Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of epithelial origin.
Causes
Among the most likely causes of cervical cancer are:
- Numerous, including early (before 16 years) pregnancies and abortions
- Early onset (before 16 years) of sexual activity
- Multiple sexual partners
- Human papillomavirus (the impact of this factor is not fully studied).
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Israel
Early stages of the disease often do not manifest symptoms. After some time, the following symptoms may manifest:
- Pain during sexual intercourse or bleeding afterward;
- Prolonged menstruation, as well as changes in general condition during it;
- Vaginal discharge: leukorrhea, bloody;
- In late and advanced stages of cervical cancer, purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor is noted;
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles, as well as during heavy lifting or straining;
- Pain during urination;
- Signs of dyspepsia;
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, a patient will undergo a series of progressive diagnostic procedures to verify the diagnosis of cervical cancer:
- Colposcopy
- Cervical smear
- PAP smear – detection of atypical cells in the cervical mucosa
- Biopsy
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Cystoscopy – examination of the bladder for metastases
- Computed and magnetic resonance tomography
- Positron emission tomography to determine the speed and extent of tumor spread to adjacent lymph nodes
- In addition to taking medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in gynecology, oncology, and anesthesiology are conducted at Ichilov. Psychological consultations are also held with the woman to support her emotional health.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer in Israel
In early stages (1 or 2), there is a choice of treatment strategy between surgical intervention, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. For stages 3 and 4 of cancer, comprehensive treatment is necessary: surgery followed by a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Types of surgical interventions for the treatment of cervical cancer in Israel:
- Cervical conization. The only method that is strongly recommended to be performed in the early stages of the disease for women who wish to have children;
- The minimally invasive method of cryodestruction is effective in the early stages of the disease. Malignant cells are affected by very low temperatures. This technique preserves the uterus;
- Laser surgery is used in precancerous conditions. Malignant cells are affected by laser through the vagina;
- Hysterectomy – removal of the body and cervix of the uterus;
- Radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and adjacent soft tissues and lymph nodes. Additionally, the upper third of the vagina closest to the cervix is excised.
Along with the treatment of cervical cancer at Ichilov, reconstructive surgery is performed. Thanks to the collaboration of the oncologist and plastic surgeon, each woman is ensured quality treatment and restoration of lost vaginal functions.
Chemotherapy. Involves the individual selection of very strong drugs that can destroy malignant cells that remain after surgical intervention. At Ichilov, chemotherapy is planned in cycles – after taking the drugs for several days, there is a break lasting several weeks. The cycle is then repeated several times (the number of cycles depends on the severity of the tumor);
Radiation therapy. Conducted for 10-15 minutes 5 days a week for 2-5 weeks. Its goal is the same as that of chemotherapy – to prevent malignant cells from recurring.