Cervical Cancer

Cancer of the cervix is cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix grow abnormally and invade other tissues and organs of the body. 

It tends to occur in midlife and is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, and rarely develops in women younger than 20.

Treatment in Israel is based on the results obtained by the diagnosis and the individual wishes of the patient.

Cervical Cancer Causes

A common cause of the disease is an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted.

Thus, one way of prevention is to receive HPV vaccines capable of protecting against this type of viruses.

In addition, early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, and taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) increase the risk because they lead to greater exposure to HPV.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

It’s important to know that cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages.

As the disease progresses, these signals of a possible incidence of cervical cancer may appear:

• Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, in some cases, accompanied by a bloody discharge.
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or arising between periods or after menopause.
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• The appearance of unpleasant and painful sensations during intercourse.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment today.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you.

Cervical Cancer Stages

Staging aims to assess how far cancer has spread and whether it has reached nearby structures or more distant organs.

• Stage 0: Precancerous cells are present.
• Stage 1: Cancer cells have grown from the surface into deeper tissues of the cervix, and possibly into the uterus and to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage 2: Now it spreads beyond the cervix and uterus, but not as far as the walls of the pelvis or the lower part of the vagina. It may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Cancer cells are present in the lower part of the vagina or the walls of the pelvis, and it may be blocking the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder. It may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer affects the bladder or rectum and is growing out of the pelvis. It may or may not affect the lymph nodes. Later in stage 4, it will spread to distant organs, including the liver, bones, lungs, and lymph nodes.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Early detection has a positive effect on the success of the therapy. The Pap test can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix.
Our Laboratory does further examination under a microscope for the presence of abnormal cells and dysplasia.

The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of this test.

DNA testing for HPV (human papillomavirus) is used as a follow-up to abnormal changes traced with a Pap smear.

The DNA test reveals the carrier types of HPV that can trigger the development of this kind of cancer. If clinical signs and the presence of abnormal cells in the course of screening is detected, additional checks are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Types of cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix is divided into two main types:

• Squamous cell carcinomas- begin in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix. This type of accounts for about 80 percent of cervical cancers.
• Adenocarcinomas- develops in the glandular cells that line the upper portion of the cervix. This type makes up about 20 percent of cervical cancers.

Ways to diagnose Cervical cancer

The diagnosis includes:

• Colposcopy – During colposcopy, the gynecologist examines the vagina and cervix with an optical device. If necessary, you will be advised to give a biopsy.
• Cone Biopsy – The doctor removes a small cone-shaped portion of the mucosa for a subsequent histological examination and detection of precancerous or cancerous changes.

On detecting cervical cancer, the patient goes under further diagnostic tests for defining the extent of the cancer process. Usually, you will be asked to do screening tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and PET. Additional tests may be required such as cystoscopy.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

The treatment structure depends on the stage of cancer, the patient’s chronic disease history, and her preferences. The treatment is complex and usually includes surgery during which a full or partial excision of the uterus (hysterectomy) is performed.
Hysterectomy surgery in the initial stages of this cancer is a highly effective therapy, which is capable of preventing the recurrence of the disease.

Combine to the surgery, you will be recommended to receive:

• Chemotherapy – Different combinations of chemotherapy drugs (cytostatic) are usually applied intravenously. These types of drugs are capable of destroying and slowing the growth of abnormal cells. Infertility and early menopause may be a side effect of this treatment.
• Radiotherapy.

Treatment in Israel

If you suspect any of the signs above or were diagnosed for cervical cancer, we here, at our Private Hospital creates ideal conditions for the diagnosis and treatment of all cervical cancer disease. HMC successful recovery rates of cervical cancer due to its professional oncologists working in a modern environment.