Both of these treatments are equally safe and effective. Thermal ablation can be done in an outpatient clinic. When a woman suspects she may have cervical cancer, she should be referred to a health care provider for proper evaluation and treatment. Biopsies and colposcopy will help determine the stage of the cancer. Excision treatments are offered when appropriate.
The most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the lining of the cervix, while adenocarcinoma affects cells that produce mucus. Some women may develop mixed types of cancer, which has features of squamous cell and adenocarcinoma.
Cervix cancers involve several molecular pathways. They include cellular proliferation, interaction with angiogenesis, extracellular matrix adhesion/invasion, cell cycle pathways, and DNA repair. Many women with cervical cancer have upregulated vascular endogenesis receptors, which may be a sign of aggressive tumor growth. While many cancers are rare, these agents can have a positive impact on a patient’s overall prognosis.
The human epidermal growth factor (HER) family has several members. This group consists of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor). HER2 overexpresses in breast cancer and other cellular tissues, and dimerization of HER2 stimulates the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. This leads to increased resistance to radiation therapy.
Although many women who have been infected with HPV are at risk, this does not necessarily mean they will develop invasive cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away without treatment. But high-risk HPV can lead to cancer. Therefore, it’s vital to catch this infection at an early stage. And as long as you have the HPV vaccine, you can avoid getting cervical cancer. If you have an HPV infection, it’s recommended to see your doctor. It’s important to keep your cervical cancer tests up to date.
Women with cervical cancer may experience pelvic pain. The pain may be sharp, or it can be felt anywhere around the lower abdomen. The vaginal discharge should be milky or slightly yellowish. Sometimes, a red-tinged discharge occurs with cervical cancer. This is indicative of small amounts of blood in the discharge. You should consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding. Symptoms of cervical cancer can include loss of sexual drive and pain during intercourse.
Most cervical cancers are caused by infection with certain types of HPV. The good news is that cervical cancer is treatable if it is detected early. Screenings with HPV are essential to prevent cervical cancer. They are effective in detecting changes in the cells before they turn into cancer. Cervical cancer usually grows slowly and is highly curable. However, treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and the health of the woman.
