Cervical Cancer Treatment

Who Needs Cervical Cancer Treatment? 

People can be diagnosed with cervical cancer irrespective of their age or background, and require treatment. People who are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, which has the potential to spread beyond the upper layer of the cervix, usually request treatment. The specific type and the stage of the cancer mainly determine the approach. 

People with pre-cancerous cervical alterations who are diagnosed with high-level cervical dysplasia need to get treatment for the removal of abnormal cells and to prevent the development of cancer. 

Individuals with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer should require immediate treatment so that it can restrict the spread of the cancer beyond the cervix to other areas like the lungs, uterus, or lymph nodes. It requires additional or specialized treatment, like chemotherapy-targeted therapy and radiation. 

Types of Cervical Cancer

Some of the types of cervical cancer include: 

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma - It is the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for 70- 90% of cases. It begins with common cells, which outline the exterior part of the cervix called the ectocervix. This is often detected through a Pap test. 
• Adenocarcinoma - It accounts for around 10 to 25% of cervical cancer cases and begins with glandular cells that mainly produce mucus in the inside part of the cervix called the endocervix. It can be hard to detect through pap tests because it can begin in the cervical canal. 
• Adenosquamous Carcinoma - It is not a very common type of cervical cancer. It contains both glandular and squamous cancer cells and is treated similarly to how other cervical cancers are treated, but it can behave aggressively. 

Evaluation and Diagnostics Before Cervical Cancer Treatment

Pre-therapy evaluation and diagnostics are important for the determination of the type, stage, and spread of cervical cancer. This helps to guide the most efficient treatment plan, and it is a comprehensive assessment that involves a combination of various treatments, like laboratory tests, biopsies, and imaging. 

Medical History and Physical Diagnosis

A pelvic exam is important for checking visible tumors or any kind of abnormalities in the cervix, vagina, ovaries, rectum, and uterus. A speculum exam is used for visualizing the cervix, manual palpation of the pelvic organs, along understanding medical history that includes symptoms, sexual history, exposure to HPV, or any other aspects. 

Cervical Biopsy

There are several types of biopsies, including a Colposcopy-based biopsy that uses magnified devices to examine abnormalities of the cervix. There is Endocervical curettage that helps in scraping cells from the cervical canal, while Cone biopsy helps to remove any kind of cone-shaped cervical tissue that can be therapeutic and diagnostic.

Laboratory Tests

This includes HPV testing, CBC, kidney and liver function, and HIV testing. Imaging studies include chest X-ray, PET CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI of the pelvic and abdominal area. 

Cervical Cancer Treatment Planning

Treatment of cervical cancer involves the development of a customized treatment plan based on the cancer stage, the overall health of the patient, age, fertility, and the characteristics of the tumor. 

Multidisciplinary Team Planning

This includes gynecological, radiation, and medical oncologists along with other pathologists, fertility specialists, and radiologists. 

Pre-Procedural Investigations

Imaging, laboratory tests, anesthesia evaluation, and biopsy confirmation are important in pre-procedural investigations. 

Treatment Modality

• In the early stage, conization and simple radical hysterectomy are included.
• In stages II to IV A, Chemoradiation is included, whereas external beam therapy is included along with concurrent chemotherapy. 
• Stage IV B includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Palliative care is also included, which helps to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Risks and Potential Complications of Cervical Cancer Treatment

Spreading into Nearby Organs

Cancer can spread anywhere into the bladder or uterus, which can be responsible for the occurrence of urinary obstruction or swelling of the kidneys. It can also spread into the rectum leading to constipation or bleeding and the vagina and pelvic walls where that individual can feel pain and discomfort. 

Metastasis

Cervical cancer can spread into the liver, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes as well. Abnormal connections can form between organs that can cause urine or so leakage through the vagina. 

Treatment-Based Complications

These include surgical complications like infection, bleeding, infertility, or early menopause. Complications of radiation therapy include fatigue, narrowing and dryness of the vagina, failure of ovaries, and skin irrigation. Chemotherapy complications include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, anemia, an increased risk of infection, and kidney damage. 

Further, it can take a toll on the psychological and emotional conditions of the patient, leading to anxiety and depression. 

Recovery After Cervical Cancer Treatment and Long-Term Care

Recovery from cervical cancer treatment is not only about surviving the disease but also involves emotional, psychological, and physical impacts that can continue even after the end of the treatment. 

