What is Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Care

Cervical cancer is a serious health issue, but awareness, early detection, and proper care can make a big difference. In this blog, Dr. Satish Sharma aims to explain in clear language what cervical cancer is, its early signs, its causes, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment and care options are available.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting it to the vagina. Over time, abnormal cells can form in the lining of the cervix and, if not treated early, these can grow into cancer. Many cervical cancers are associated with infection by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Not all cell changes lead to cancer in fact, many abnormal or precancerous changes regress on their own. But some can progress if not detected and treated. Regular screening is key to catching problems early.

Early Signs & Cervical Cancer Symptoms

In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. That’s why it can go undetected for some time.

As the disease progresses, some of the more common cervical cancer symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause
• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than usual
• Watery, sometimes bloody vaginal discharge that may have a foul odour
• Pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse

These symptoms are not unique to cervical cancer they can occur in less serious conditions too, but whenever they appear, especially persistently, one should see a physician. Dr. Satish Sharma often emphasises: “Don’t ignore abnormal bleeding or persistent pelvic discomfort.”

Because early signs can be subtle, relying only on symptoms is risky. That’s why preventive screening is so critical.

What Causes Cervical Cancer? Risk Factors & Mechanisms

The most important cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection by high-risk types of HPV, especially HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. HPV infection – HPV is typically spread through sexual contact. Many people will contract HPV in their lifetime, but often the immune system clears it.
2. Persistence of HPV – In some women, the infection does not go away. Over time, the virus may lead to changes in cervical cells, causing precancerous lesions (often described as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN).
3. Progression to cancer – If those abnormal cells are not treated or monitored, they may gradually evolve into invasive cervical cancer over the years.

In addition to HPV, there are other risk factors:

• Having multiple sexual partners or early sexual activity increases the exposure risk to HPV.
• Smoking weakens the immune response and is associated with a higher risk.
• A weakened immune system (for example, HIV infection) makes the body less able to control HPV changes.
• Long-term use of certain birth control pills, or having had a mother take DES (a drug formerly used during pregnancy), can also slightly raise the risk.

Dr. Satish Sharma often reminds patients that while you cannot control every risk factor, controlling those you can (e.g. avoiding smoking, practising safe sex, getting vaccinated and screened) can significantly reduce risk.

Diagnosis: How Is Cervical Cancer Detected?

Because early cervical cancer often has no symptoms, screening tests are critical tools in detection:

• Pap test (Pap smear): Cells from the cervix are gently scraped and examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities.
• HPV DNA test: The same sample or a separate one is tested for high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer

If screening finds suspicious cell changes, more in-depth diagnostic procedures follow:

• Colposcopy: A magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to look closely at the cervix.
• Biopsies, such as punch biopsy or endocervical curettage, remove small tissue samples from the cervix for lab examination
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A wire loop with low-voltage electricity is used to excise abnormal tissue
• Cone biopsy (conization): A cone-shaped portion of cervical tissue is removed for deeper evaluation, sometimes under anaesthesia

If cancer is confirmed, additional imaging tests (like MRI, CT, PET scans) and examinations may be done to determine how far cancer has spread (the “stage”). The staging number helps guide treatment.

Cervical Cancer Treatment & Care

Treatment depends heavily on the stage of cancer, overall health, and whether the patient wishes to preserve fertility. Dr. Satish Sharma emphasises that a personalized approach is essential.

Here are the main options:

1. Surgery

• Removal of abnormal tissue only (e.g. via cone biopsy) is possible for very early cancers, preserving much of the cervix
• Trachelectomy (cervix removal only) leaves the uterus intact — useful for women wishing for a later pregnancy
• Hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removal) is common for cancers that haven’t spread beyond the cervix
• Radical hysterectomy may also remove surrounding tissue and lymph nodes
• Minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic, robotic) may reduce recovery time, though risks and benefits must be weighed for each patient

2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be delivered externally (external beam radiation), internally (brachytherapy) or both. Often, radiation is combined with chemotherapy for a better effect.

3. Chemotherapy

Drugs circulate in the bloodstream to kill cancer cells. It is especially used when cancer has spread beyond the cervix or for more advanced disease. It is often combined with radiation.

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

For advanced or recurrent diseases, newer treatments that target specific cancer cell vulnerabilities or stimulate the immune system may be used.

5. Palliative & Supportive Care

Even as aggressive treatments proceed, a care team may manage symptoms like pain and side effects, offering emotional support, nutritional help, and symptom relief. This is called palliative care and can run alongside cancer treatment.

After treatment, regular follow-up is crucial to detect any recurrence early.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cervical cancer is one of the more treatable cancers when caught early. The chances of successful treatment are much higher the earlier the disease is found. A woman whose cancer is confined to the cervix (stage I) has a vastly better prognosis than someone with later-stage disease.

Because early cervical cancer often produces no symptoms, relying only on symptoms is not safe. That’s why screening, HPV vaccination, and awareness of possible warning signs form the backbone of prevention.

What You Can Do: Prevention & Care Tips

• Begin regular cervical screening (Pap smears and/or HPV tests) according to national guidelines.
• Get vaccinated against HPV if eligible.
• Practice safe sex (use condoms, limit multiple partners).
• Quit smoking, or do not start.
• Promptly consult a Dr Satish Sharma if any of the symptoms listed earlier appear, even if mild or intermittent.
• Ask questions and stay informed: Dr. Satish Sharma advises that patients always clarify doubts with their care team and seek second opinions when needed.

Cervical cancer may be frightening, but it is also one of the cancers for which we have good tools for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. Dr. Satish Sharma encourages readers, especially women, not to wait, to take the first step toward screening, and to take control of their reproductive health. Early awareness can save lives.

If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms mentioned above, or wants to know the best screening plan, don’t hesitate to talk to a qualified doctor. Your health is worth it.