Stage zero of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer: symptoms. Rapid growth and high aggression – lung cancer

A cancerous tumor is a malignant neoplasm that constantly multiplies and grows rapidly, releasing a large amount of waste products and growing into healthy cells.

The life of a cancerous formation itself is divided into several stages; its size, the degree of damage to nearby tissues, as well as the nature and type of treatment from the oncologist usually depend on the stage number.

Mostly patients fear stage 4 cancer, when the cancer begins to metastasize throughout the body. But in fact, the first stage does not provide a 100% guarantee of recovery. All this is connected both with the type of disease and with many factors that affect the tumor itself.

Of course, therapy at the initial stage gives more positive results than at other stages. Let's consider all the stages of cancer and various classifications that help doctors determine the properties of the formation.

Mammary cancer

Classification according to the TNM system

TNM cancer detection system- this is the current classification of oncological diseases, which was adopted by the National Health Committee to classify the stages of development and growth of a cancerous tumor; it is used to more accurately determine the image of the malignant formation itself.

This system was developed by Pierre Denoit in 1952. With the development of oncology, the system itself improved and evolved every year. At the moment, the publication of 2009 is relevant. It contains standards and a clear classification of oncological diseases.

We will begin to look at the system itself, starting from three components:

T- short for the Latin word Tumor - tumor. This indicator reflects the size, prevalence, growth of the cancer itself deep into nearby tissues and the location of the tumor. Each tumor has a letter and number that determine the gradation and size of the cancer - from T0 before T4.

N- comes from the Latin word Nodus - knot. When a cancerous tumor grows, it later begins to overlap and affect nearby lymph nodes. This is exactly what this letter shows. If we have N0- then the cancer has not yet invaded the lymph nodes, N3— the maximum damage to the lymph nodes is already underway.

M- comes from the Greek word Metastasis. The presence of metastases to other organs. As in previous cases, the number will determine the gradation of the spread of malignant cells to other organs. M0- indicates that the cancer does not metastasize. M1- there is metastasis to nearby organs. But here you need to clarify a small detail; usually after M they write the name of the organ itself where metastasis occurs. Eg, M(Mar)- the cancer has begun to metastasize to the bone marrow, and M(Ski)- metastases spread to the skin.

Blood cancer - leukemia

Additional characters

In addition to using the basic letters TNM, additional markings are used. It helps show exactly when the tumor was discovered.

Histological stages of cancer

TNM is currently the most detailed classification, but in addition to it, others are also used. Typically a basic G symbol is used to indicate how aggressive the tumor is. It also indicates the activity of the tumor and its growth rate.

Stages of stomach cancer

NOTE! Recently, they began to combine the 3rd and 4th digits. For some cancers, the phrase or terms “high or low aggressive” are used. In prostate cancer, stage five or G5 is sometimes used.

Typically, histological classification is used directly to predict growth and time for cancer patients. The higher the aggressiveness of the tumor, the less time is left for treatment, of course.

The TNM system, on the contrary, provides more information about the size and degree of penetration of cancerous tissues into neighboring ones, as well as the extent of the tumor itself. The type and type of treatment will depend on this. For example, with extensive metastasis, there is no point in using surgery and is usually treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medications.

Stages of uterine cancer

Classification of cancer by stages

There is a so-called classical classification, which provides information directly to the patient. These are stages 1, 2, 3 and 4. But usually doctors use this same classification directly in combination with the TNM system in order to more accurately determine the nature of the tumor at each stage. Let's look at the table:

Typically, stage is designated from 0 to 4. Doctors use stage zero to indicate a precancerous condition or malignant tumor. Plus they use letters that provide even more detailed information. Let's look at the 4 stages of cancer development.

0 Stage

It is usually referred to as a non-invasive tumor when it is no longer malignant but rather benign. At the same time, the cells themselves are not malignant, but there is a risk that these tissues can develop into cancer. True, when this condition is detected, the chance of recovery is always positive. We can say that this is the initial stage of cancer.

Stage 1 - early cancer

Stage 1 cancer is classified by the fact that the first clots and nodules form, but which do not extend beyond the borders of the organ itself. There is no damage to the lymph nodes, and external signs are very subtle. Some types of tumors can only be detected at the initial stage with the help of. The first stage of cancer has the highest chance of being cured. Survival rate - 80%.

