Among women, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally and the third most common in India. In India, these figures are disproportionately high primarily due to a lack of awareness and a reluctance to openly discuss women’s health, which is influenced by rudimentary societal taboos. The only way to stay safe is through regular screening and timely HPV vaccination.
However, early care can save lives if someone has recently received a cervical cancer diagnosis. Despite battling cervical cancer, many women have overcome it and emerged even stronger. Cost of care is just one of several factors to consider after a diagnosis. What is required here is empathetic medical attention along with the most effective treatment options for eliminating cancer cells. Care that is compassionate, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and of high standards is of paramount importance at this sensitive point.
Such care requires not just advanced equipment and modern infrastructure, but also experienced specialists who understand the emotional and mental stress involved in this journey to recovery.
Read Also: Heart Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervical lining. It develops when the cells lining the cervix begin to transform into precancerous cells. Most of the cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact. This cancer is treatable in its early stages. But it tends to remain hidden until it spreads to untreatable stages. One may lower the risk of developing cervical cancer by choosing to have cervical cancer screenings (such as Pap smears) regularly and getting the HPV vaccination as recommended by experts. Vaccination supports prevention, and screening supports early detection.Read Also: What You Need to Know About Heart Tumors
What are the Causes of Cervical Cancer?
The sexually transmitted virus known as HPV (human papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. This cancer-causing virus spreads through any type of sexual interaction. Due to the body's natural defenses, the majority of people who get infected with HPV will never know it because it is something that happens to almost everyone at some point of time in life. On the other hand, cervical cancer may progress to invasive levels if a person's immune system cannot effectively combat the infection.What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is difficult to diagnose early because it typically shows no noticeable signs. Symptoms may take time to appear. The following symptoms may be present in a patient with Stage I cervical cancer:- Abnormal vaginal discharge (watery or bloody) with foul odour
- Bleeding from the vagina after sex, between menstrual periods or after menopause.
- Pain during sex
- Difficult or painful urination
- Diarrhea
- Rectal while defecating
- Fatigue
- Loss of weight and appetite
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Dull backache
- Swelling in the legs
- Pelvic/abdominal pain
What are the Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer?
The following are the risk factors that increase the chances of cervical cancer:- No cervical cancer screening history
- Multiple sexual partners
- Smoking
- HIV infection
- Weakened immune system
Stages of Cervical Cancer
The cervical cancer progresses in the following stages:| Stage of cervical cancer | Description |
| Stage I (non-invasive) | Cancer growth is restricted only to the neck of the cervix. There is no spread to the deeper parts of the cervical tissue. |
| Stage II (locally invasive) | Although the cancer has progressed beyond the cervix and uterus, it has not yet reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina. |
| Stage III (regionally invasive) | Cancer has invaded the lower vaginal region and may have spread to the pelvic wall, ureters, and lymph nodes in the area. |
| Stage IV (highly invasive) | The cancer is now highly invasive and has progressed to other organs or tissues outside of your bladder and rectum, including your bones and lungs. |
What are the Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer in Mumbai, India?
The following are the stage-wise treatment options for cervical cancer in Mumbai, India:| Cervical Cancer Stage | Treatment Options | Common Side Effects |
| Stage I (Early stage) | Surgery (cervix conization, uterine trachelectomy, trachelectomy / cervicectomy, simple hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, Wertheim–Meigs operation), fertility-preserving surgery, radiation therapy (external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy) | Pain at the surgery site, fatigue, bleeding, and infection risk |
| Stage II–III (Locally advanced) | Radiation therapy (external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, tomotherapy), chemotherapy (chemoradiation), targeted therapy | Tiredness, nausea, bowel or bladder irritation, skin reactions, appetite loss |
| Stage IV (Advanced stage) | Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy for symptom control | Fatigue, nausea, hair thinning, weakness |
| Supportive care (Any stage) | Palliative and supportive care | Drowsiness, constipation, nausea (from medications) |
What is the Cervical Cancer Treatment Cost in Mumbai, India?
The cost of cervical cancer treatment in Mumbai, India, ranges from ₹50,000 and ₹15,00,000. However, the cost varies depending upon numerous factors, including stage of cancer, type of treatment, location of hospital, type of hospital, type of room, and many more.| Treatment Name | Estimated Cost in Cervical Cancer Treatment in India (Approx.) |
| Cervix conization | ₹50,000 – ₹1,65,000 |
| Uterine trachelectomy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,85,000 |
| Trachelectomy/cervicectomy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,85,000 |
| Simple hysterectomy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Radical hysterectomy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Wertheim–Meigs operation | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000+ (Tentative values) |
| Fertility-preserving surgery* | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,85,000 (Tentative values) |
| External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 (full course) |
| Brachytherapy | ₹25,000 – ₹41,000 per session |
| Tomotherapy / advanced radiation | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000+ |
| Chemotherapy | ₹20,000 – ₹66,000 per cycle |
| Chemoradiation (combined) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000+ |
| Targeted therapy | ₹40,000 – ₹1,25,000+ per cycle |
| Immunotherapy | ₹66,000 – ₹2,00,000+ per cycle |
| Palliative and supportive care | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+ (Depends on the type of care) |
Conclusion
With appropriate care, many cervical cancer patients show a good response to treatment and survive this terrible disease successfully. When it comes to cervical cancer treatment in Mumbai, India, no one handles it better than the cervical cancer specialists at the Asian Heart Institute. Right from the initial consultation to full recovery, the experts here are providing compassionate treatment with a holistic approach. Choose the Asian Heart Institute for the right cervical cancer treatment in Mumbai, India. Book your consultation today.FAQs
Q1: How long may cervical cancer go undiagnosed?A: Cellular transformation to cancer might proceed slowly, but if it becomes cancerous, it can advance rapidly. It takes three to seven years for unusual cell transformations to develop into cancer.
Q2: What are the diagnostic tests for cervical cancer?
A: Regular Pap test screenings can detect the majority of cervical cancer cases. If your Pap test results are not normal, you will need to undergo further testing, including an HPV test.
Q3: Is cervical cancer curable?
A: Yes. It is a relatively curable cancer, particularly if detected early. A cure at advanced stages is unlikely, but remission (disappearance of the disease for a long time) is possible.
