Cervical Cancer for Beginners

The number of cases of cervical cancer is increasing rapidly in the country. In 2018, it was the 4th most common cancer among women in India. Even though it cannot be cured, cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed in time. Therefore, increasing awareness about this disease is crucial to defeating it and stopping it from claiming even more lives.

What is cervical cancer?

A person is said to have cervical cancer when abnormal cells develop in the cervix. The cervix is the lowermost part of the uterus and connects the vagina to the uterus. At times, the abnormal cells can also invade other organs causing cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

What are its symptoms?

The symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (be it change in odour, colour, consistency, presence of blood in discharge etc.)
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g. bleeding that occurs between periods, bleeding in post-menopausal women, bleeding after sex etc.)
• Pain in the pelvis

How is it detected?

The most common test used to help in the diagnosis and detection of cervical cancer is the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear). During the test, a doctor/nurse gently inserts a spatula into your vagina to scrape a few cells from your cervix. These cells are then checked under a microscope for any abnormal change or signs of cervical cancer.

If you think your symptoms match those of someone with cervical cancer, then make sure you visit a gynaecologist at the earliest to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you are looking for a gynecologist in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, then Motherhood Hospital is an ideal choice. The hospital is dedicated to the healthcare of women and children and is considered to have the best gynecologist in Hebbal Bangalore.