Stage 2

Cancer in the second degree is already larger in size, and also grows into nearby tissues and eventually affects the lymph nodes. Some organs at this stage already begin to give a signal in the form of symptoms, although they are mostly similar to ordinary diseases and inflammations. Survival rate - 60%.

Stage 3

Stage 3 cancer has already grown deeply in the organ and affects all nearby lymph nodes. This may also affect nearby organs. True, distant metastases are not yet widespread, so there is still a chance for treatment. The third stage of cancer is already aggressive in terms of symptoms. In third-degree treatment, more stringent methods of therapy are used: from surgery to radiation exposure, and the patient’s condition greatly worsens. Survival rate - 30%.

4 last stage

The fourth stage of cancer is already enormous in size, and internal bleeding may occur, since the pathology itself grows faster than the blood vessels. Metastases are already widespread in the blood and affect any organs. This is the most dangerous stage, when the chance of death increases significantly. It is almost impossible to cure cancer in the fourth stage. But with proper treatment there is a chance to extend life by several years. Survival rate is less than 5%.

How long do cancer patients live?

It all depends on the nature of the disease itself and when it was diagnosed. The earlier the disease is treated, the greater the chances of recovery and the longer the patient will live. It is clear that at stages 3 and 4 the chance drops significantly.

Will we cure cancer or not? It all depends on the treatment itself, as well as on the type of tumor. There are many cancers that cannot be treated in any way at stage 4.

What are the treatments for cancer? Basically, everything depends on the type of cancer, as well as on the stage. Mainly used:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Medicines

How does a doctor determine the stage before surgery? For this, there is a combination of various examination methods: MRI, ultrasound, CT, biopsy, tests for tumor markers, etc.

What are the causes and symptoms of cancer? You can read more about the symptoms in this article.

18.03.2016 10:34:45

Staging tumors into groups depending on their prevalence is necessary to take into account data on tumors of a particular location, treatment planning, taking into account prognostic factors, assessing treatment results and monitoring malignant neoplasms. In other words, determining the stage of cancer is necessary in order to plan the most effective treatment tactics, as well as for the work of statisticians.

TNM classification

The TNM classification for describing the prevalence of neoplasms is based on 3 components:

• First - T(lat. Tumor- tumor). This indicator determines the extent of the tumor, its size, and growth into surrounding tissues. Each location has its own gradation from the smallest tumor size ( T0), to the largest ( T4).
• Second component - N(lat. Nodus- node), it indicates the presence or absence of metastases in the lymph nodes. Just as in the case of the T component, each tumor location has its own rules for determining this component. The gradation comes from N0(absence of affected lymph nodes), up to N3(widespread damage to the lymph nodes).
• Third - M(Greek Metastasis- movement) – indicates the presence or absence of distant metastases to various organs. The number next to the component indicates the degree of prevalence of the malignant neoplasm. So, M0 confirms the absence of distant metastases, and M1- their presence. After the designation M, the name of the organ in which distant metastasis was detected is usually written in parentheses. For example M1 (oss) means that there are distant metastases in the bones, and M1 (bra)- that metastases were found in the brain. For other organs, use the designations given in the table below.

Also, in special situations, an additional letter is placed before the TNM designation. These are additional criteria indicated by the symbols “c“, “р”, “m”, “y”, “r” And "a".

- Symbol "c" means that the stage is established according to non-invasive examination methods.

- Symbol "p" says that the stage of the tumor was established after surgery.

- "m" symbol used to refer to cases where several primary tumors are located in the same area.

- Symbol "y" used in cases where the tumor is assessed during or immediately after antitumor treatment. The prefix "y" takes into account the extent of the tumor before the start of complex treatment. Values ycTNM or ypTNM characterize the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis using non-invasive methods or after surgery.

- "r" symbol used in the assessment of recurrent tumors after a relapse-free period.

- Character "a", used as a prefix, indicates that the tumor is classified after autopsy (autopsy after death).

Histological classification of cancer stages

• GX- the degree of tumor differentiation cannot be determined (little data);
• G1- highly differentiated tumor (non-aggressive);
• G2- moderately differentiated tumor (moderately aggressive);
• G3- low-grade tumor (highly aggressive);
• G4- undifferentiated tumor (highly aggressive);

Only after the tumor has been classified according to the TNM system can grouping by stages be performed. Determining the extent of the spread of the tumor process according to the TNM system or stages is very important for the selection and assessment of the necessary treatment methods, while histological classification allows us to obtain the most accurate characteristics of the tumor and predict the prognosis of the disease and possible response to treatment.

