Cervical cancer refers to the growth of cancerous cells in the cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus. It is the lowest portion of the womb and a crucial part of the female reproductive system. Cervical cancer is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix and their subsequent invasion of other tissues and organs. As a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes, getting a regular screening done is important so that there is no delay in beginning cervical cancer treatments. Read on to know some important information about cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening is performed to determine if there are any significant changes in the cells of the cervix, which may lead to cervical cancer. In order to figure out whether cervical cancer treatment is required or not, the screening needs to be performed through a Pap test or through HPV (human papillomavirus) testing, depending upon the patient’s age. Additionally, one may even opt for a bimanual pelvic exam or a visual inspection with acetic acid for screening and verification of any change in the cancer cells.

Cervical cancer treatments
Cervical cancer is one of the worst forms of cancers that affect women. However, with the right course of treatment, patients can ensure that minimal damage is done. Following are some of the measures that one would need to take while undergoing a cervical cancer treatment. In order to get started on the treatment, one would need consultation from a gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist, a medical oncologist, and even a radiation oncologist, as these experts would need to work together on the case.

Surgery options:  The possible surgery options for cervical cancer treatments are as follows:

• Laser surgery
• Conization
• Cryosurgery
• Simple hysterectomy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Trachelectomy
• Pelvic exenteration
• Pelvic lymph node dissection
• Para-aortic lymph node sampling

Radiation therapy:  In this treatment option, high-energy X-rays or radioactive particles are used to kill the cancer cells present in the target area. This therapy may be used as either as an accompanying treatment option to the main course of treatment (surgery) or as a primary measure, only in the case when cancer recurs or spreads further in the body.

Chemotherapy:  For some stages of cervical cancer, this is combined with radiation, and the combined process is known as concurrent chemoradiation. However, it may even often be used as the primary source of treatment, in cases wherein cancer has come back or spreads to other parts of the body. Some examples of chemotherapy medications are Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Topotecan, and Gemcitabine.

Immunotherapy:  Immunotherapy is generally advised for patients who experience a recurring episode of cervical cancer. In this therapy, medications are used to enhance the immune system to fight the cancer cells in particular. There are various immune checkpoint inhibitors that are molecules on immune cells, which can be activated in order to create a response. Immunotherapy medications help arm these checkpoints and help in the treatment of cervical cancer so that cancer cells are attacked effectively and the tumor is shrunk.

Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is for cases where the change in cancer cells is being monitored, and only these changes need to be targeted so that there is no recurrence of cancer later on. However, this treatment may cause high blood pressure, constant fatigue, and even loss of appetite as possible side effects. Therefore, it is the least popular treatment method adopted for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Prevention with HPV vaccines
One of the most preferred methods for the prevention of cervical cancer is using HPV vaccines. Gardasil is one of the most popular HPV vaccines available in the country that can help combat cancers caused by HPV-16, HPV-18, and five different types of cancers related to HPV. However, it is advisable to speak to a doctor or oncologist to get the most suitable advice for a vaccination schedule.