If a doctor has cancer in the cervix, then the doctor is going to figure out whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well. In medical terms this is known as staging. Depending upon the stage of the disease the doctor could go on to plan further round of treatments as well. Let us now understand the various stages of cancer
Stage1A
It is merely related to the cancer of the cervix but it has not gone to spread to the other tissue. In fact here a small portion of the cancer is only visible under a microscope that is culminated in the deeper tissues of the cervix. As far as the treatment procedures are concerned it could be any of the following
- Surgery could be undertaken to remove the uterus, cervix or the cancer. The ovaries could also be removed but this is not a recommended choice as far as young women are concerned
- Radiation therapy at an internal level
Stage1 B
The cancer is just restricted to the cervix but it has not take up to the nearby areas. As far as the treatment is concerned it could involve external along with internal radiation therapy. Chemotherapy along with radiation would be an opt choice as well.
Stage 2 A
Here the cancer has gone on to spread to other areas but still it is found in the pelvic region. It could be termed that it has gone to reach 2/3rd of the vagina as well.
Stage 3
At this point of time the cancer has gone on to spread throughout the pelvic area. In most cases it could have spread to the lower portion of your vagina as well. What happens is that the cells would have gone on to block the tubes which is known to connect the kidney to the bladders. As far as the treatment is concerned it could be internal or external radiation in combination with chemotherapy
Stage4 A
Here the cancer has gone on to spread to other parts of the body such as rectum or bladder. They are organs which are close to the cervix as it is pretty unusual for cancer to reach this stage. Once again this treatment may be internal or external radiation in combination with chemotherapy.
Stage4 B
Here the cancer has gone on to spread to other distant organs like the lungs. Treatment should be undertaken to relive of the symptoms.
How is cervical cancer treatment in India undertaken?
As far as the treatment is concerned it does begin with regular course of medical care throughout your life. It does provide an opportunity for a surgeon to consider the risks, asking you to be part of a routine pap smear test along with further course of diagnostic testing as and when needed. What it does indicate is that cervical cancer is being treated in a curable and detectable stage. This conditions goes by the name of dysplasia that is full proof treatable.