Determination of cancer stage: 0 - 4

Traditionally Stages of cancer are usually designated from 0 to 4. Each stage, in turn, can have the letter designations A and B, which divides it into two more substages, depending on the prevalence of the process. Below we will look at the most common stages of cancer.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that in our country many people like to say “grade of cancer” instead of “stage of cancer.” Various websites contain questions about: “grade 4 cancer”, “survival rate for stage 4 cancer”, “grade 3 cancer”. Remember - there are no degrees of cancer, there are only stages of cancer, which we will discuss below.

Stages of cancer using the example of an intestinal tumor

Stage 0 cancer

At stage 0 cancer, the boundaries of the tumor do not extend beyond the epithelium that gave rise to the tumor. With early detection and timely initiation of treatment, the prognosis for stage 0 cancer is almost always favorable, that is Stage 0 cancer is completely curable in the vast majority of cases.

Stage 1 cancer

Stage 2 cancer

Stage 2 cancer is considered the most common stage of cancer at which cancer is diagnosed. The prognosis for stage 2 cancer depends on many factors, including the location and histological features of the tumor. In general, stage 2 cancer can be successfully treated.

Stage 3 cancer

The third stage of cancer does not involve distant metastases to various organs, which is a positive point and determines a favorable prognosis.

Stage 4 cancer

There are rare cases when stage 4 cancer can be diagnosed in the absence of distant metastases. Large, poorly differentiated, fast-growing tumors are also often classified as stage 4 cancer. There is no cure for stage 4 cancer, as well as for stage 3 cancer. At the fourth stage of cancer, the disease takes on a chronic course, and it is only possible to put the disease into remission.

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm that affects the mucous membrane in the area of ​​the cervical-vaginal epithelium. According to statistics, this pathology is in second place on the list of “female” cancers. Women in the middle age category are most susceptible to pathology; those under 20 and over 50 years of age are extremely rarely at risk.

Causes of cervical cancer

One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of malignant tumors of the female genital organs is the human papilloma virus. HPV is a group of more than 100 viruses that infect epithelial cells with formations - papillomas. The virus is transmitted through physical and sexual contact. In the early stages it is treatable.

1. Stage 0 cervical cancer affects women who smoke 2 times more often: smoking reduces the body’s ability to fight HPV.
2. Chlamydia is an infectious disease that is often asymptomatic, causes infertility and inflammatory processes, and also significantly increases the incidence of cervical cancer.
3. Immune suppression is one of the causes of HPV damage to the body. Women who take medications that affect the immune system, who have undergone organ transplant surgery, and those who are HIV-infected are at risk.
4. Incorrect diet with a meager content of fresh vegetables and fruits.
5. Long-term use of birth control pills.
6. Repeated termination of pregnancy, both artificial and natural.
7. Early sexual life.
8. Heredity.

Symptoms of the disease

The initial stage of cervical cancer is expressed in the form of specific and general symptoms. General ones in the form of loss of appetite and weight, changes in body temperature, dizziness and weakness, dryness and flaking of the skin, pallor are complemented by specific ones:

• Mucous discharge of a bloody nature that occurs regardless of menstruation.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Swelling of the external genitalia.
• Painful urination.

With the active development of the disease, an unpleasant odor and blood in the urine are observed.

Cancer stage 0: clinic, treatment

Zero degree is an early form of cervical cancer. Doctors consider it more like a precancerous condition and call it carcinoma. At this stage, the cells do not penetrate deep into the tissue, affecting only its surface.

Cancer at this stage is treatable. An integrated approach is used: drug treatment in combination with one of the following methods: cryoconization (for nulliparous women), hysterectomy (for women who have given birth or are not planning a pregnancy), loop electroexcision.

Stage 1 uterine cancer: clinical picture, treatment

With this form, there are two types of oncology: IA and IB.

Stage IA is characterized by the growth of the tumor deep into the tissues, but does not extend beyond the body of the uterus itself, and does not affect the lymph nodes and organs located nearby. The following classification of oncology is distinguished:

Stage IA1 - a tumor no more than 7 mm in diameter, affecting tissue no more than 3 mm in depth. Cancer treatment at this stage is carried out using several methods: conization, radical hysterectomy, partial removal of the uterus.

