If this condition is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the pelvis and lungs. In some cases, it may even block the ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Cervical cancer can also spread to the bones and liver. To diagnose the disease, healthcare professionals use a test called a Pap smear. This test collects cells from the cervix to look for precancerous changes.
HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases put you at greater risk of cervical cancer. It is possible to reduce your risk of developing this disease by preventing infection with HPV. Other risk factors include smoking, HIV infection, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. Moreover, having multiple children and pregnancy may increase your risk of cervix cancer. Also, it is important to note that weakened immunity can lead to a higher risk of cervical cancer.
A randomized study included 256 women with stage IB uterine cervix cancer. Two hundred and fifty-four women received external beam radiotherapy, while 123 underwent post-radiation extrafascial hysterectomy. The post-radiation pathological complete response rate was 48 percent. The cumulative incidence of regional relapse was 14 percent. Overall survival at six-years after radiotherapy-hysterectomy was 60 percent.
Stage of the disease is a key factor in the treatment of cervix cancer. In a stage one cancer has not spread to any nearby structures, including the pelvic wall. However, if cancer has spread beyond the vagina to nearby lymph nodes, it may have spread to other parts of the body. Even the lungs can be affected. The doctor will decide whether you need surgery or radiation therapy. The decision depends on the stage of the disease.
Early detection of cervical cancer is essential for effective treatment. A Pap test is an excellent way to discover cervical cancer early. A Pap test collects cells from the cervix, and they are checked for pre-cancers and irregularities. If the Pap test reveals any abnormalities, you’ll need to undergo additional tests. HPV tests are another test that you’ll need to undergo to find if you have cervical cancer.
In addition to its high prevalence and deadly outcomes, uterine cervix cancers pose several therapeutic challenges. These cancers contain overactive ribonucleotide reductase (RER), which provides on-demand deoxyribonucleotides necessary for DNA replication and repair. These characteristics confer both sensitivity and resistance to radiotherapy and vulnerabilities for novel therapeutic strategies. One promising approach involves the use of targeted radiopharmaceuticals in combination with DNA damage response modifying drugs.
