Best Cervical Cancer Treatment in Kolkata

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer takes root in the cervix, i.e. the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a common type of cancer affecting women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable illnesses if detected early through screening.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer involves testing for abnormal cells on the cervix before they have a chance to develop into cancer. The two main types of screening tests are the Pap test and the HPV test.

• Pap test: A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, involves collecting cells from the cervix to examine them for abnormal changes. The test is usually done during a pelvic exam and takes only a few minutes. It is considered a preliminary test for cervical cancer screening and is often combined with the HPV test.
• HPV test: An HPV test involves testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cells collected during a Pap test. HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, is considered one of the underlying causes of cervical cancer, but not all women with HPV develop cancer. The test is recommended for women aged 30 and over, either as a stand-alone test or combined with a Pap test.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer takes root in the cervix, i.e. the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a common type of cancer affecting women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable illnesses if detected early through screening.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer involves testing for abnormal cells on the cervix before they have a chance to develop into cancer. The two main types of screening tests are the Pap test and the HPV test.

• Pap test: A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, involves collecting cells from the cervix to examine them for abnormal changes. The test is usually done during a pelvic exam and takes only a few minutes. It is considered a preliminary test for cervical cancer screening and is often combined with the HPV test.
• HPV test: An HPV test involves testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cells collected during a Pap test. HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, is considered one of the underlying causes of cervical cancer, but not all women with HPV develop cancer. The test is recommended for women aged 30 and over, either as a stand-alone test or combined with a Pap test.

Treatment for cervical cancer

If cervical cancer is detected, the type and stage of cancer will determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

• Surgery: Surgery is usually the first treatment option for early-stage cervical cancer. The type of surgery required depends on the stages of the cancer and may involve removing the cervix, uterus, and surrounding tissue. The most effective surgery for invasive cervical cancer is none other than a hysterectomy. Through a traditional or laparoscopic hysterectomy, it is possible to remove the cancer-afflicted uterus and cervix. Often, the severity of cancer might also demand a radical hysterectomy involving the removal of the uterus, cervix and the upper part of the vagina next to the cervix. All in all, hysterectomy has the highest success rate in curing cervical cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy weaponises high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used on its own accord or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to exterminate the cancer cells. It is often combined with surgery or radiation therapy to create the best possible outcome.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy consists of targeting and selectively destroying specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. It may be used in combination with other treatments for advanced cervical cancer.