Stage IA2 – the tumor diameter varies within 7 mm, and the depth of germination ranges from 3 to 5 mm. Lymph nodes and organs are not affected. Stage 1 cervical cancer is treated with radical hysterectomy, trachelectomy, and external radiotherapy.

Stage IB is characterized by a tumor that grows in depth and diameter and is visible to the naked eye. It does not affect either the lymph nodes or nearby organs. Stage IB1 – tumor diameter does not exceed 4 cm, treatment: radical hysterectomy, internal and external radiation therapy, radical trachelectomy. Stage IB2 – tumor size more than 4 cm, treatment: radiotherapy and chemotherapy, radical hysterectomy.

2867

A malignant neoplasm that affects the mucous membrane of a female internal organ leads to cervical cancer. The location of the tumor is the transition of the cervix to the vagina. Statistics show that this disease is quite common among similar female cancer lesions.

The initial phase (zero) is caused by a violation of the integrity of the upper layer of the epithelium and is called pre-invasive. At this level of disease, the cancer does not affect the basal epithelial membrane.

Symptoms of the disease

The pathogenic condition of the cervix at stage 0 of cancer has a number of signs that are similar to other diseases, but there are symptoms that speak only of this disease.

Common features include:

• Loss of desire to eat. The patient begins to eat less, and accordingly, body weight begins to decrease sharply;
• Body temperature is unstable: it either rises for no apparent reason, then declines again;
• Unexplained dizziness;
• A feeling of weakness throughout the body, as if the strength is leaving the person every minute;
• The skin condition suddenly worsens. It becomes painful, dry and begins to peel off;
• The color of the skin changes and pallor appears.

Specific symptoms are unique to this disease. The first signs of an existing oncological tumor are:

• The appearance of mucous discharge, which are blood smears. They can be detected in the absence of menstruation;
• There are sensations of pain in the lower abdomen;
• During sexual intercourse, a painful feeling occurs;
• The external genital organs swell;
• When visiting the toilet, noticeable painful urination.

If any of these signs are detected, you should immediately consult your gynecologist and undergo a mandatory examination.

Stage 0 of cervical cancer development. Treatment

If this cancer problem is diagnosed at stage 0, the likelihood of recovery is quite high. Almost all women who were diagnosed with the onset of cancer were successfully treated and now live normal and fulfilling lives. In order not to miss a developing disease with its specific manifestation, specialists perform sigmoidoscopy with CT, cystoscopy with MRI, lymography with angiography.

The entire treatment process is based on the impact directly on the tumor that has arisen.

During the initial examination, a smear of the patient’s mucous membrane is taken for tests that will outline the picture of the disease and answer the question of what degree (2cl). If stage 0, then treatment must be started immediately to prevent the disease from moving to another level.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a procedure called colposcopy is performed. To carry it out, an endoscope is used, which is specifically designed to examine the mucous membrane of the affected organ.

The essence of the mentioned procedure is a targeted biopsy, for which special medical instruments are used. To clarify the stage of oncology, the patient undergoes a cystoscopy, during which the bladder is examined. Along with this type of examination, the sick patient undergoes rectal diagnostics - sigmoidoscopy.

If, after carrying out all the procedures to determine the nature of the lesion, it is revealed that the degree is zero, the patient is offered laser and electrosurgery together with radiation therapy.

The most common method of treating this type of oncology is conization of the cervix. The essence is quite simple: a specially designed instrument is inserted into the woman’s uterus, with the help of which the affected area of ​​the organ is removed in the form of a cone.

After surgery, a woman, as a rule, still has the opportunity to become pregnant and safely carry a child to term. Sexual activity after the rehabilitation period is not contraindicated for surgical patients. The listed procedures are quite simple and easily tolerated by humans. Recovery after surgery is two weeks.

If this method of treatment does not help, the cancer continues to develop, then the only option is complete removal of the uterus, so that there is no increase in metastases and damage to neighboring pelvic organs.

Cervical cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in women of two age categories – 35-40 years and 55-65 years. It is a malignant lesion of the cervix, which forms against the background of typical precancerous conditions - and neoplasia. These are pathological changes in the epithelium at the cellular level of the cervix, and in 90% of cases they are provoked. If precancerous conditions are not treated, they quickly transform into two types of cancer - squamous cell (90%) and glandular (10%). Every year, more than 500,000 patients are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the country.

