Top Treatment Options For Cervical Cancer In India

The spread of cancer varies from person to person. It is challenging to predict what a cervical cancer suffering woman should expect for the future. The chances of getting cured in the early stages of cervical cancer are pretty high and impressive. While talking about this cancer’s various treatments, it is essential to remember that the numbers are mere averages.

They do not precisely predict how the treatment for cervical cancer will plan out for the patient. The survival rates of women who have early-stage cervical cancer who have undergone the correct treatment are pretty high. In the early stages of cancer, such as five years after successful diagnosis, more than 95% of women continue to live a healthy life.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Usually, cervical cancer takes several years to develop. There are no symptoms of cancer in some women, while some face excessive vaginal bleeding or discharge. This also includes bleeding during menstrual periods, or after sex, or even during menopause. This bleeding is of 2 types – spotting or heavy bleeding.

The occurrence of excessive vaginal bleeding can be due to several other conditions, which may not relate to cancer also. If you face abnormal vaginal bleeding, consult with a top oncologist in India from leading establishments like RGCIRC for the best advice.

Also Read: RADIATION AND SURGERY: WHICH ONE IS THE BEST FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Cervical Cancer Treatment Options

There are many options for cervical cancer treatment in its early stages. However, it would help if you considered essential factors like your age, cancer stage, medical history, and the institution where you want to undergo the treatment. These factors are crucial while selecting the right treatment option.

The most frequently undertaken treatment is Radical Hysterectomy. The alternative to this is Radiation Therapy (RT). A disadvantage of having a hysterectomy or pelvic RT is the complete loss of fertility. Usually, women who have early-stage cervical cancer opt for a less aggressive treatment to get pregnant again.

1. Radical Hysterectomy And Lymph Node Evaluation

Radical hysterectomy is a complex but efficient procedure that includes removing the uterus and cervix and infected parts of the vagina and its connective tissues surrounding the cervix and uterus. The ovaries are usually not removed during the procedure, but this decision solely lies upon your age and stage of cancer.

The surgery usually takes around 3 hours to complete. Generally, women stay in the hospital for at least two days after surgery is over. Some women need some additional treatment along with the surgery. This includes radiation therapy and also possibly chemotherapy.

2. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy X-rays that readily kill cancerous cells. There are two ways in which radiation therapy is delivered:

• Brachytherapy (BT)
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT).

BrachyTherapy is performed through a device placed in the woman’s vagina and uterus for a short period, either periodically or continuously over a significant number of days.

External Beam Radiation Therapy includes the use of a source of radiation outside the body. During the procedure, the body is positioned under the X-ray machine, in the same way, each day of the treatment. The ray is targeted towards the area of cancer and to thwart its growth. The safe level of dose is once per day, five days per week, up to 5-6 weeks.

Side effects of radiation therapy include the severe impact on bowel movement, bladder disorders, vaginal narrowing, which leads to painful sex, or even menopause. Consult your doctor or institution on preventing such drastic side effects and managing them effectively.

3. Chemotherapy

Most women who undergo EBRT treatment for early-stage cervical cancer are given chemotherapy and radiation therapy which is together known as chemoradiation. Chemotherapy drugs are complex medicines that completely stop or reduce the growth of cancerous cells.

Also Read: RECENT UPDATES IN MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER

Conclusion

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre is one of Asia’s most extensive and exclusive cancer centres that provide unique and modern technology. It also hosts more than one top oncologist in India. This beautiful combination makes RGCIRC a world-class cancer facility for patients from all over the world. The hospital has operated over 5 Lakh cases since its inception in 1996.