Cancer is an unnatural growth in the body. The cells in the body grow out of control. The point of origin in the body of the cancer is what it is named after, even if cancer later metastasizes to a different body part. Cancer that starts in the cervix is called cervical cancer.

All women are at risk for cervical cancer. The cervix is the part that connects the birth canal (the vagina) to the upper part of the womb (the uterus). Cervical cancer is more common in women over the age of 30. The main cause of cervical cancer is long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can be transmitted through sex. Though many sexually-active people are likely to contract HPV at some point in their lives, few women will develop cervical cancer.

Like all cancers, early detection can help to treat cervical cancer more efficiently. Since cervical cancer grows slowly, there’s usually time to find and treat it before it causes serious problems. Knowing the symptoms can help you know what to look out for when checking for cervical cancer. You might not be able to detect the symptoms of cervical cancer until cancer has grown. Some of the symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods, after menopause, or after a pelvic exam

• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour

After it has spread, cancer can further cause symptoms like:

• Pelvic pain

• Trouble peeing

• Swollen legs

• Kidney failure

• Bone pain

• Weight loss and lack of appetite

• Fatigue

If you experience these symptoms or are concerned you might have cervical cancer, schedule a consultation with your doctor to make sure. Regular screenings play a big role in detecting cervical cancer early. Fewer women lose their lives to cervical cancer due to the increased screening through Pap tests.

The people involved in treating cervical cancer can include many specialists, including nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other health professionals. The doctors included in your cancer treatment team may involve:

• Gynaecologist. A doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system

• Gynecologic Oncologist. A doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system. A gynecologic oncologist can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines.

• Radiation Oncologist. A doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer.

• Medical Oncologist. A doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer can involve:

• Surgery

• Radiation Therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted Therapy

• Immunotherapy

Depending on the progress of cancer, you may need more than one type of treatment. For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, treatment may include either surgery or radiation combined with chemotherapy. For later stages, radiation combined with chemotherapy is usually the main treatment. Chemotherapy (by itself) is often used to treat advanced cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival.

With Naseem al Rabeeh, access the best care for yourself and your family. We choose our team of gynaecology doctor in Wakrah, Qatar. Access comfortable and comprehensive care with Naseem al Rabeeh. With our state-of-the-art technology, our doctors are ready to provide the advanced care that you need. Schedule a consultation to get started now.