• Follow-up monitoring - At every visit, there should be a proper examination and review of the symptoms and side effects. 
• Physical recovery and other symptom checking - Proper management of physical recovery and symptoms like fatigue, menopausal symptoms, lymphedema, and issues regarding bowel movements. 
• General recovery - Many survivors can experience anxiety, depression, or recurrent fears. Quality of life and maintaining mental health are important for long-term patients to go back to their normal lives, along with proper surveillance of sleeping issues and anxiety fatigue.

Success Rate of Cervical Cancer Treatment in India

The success rate of cervical cancer treatment in India is dependent on different factors, which include diagnosis stage, access to the treatment at the right time, and the overall health condition of the patient. 

• For stage I, the survival rate is 80 to 90%, and it is highly curable if it can be detected early.
• Stage II includes 60 to 70% treatable with chemoradiation and surgery. 
• Stage III has a 42 to 60% survival rate and is difficult to treat, but possible with aggressive therapy. 
• Stage 4 is advanced, with a 15 to 30% survival rate, where palliative care can be offered along with the treatment.

Cost of Cervical Cancer Treatment in India

Cervical cancer treatment in India varies widely in cost depending on the stage of the disease and the type of treatment required. Overall, the affordability and availability of services can differ significantly based on geographic location and medical facilities. Therefore, patients need to consult with healthcare providers to understand their options and associated costs.

Why Choose India for Cervical Cancer Treatment?

India has become an international destination for cervical cancer treatment because this nation can procure world-class medical expertise and advanced infrastructure. 

• Robotic and minimally invasive surgery, precision diagnostics, tumor markers, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, advanced radiotherapy like IMRT, IGRT, and brachytherapy are some of the advanced treatment options available in India. 
• In any Indian cancer treatment facility, patients can get diagnosed and continue with the pathology, radiation, and rehabilitation, along with psychological and palliative care, all at a single center.
• Indian hospitals have dedicated global patient departments along with proper support for visas, airport pickup, translators, and accommodation for family members.
• India also offers good medical tourism facilitators such as Edha Care, which provide affordable treatment than other Western nations. 

Documents Required for Patients Traveling to India for Cervical Cancer Treatment

For international patients looking for cervical cancer treatment in India, it is necessary to present certain documentation to have a smooth medical journey. These include:

• Valid Passport: Valid for a minimum of six months after the date you travel.
• Medical Visa (M Visa): Granted by the Indian Embassy/Consulate on medical grounds.
• Invitation Letter from Indian Hospital: A formal letter explaining the course of treatment and how long it will last.
• Recent Medical Records: X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and a referral note by a doctor in the home country.
• Completed Visa Application Form: With passport-size photographs according to specifications.
• Proof of Means: Bank statements dated in the past few months or health insurance.
• Medical Attendant Visa: Needed for a companion or caregiver traveling along with the patient.

It is advisable to refer to the Indian consulate or your medical facilitator for the latest information and help in documentation.

Top Doctors for Cervical Cancer Treatment in India

Some of the top Indian doctors with expertise in cervical cancer treatment are:

1. Dr. Vinod Raina - Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
2. Prof. Dr. Suresh H. Advani - Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
3. Dr. S.V.S.S. Prasad - Apollo Cancer Institute, Chennai 
4. Dr. Rajendran B - KIMS Global Hospital, Trivandrum
5. Dr. Meghal Sanghavi - Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai

Best Hospitals for Cervical Cancer Treatment in India

Some of the prominent hospitals in India well-known for cervical cancer treatment are: 

1. Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad
2. Manipal Hospital, Gurgaon
3. Fortis Hospital, Delhi
4. Global Hospital, Chennai 
5. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the primary causes of cervical cancer? 

The primary cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with high-risk categories of human papillomavirus. Other risk factors include smoking, a weak immune system, and having multiple sexual partners. 

How common is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women internationally, and it is one of the most preventable and treatable. 

How often should a woman need to get diagnosed? 

Women between 21 and 29 need to have a Pap test every 3 years. Women aged from 30 to 65 should have a Pap test along with an HPV test every 5 years, or preferably every 3 years. 

What are the first signs of cervical cancer? 

Some of the initial signs include vaginal bleeding occurring between menstrual periods or even after menopause, along with thick, odorous, or blood-tinged vaginal discharge. 

Can cervical cancer be cured? 

Yes, it is possible to cure cervical cancer, if it is detected early and treated swiftly. The earlier detection and treatment, the higher the chances of successful outcomes.