Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix cells. It first begins on the surface of the cervix when the cells of the cervix turn into precancerous cells. As per the best cancer doctor in Kolkata, not all precancerous cells turn into cancer, but it is important to treat these precancerous cells first to prevent cervical cancer. Below we will give a detailed guide on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Diagnosis of cervical cancer by best cancer doctor in Kolkata
Cancer surgeon in Kolkata suggests screening tests to detect cervical cancer as well as precancerous cells that can develop into cervical cancer. You can begin screening for cervical cancer when you are twenty-one. The two screening tests are the Pap test and the HPV DNA test.
In a Pap test, the doctor brushes and scrapes the cells from the cervix. These are examined in the lab for any abnormalities. Thus, a Pap test will detect the abnormal cells of the cervix, including cancerous cells and cells that display changes that increase the cervical cancer risk.
HPV DNA test involves the testing of the cervix cells for infection with any kind of HPV that are likely to result in cervical cancer. A special instrument called colposcope checks for abnormal cells. During this examination, the doctor can take a biopsy of the cervical cells for lab testing.
A punch biopsy uses a sharp tool to pinch small samples of the tissues of the cervix. Endocervical curettage uses a small spoon-shaped instrument to scrape the tissue sample from your cervix. If the results seem problematic from the above tests, the doctor can suggest an electrical wire loop that uses an electrified low-voltage wire to get a small tissue sample. This is done with local anesthesia. Conization or cone biopsy is done under general anesthesia to deep cervical cell layers for lab testing.
Treatment of cervical cancer
The top oncologist in Kolkata suggests the following treatments for cervical cancer.
- Surgery
If the cancerous cells pass through the basement membrane that separates the surface of the cervix from the underlying layers, you will need surgery. If it spreads in the uterus, you will need a hysterectomy.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop their growth.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, where cancer has spread to all other parts of your body and has become locally advanced.
- Internal Radiation
Internal Radiation comes from the capsule that contains radioactive material, which the doctor puts in the cervix. This applies cancer-killing rays to the tumor while keeping the healthy tissues intact.
- Biological therapy
Immunotherapy or biological therapy targets the checkpoints in the immune cells that are turned off and on for setting off an immune response.
Cervical cancer happens in the cells of the cervix. With early screening and diagnosis, one can prevent the spread and advancement of cancer.
