of cervical cancer in Maharashtra. So a lot of patients and their families come up with these questions.

In this blog, we will share an overview about how the staging process works for a cervical cancer. We will also share information on the entire treatment process of the condition.  So, let’s start.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Early detection through regular screening is crucial as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

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How is Cervical Cancer Staged?

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread and guides treatment planning. Clinical examination and imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI play a crucial role in this process. Clinical tests are especially important because they provide a more accurate picture of the cancer’s extent.

In cervical cancer staging, doctors use their fingers to check how far the cancer has spread. This manual examination, known as a pelvic exam, helps assess the involvement of tissues around the cervix. The staging process also includes imaging tests.

Ultrasound can reveal the tumor’s size and whether it has spread to nearby organs. MRI offers detailed images of the pelvis, helping doctors see the cancer’s extent more clearly. However, MRI sometimes over-diagnoses, showing more than what is actually there. This is why clinical examination remains the most reliable method.

Doctors divide cervical cancer into stages based on how far it has spread:

  •   Stage 1: Cancer is limited to the cervix. Treatment options include surgery or radiation therapy, both effective in curing the disease.
  •   Stage 2A: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall or the lower part of the vagina. Treatment usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

For advanced stages, where cancer spreads to nearby organs or beyond, doctors may use chemotherapy to control the disease rather than cure it. Symptomatic treatments help manage the patient’s condition and improve quality of life.

The choice of treatment depends on the cancer stage. Early-stage cancers have a higher cure rate, while advanced stages focus on control and symptom relief.

Related Read : How Do You Prevent Cervical Cancer?

 

What Are the Treatment Options for Stage 1 Cervical Cancer?

In Stage 1 cervical cancer, the cancer is confined to the cervix. Treatment options include surgery or radiation therapy. Both methods are equally effective.

  • Surgery: A one-time procedure where the cancerous tissue is removed. Healing usually takes about 10 days, with no further treatment required.
  • Radiation Therapy: This treatment spans about six weeks and may involve internal radiation. Some patients might experience side effects like bladder irritation, but these are manageable.

What is the Best Surgical Option?

Open surgery is preferred over laparoscopic surgery for cervical cancer. Recent guidelines suggest that open surgery has a lower recurrence rate and higher chances of curing the disease. This recommendation is based on extensive clinical trials and international guidelines.

How is Stage 2A Cervical Cancer Treated?

For Stage 2A cervical cancer, where the cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall or the lower part of the vagina, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is often used.

  • Chemotherapy: This is administered before radiation to shrink the tumor, making it easier to target with radiation.
  • Radiation Therapy: Followed by chemotherapy, it helps in effectively controlling and curing the cancer.

What About Advanced Stages of Cervical Cancer?

In more advanced stages, where the cancer has spread to nearby organs or beyond, treatment becomes more complex.

  • Chemotherapy: Often used to control the spread of the disease rather than cure it. It helps in shrinking the tumor and managing symptoms.
  • Symptomatic Treatment: For advanced cases, managing symptoms becomes a priority. Procedures like stent placement can help in relieving blockages caused by the tumor.

Can Cervical Cancer be Treated if it has Spread?

When cervical cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the role of surgery and radiation becomes limited. The focus shifts to chemotherapy and symptomatic treatments to control the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.

How Effective is the Treatment?

The success of cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Early-stage cancers have a higher cure rate with appropriate treatment. Even in advanced stages, treatments can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.

What Should Patients Expect During Treatment?

Patients undergoing treatment for cervical cancer should be prepared for a combination of therapies depending on the stage. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are crucial to manage side effects and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Final Thoughts

When you or any of your family members is diagnosed with Cervical cancer, we understand how it feels. But the medical field has advanced a lot in past 2 decades. Today, there are a lot of advanced treatments available for cervical cancer. These treatments are quite effective, especially of the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. In such case, the survival rate is quite high.  At our hospital, we provide comprehensive care and support to our patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

If you still have any more questions or need detailed information about cervical cancer and its treatment, please reach out to us. We are here to help you every step of the way

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    About Author

    Dr. Nilesh is a renowned Cancer surgeon/consultant practicing at SSO Hospital, Infinity Media Surge Hospital, and Navkaar Cancer Clinic Mumbai and he is also a visiting consultant at various hospitals in Mumbai, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, etc. With over 10+ years of experience, he is highly trained and specialized in performing GI & Gynae cancer surgery procedures from the simplest to the most complicated surgeries.

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