At the same time, modern medicine has greatly succeeded in the treatment of this pathology and provides a chance for a complete cure at almost any stage (the percentage of recovery after treatment for cervical cancer reaches 70%). The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the patient's chances.

Causes of cervical cancer

Science does not indicate the exact causes of cancer, but it identifies provoking factors that have a direct connection with its appearance:

• papillomavirus (strains 16 and 18);
• elderly age;
• long-term use;
• pathologies of the genital organs;
• pregnancy at a very young age (up to 16 years);
• a large number of sexual partners;
• induced abortions;
• viral diseases;
• early sexual life;
• smoking;
• cervical injury during childbirth;
• carcinogens;
• disruption .

note: the most important factor is the long-term influence of viral infections (herpes,), which affect the cervix and live in its mucous membrane. Viruses cause mutations, which are a favorable background for dysplasia and as a result of cancerous degeneration.

Cervical cancer: stages

The process of transition from a precancerous condition to cervical cancer takes different times and can last from 2 to 14 years. From the moment of formation of stage zero to stage 4, 1 to 2 years pass. First, the neoplasm will spread to the cervix itself, and then grow into neighboring organs. At the same time, with the flow of lymph, cancer cells spread throughout the body and metastases form.

Stage 0 cervical cancer

With it, tumor cells affect the upper epithelial layer, which is characterized as pre-invasive cancer. This is an intraepithelial cancer that does not invade the basement membrane of the epithelium and is successfully treated by removing the pathological portion of the cervix.

Stage 1 cervical cancer

In this case, the cancerous tumor penetrates into the stroma of the cervix, but not deeper. This stage is also treated by excision of the affected area.

Stage 2 cervical cancer

With it, there are serious changes in the structure of the organ, the cancer spreads and affects the vagina and uterus. Survival rate with stage 2 is on average 50%. This degree of cancer can have 3 options:

• vaginal, when the upper 2/3 of the vagina is affected;
• parametric, with tumor spread to the parametrium;
• uterine, in which cancer spreads to the body of the uterus.

Stage 3 cervical cancer

There is damage to the organs that are affected in stage 2 and the cancer spreads to the pelvis and kidneys. The probability of survival at this stage is no higher than 30%. This cancer can occur in the following forms::

• vaginal, when the entire vagina is affected;
• parametric, in which the cancer has spread from the parametrium to the pelvis;
• metastatic, with isolated metastases to the lymph nodes in the pelvis.

Stage 4 cervical cancer

With it, the tumor grows into the rectum, intestines, bladder, and metastasizes throughout the body. The probability of survival in this case is not higher than 10%.

Cervical cancer: symptoms

At an early stage, when the cancer is still microinvasive and is located only inside the epithelium, the woman may not be bothered by anything. It is usually detected during a medical examination after taking a smear for cytological examination or colposcopy.

At the same time, the first sign of cervical cancer at an early stage may be discomfort in the genital area without an obvious reason, which should also be alarming and be a reason to contact a gynecologist. As the disease progresses, a woman may present the following complaints from the genital organs::

• bleeding not associated with the menstrual cycle of varying intensity;
• the appearance of bloody discharge after and during sex;
• dysmenorrhea (menstrual irregularities);
• disturbance of urination due to compression of the ureters by a tumor (in the final stages);
• lymphostasis, that is, stagnation of lymph in the lower extremities as a result of compression of the lymphatic vessels by the neoplasm;
• watery discharge with a liquid consistency, which is formed as a result of the destruction of lymphatic capillaries in the epithelial layer by cancer;
• pain, the appearance of a crust - a sign of the spread of the process to the parametrium, and compression of the nerves in the sacral region is noted;
• purulent discharge with a foul odor is a sign of the last stage of cancer and tumor disintegration.

General somatic symptoms of cervical cancer manifest themselves in other organs and the whole organism as a whole:

• fast fatiguability;
• which lasts a long time (37.5C);
• anemia;
• lack of appetite;
• increased weakness;
• fast weight loss.

Important: It is also worth paying special attention to the presence of genital warts, as they are a symptom of the human papillomavirus. They are located on the mucous membranes, and their appearance on the cervix increases the risk of cancer by 50 times.

Diagnostics

Making and confirming the diagnosis is based on a full examination and additional studies prescribed by the doctor:

• Laboratory research:

1. Cytological examination of the smear. It is taken from the cervix and stained with a special dye. When examining a smear under a microscope, atypical cancer cells are visible.
2. Virological studies with virus typing and determination of its oncogenicity.

