Cervical Cancer - Complications and Treatment

Introduction

Cervical cancer Is the second most commonly seen gynecological tumor worldwide. Cancer represents a significant economic burden for the global economy. The incidents of cervical cancer are decreasing in developed countries but continues to rise in developing nations. It is caused due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are four stages of cervical cancer; the complications are observed in the latter stage. The metastatic cervical cancer is the most fatal . Pain in the vagina, kidney failure, bleeding from the vagina, and fistula are complications of advanced stages of cervical cancer. The side effect of the treatment can also lead to complications of cervical cancer. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy can treat cervical cancer and its complications.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when a group of abnormally growing cells in the cervix (lower part of the uterus in women) divides rapidly, having the potential to invade other body parts. In addition, the group of cell mass (tumor) can invade and spread (metastases) outside the uterine. Severe cases of metastatic cervical cancer spread to the bone and lungs. Human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. It affects people who have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners. Patients with cervical cancer suffer from vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge.

What Are the Complications of Cervical Cancer?

The major problems encountered in the later stages of cervical cancer include pain, vaginal bleeding, uterovaginal, rectovaginal, ureterovaginal fistulas, uremia, malnutrition, anemia, and mental depression. Proper medical intervention can treat the complication of cervical cancer.

The following are the complication of cervical cancer:

• Pain - When metastatic cervical cancer spreads to the bone, it causes severe pain in the body, muscles, or nerves. The pain produced due to cervical cancer can cause compression and destruction of nerves, veins, and lymphatics. It can also cause infection and inflammation along with obstruction of the organ.

• Fistula - The condition where abnormal connections occur between two hollow organs. Fistula can develop between the urinary bladder and vagina in case of advanced cervical cancer. In addition, this can cause leakage of vaginal secretion.

• Vaginal Hemorrhage - The most common complication of cervical cancer is profuse vaginal bleeding. It may occur sporadically.

• Vaginal Discharge - White malodorous discharge from the vagina is another source of discomfort and a cause for neglect by friends and relatives.

• Leukorrhea - The condition in which the vagina secretes thick white and malodor discharge. It causes a problem for the patient because of the sickening odor.

• Anemia - The condition in which blood is not enough to meet the oxygen requirement of the tissue is called anemia. Profuse vaginal bleeding causes severe anemia that may result in death.

• Uremia - The condition in which high urea levels are found in the blood. If it is not properly managed, then it can cause death.

• Pyelonephritis - The inflammation of the nephron in the kidney, causing sudden kidney infection, is called pyelonephritis. It is rare, but it persists in patients with urinary tract obstruction.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - The condition in which the patient experiences pain and burning sensation during urination due to infection in the tract, which facilitates passage of the urine.

• Kidney Failure - Advanced stages of cervical cancer can result in kidney dysfunction, causing kidney failure. In addition, the patient can suffer from swollen ankles, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and blood in the urine (hematuria).

What Is the Treatment for Cervical Cancer Complications?

The treatment of cervical cancer aims to retard tumor growth or remove the tumor. Hysterectomy is the treatment of choice for cervical cancer. Hysterectomy refers to the complete removal of the uterus. Chemotherapy can treat the advanced stages of cervical cancer. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy offers an excellent prognosis and helps combat the reoccurrence of cervical cancer. Patients can be relieved by utilizing all the surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic technics available for treating cervical cancer. Pain is a major problem, but painkillers should not solve pain, as addiction can lead to serious issues.

The following are some medicines used to treat cervical cancer complications:

• Narcotics can treat severe pain. For example, Aspirin can be administered to patients to raise the pain threshold. In addition, aspirin taken in doses of 10 to 20 grains, with as little water as possible, will often check diarrhea.

• Morphine can combat severe pain, but addiction can pose a greater problem in managing pain. Therefore, careful attention is needed while using morphine to avoid its side effect, such as constipation.

• Chlorpromazine is also effective in cancer patients.

• Vaginal malodor can be treated by applying an acetone pack to the cervix. Acetone pack application can be accomplished as a simple home or hospital procedure with no discomfort to the patient.

• Constriction of the vagina occurs due to surgical intervention during the treatment of cervical cancer and can be alleviated by dilatation of the vagina. Vagina dilators can be given to patients.

• Maintaining electrolyte balance is recommended.

What Are the Complications after Cervical Cancer Treatment?

The complication can occur as a side effect of the treatment of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be treated by surgical resection of the tumor, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) is the treatment of choice for cervical cancer. However, several urological complications can occur after the surgical treatment of cervical cancer.

The following are the complications that occurred after the treatment of cervical cancer:

• Urinary Tract Dysfunction - Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) occurs after the hysterectomy. LUTD is a condition in which the inability to empty the bladder occurs, causing increased frequency of urination, increased micturition urgency, painful urination (dysuria), nocturia, and loss of sensation in the bladder.

• Hypercontractility - After a few months of hysterectomy, Hyper contractility of the bladder is noticed. It is a condition where abnormal contraction of the urinary bladder’s muscle occurs during voiding. As a result, it causes strain in the abdomen during urination.

• Incontinence - Incontinence is one of the major complications after surgical treatment for cervical cancer. The condition in which involuntary urinary leakage takes place is called incontinence.

• Nocturia - The condition in which the patient has to wake up at night for urination. It affects the quality of life of patients.

• Ureterovaginal Fistulas - The fistula can develop between the uterus and vagina, causing leakage of vaginal discharge.

• Hydronephrosis - Hydronephrosis is the condition of urine accumulation in the kidneys and is one of the adverse effects of cervical cancer treatment.

• Lymphoedema - The fluid accumulation in the lymphatic system or swelling in different body parts is called lymphoedema.

• Early Menopause - Early menopause is the side effect of radiotherapy during the treatment of cervical cancer. It is a condition in which women no longer have a monthly menstrual cycle, causing dry vagina, mood swings, night sweats, and loss of sex drive, affecting the sex life of the patients.

• Depression - The major emotional impact is reported in patients with cervical cancer after treatment. The patient may feel hopeless, sad, and low due to the after-effects of the treatment.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and proper medical intervention can treat the complication of cervical cancer. Patient morale is the most important of all, which the doctors can boost. A regular visit to the hospital can improve the prognosis of the patient. A little change in the diet with proper medicines intake on time can result in early recovery. Patients should not be neglected and pampered by their friends and relatives. The patient should be fostered to deal with after effect of the treatment.