Narayana Health Care

Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Cervical Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancerous condition that occurs in the cervix part of the uterus. It mostly arises from the epithelium lining of the cervix. In fact, most cervical cancer cases are due to Squamous cell carcinoma. If you already don’t know about the cervix, then it is the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina in the female reproductive system. It is a complex condition and shall be discussed in detail here.

More on Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is seen to affect young women in their 3^rd or 4^th decade and also in older women, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is responsible for almost 85% of all cervical cancer cases.

Possible Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The most common cause is a virus that is transmitted during sexual activities and is known as Human Papillomavirus or HPV.

Here are some of the common causes that may result in the transmission of HPV:

• Unprotected Intercourse
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor
• Having sex with a partner who is affected by penile warts

Persistent HPV infection may end up forming a cervical tumour that could spread to the rest of the body. It spreads via the lymphatic spread to local and then gradually to the regional lymph nodes.

Common Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer spreads very slowly in the female body that the patient may remain unaware for a long time. Most women facing the symptoms of cervical cancer are in their 20s and 30s, but many are diagnosed with the same at 50s. Hence, it is very important that the patient is subjected to proper treatment in the precancerous stage to ensure that its spread is prevented.

Here are some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer:

• Abnormal or heavy bleeding during menstruation, post-menopause, or between two consecutive menstrual cycles and after sexual intercourse.
• Excessive blood-filled vaginal discharge that is heavy in nature and accompanies with a foul smell

Other common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Problems during urination like pain and blood discharge with urine
• Legs getting swollen
• Loss of appetite along with excessive fatigue
• Weakness
• Backache
• A swollen abdomen that may cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation
• Diarrhoea, acute pain, and bleeding of the rectum

It is very important for females to do regular pelvic and cervical examinations to avoid any risk or possibility of cervical cancer. Due to its nature of gradual progression, patients ignore the symptoms and end up in the advanced stage. Prompt diagnosis is very crucial to treat this ailment at an early stage.

Possible Remedies of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

One of the most useful screening tests for cervical cancer is the cervical PAP smear. This process can help in diagnosis at the earlier stages of the disease. The procedure can be done for pre-cancerous conditions to prevent progression.

The common methods of doing so are:

• Using a freezing probe
• Usage of powerful laser beams
• Needle and ball diathermy used in some parts of the world

Treatment of cervical cancer ranges from surgery in the early stages to radiotherapy & chemotherapy in later stages.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a serious condition among females prompt diagnosis and treatment to stop it from reaching the aggressive phase. Failing which cancer can spread to other areas making it difficult to treat. Regular medical checkups are highly recommended for females from 30 years of age.

Dr. Rohit Raghunath Ranade | Consultant – Gynaecology – Oncology, Oncology, Robotic Surgery | MSMC, Bangalore