What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

HPV Infection

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus

• There are over 100 strains, with 13-15 strains considered “high-risk” for causing cancer

• HPV inserts DNA into healthy cervical cells which causes them to grow abnormally, leading to precancerous changes

Undetected Precancerous Changes

• Precancerous changes from HPV can take 10-20 years before becoming cancer

• Important to get regular Pap tests to detect and treat precancerous cervical lesions early before they potentially become cancerous

Failure to Follow Up On Abnormal Test Results

• Many cases happen in women who fail to come back for follow-up tests after an abnormal Pap test result

• Lack of clear communication between patient and doctor also contribute

Immune System Dysfunction

• Women with HIV, organ transplant, or on immunosuppressant medications have weaker immune defense against HPV infection, raising their risk of precancer and cancer

Smoking

• Chemicals from smoking enter the bloodstream and cause cervical cell changes
• Greater exposure over many years increases cervical cancer risk exponentially

Multiple Full Term Pregnancies

• Increased exposure to estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can accelerate HPV-triggered cervical cell abnormalities

• Women who have had 3 or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk

The key steps to protecting against cervical cancer are getting vaccinated against HPV, avoiding behaviors that contract HPV, going for regular Pap test screening, and promptly treating any abnormal growths detected.

Seeking Medical Care

If you receive an abnormal Pap test or HPV test result or if you have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, it is important to follow up promptly with your doctor at AMRI Hospital Bhubaneswar. They can perform further tests to determine if any cervical precancer or cancer is present.

Diagnostic testing for cervical cancer may include:

• Colposcopy - a procedure to closely examine the cervix using a special magnifying lens to check for abnormalities
• Cervical biopsy - removing a small tissue sample from any suspicious areas
• Endocervical curettage - using a small instrument to scrape tissue from inside the cervical canal

If precancer or early localized cancer is detected, treatment can begin promptly. This may involve surgically removing the abnormal tissue or destroying it using laser, heat, or cold therapy. Non-surgical options may include cryotherapy or the LEEP procedure using electricity to get rid of lesions.

More advanced cervical cancers may require chemotherapy with or without radiation, or possibly surgery to remove parts of reproductive organs depending on how far it has spread.

Consult a gynecologist, oncologist, or other cancer specialist at AMRI Hospital Dhakuria to understand your test results, confirm a diagnosis, evaluate treatment alternatives suitable for your condition, and develop a management plan.

Catching and treating any cervical abnormalities early on gives you the greatest chance for recovery and survival.