• Instrumental diagnostics:

1. Ultrasound. It is prescribed if necessary in some cases.
2. Colposcopy. This is an optical diagnosis in which the cervix is ​​treated with Lugol's solution or acetic acid and examined precisely under magnification through a colposcope. Healthy epithelium is always painted a certain color, but cancer-affected epithelium does not change.
3. and MRI. They are indicated for a broader diagnosis of the pelvic and abdominal organs. Tomography in this case allows us to identify the location and parameters of the cancer tumor, as well as the presence of metastases.
4. Scraping from the cervical canal. The mucosal material obtained during this procedure is sent for histological examination.
5. X-ray contrast lymphography, phlebography, arteriography. They are used as clarifying methods to detect metastases and clarify the extent of damage to neighboring organs.
6. Biopsy. It is performed during colposcopy. A small piece of tissue from a suspicious area of ​​the cervix is ​​taken for histological examination.

Cervical cancer: treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on the stage at which the cancer is located, the woman’s age, concomitant pathologies, and the desire to preserve the functionality of the reproductive system.

Precancerous conditions in the form of dysplasia are treated using cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen, electrocoagulation, radio wave and laser surgery methods. All these procedures are minimally traumatic, so they are well tolerated by women, and recovery after them takes up to 14 days. Traditional treatment, including hormone therapy, is also indicated.

At the stages of cancer itself, they resort to other, more radical methods:

• surgical removal;
• chemotherapy;
• radiation therapy.

Surgical techniques

Cone amputation of the cervix

The cervical conization procedure is applicable for stage 0 cancer. It allows you to preserve the organs of the reproductive system and have sexual activity in the future. If after this procedure a woman is diagnosed with fibroids or a recurrence of cervical cancer over time, then she undergoes a complete removal of the uterus and appendages.

Extrafascial hysterectomy

It is used for microinvasive type of cervical cancer. During this operation, both the body and the cervix, and sometimes part of the vagina, are removed, leaving the tissue of the parametrium and lymph nodes in the pelvis untouched. Complete removal minimizes the risk of future recurrence and can be performed via a vaginal or laparoscopic approach.

Radical hysterectomy

This is an operation to remove the cervix, body of the uterus, part of the vagina, connective tissue near the uterus and regional lymph nodes in the presence of metastases. The ovaries are usually removed for adenocarcinoma, but are retained for squamous cell carcinoma.

The intervention is performed laparotomically or laparoscopically. The latter is less traumatic and can be performed using robotic technology.

note: Radical surgical technologies require the woman to recover, which can last at least 2 months. After surgery to remove the uterus and cervix, you must regularly visit an oncologist.

Radiation therapy

It can be performed at any stage of cervical cancer, as an independent treatment or as an additional treatment after surgery. These types of radiotherapy are used:

• intracavitary;
• remote.

This method is used for stages 1, 2 and 3, but provided that the diameter of the tumor is no more than 4 cm. The main indication for radiation therapy is the involvement of the tissues that surround the cervix in the cancer process. Today, such treatment is carried out on linear accelerators with a three-dimensional planning system. The maximum effective dose of radiation is directed to the cancer area, while healthy tissue remains untouched. In parallel, radiomodifiers are also used - these are low-dose drugs whose task is to enhance the damaging effect of radiotherapy on the tumor.

Chemotherapy

It is usually prescribed as part of a complex treatment or if it is impossible to carry out radiotherapy, because cervical cancer is insensitive to the chemotherapy drugs themselves. It is performed for limited local spread of cancer in combination with radiation therapy, which gives good results, especially at stages 2 and 3.

It has also been proven that high efficiency is achieved during chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with platinum-based drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are taken in the form of tablets or administered parenterally (droppers). In particular, treatment with Cisplatin in combination with drugs such as Topotecan, Paclitaxel, Gemcitabine and Vinorelbine has a good effect.

Prevention of cervical cancer

This disease can be avoided if you follow doctors' recommendations regarding its prevention.

Considering that the main provoking factor for cervical cancer is the papilloma virus, primary prevention consists of vaccination. Today there is a special one, that is, against HPV types 16 and 18. It is given to girls from the age of 10, that is, before the onset of sexual activity, which maximizes the effectiveness of the vaccination before contact with the virus. Thanks to vaccination, an immune response is formed in the blood, preventing infection with the virus. This reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer by 70%.