Description
Cervical cancer is one of the most common
cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the
highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually
transmitted disease, and those who have had many pregnancies beginning
at a young age, are at greater risk. If you smoke, quit. Cigarette
smoking is a suspected risk factor for cervical cancer. Getting an
annual pelvic examination and Pap test is the only way to screen for
cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect malignant cells before symptoms
are present.
Fortunately, cervical cancer is slow to develop. If
diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the
outermost layers of cervical tissue, cervical cancer has a cure rate of
almost 100 percent. Even in more advanced cases, when the cancer spreads
deeper into the cervical wall, the chances of recovery are good. On the
other hand, if the cancer is allowed to spread to other organs, the
prognosis is not as good.
Signs and Symptoms
Cervical cancer in its early stages usually does not produce symptoms. Later, the most common symptoms are:
Bleeding from the vagna after inter course, between periods, or after meno pause
Bloody discharge
Conventional Medical Treatment
If
you notice any type of unexplained bleeding or discharge, see your
gynecologist immediately, who performs a pelvic examination and Pap
smear. If the Pap smear reveals abnormalities, your doctor examines your
cervix closely (using a device called a colposcope) and takes a tissue
sample to check for malignant cells. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor
may take X-rays to determine if the cancer has spread to any of the
surrounding organs.
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on what
stage it is in. If it is caught early, laser surgery, freezing, or
cauterization may be used to remove the malignant cells from the outer
layer of tissue. If the cancer has advanced into the cervical wall,
radiation may be performed. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the
"Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation therapy.) Your
doctor also may recommend a hysterectomy, an operation in which the
cervix and uterus are removed.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct treatment during the early stages
of cervical cancer to boost the body's immune system and improve the
flow of chi to diseased cells.
Acupressure Acupressure may be
useful in alleviating the pain of cervical cancer and the stomach upset
caused by conventional treatments.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic
has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cell while promoting the
production of healthy cells, which may account for this herb's
popularity in the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer,
including cervical. Ginseng also is known for its immunity-boosting,
anti-cancer properties.
