About this disease
What it concerns
Cervical cancer is an aggressive tumor disease. Thanks to the HVP vaccination, which is administered nationwide shortly before the teenage years or at the latest before the first sexual intercourse, the disease is occurring less and less frequently. In addition, precancerous lesions can usually already be detected during the annual gynecological screening examination by means of a pap smear and tumor disease can thus be prevented. If the tumor is already more advanced or if there are offshoots, it can be treated but not cured.
Types
Cervical cancer is divided into two main types, the somewhat more common squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which is rather less common in Switzerland. Adenocarcinoma is frequently found in developing countries, which is partly due to a lack of screening examinations.
Symptoms and consequences
Just under half of cervical cancers occur during childbearing years. Individuals may experience symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge or pain during sex. However, all these symptoms can also be completely harmless and do not have to be related to a tumor disease, which is why they should definitely be examined by a doctor. In the case of advanced tumor disease, symptoms may include fatigue, pain, incontinence, swelling and weight loss.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
If cervical cancer is suspected, a vaginal endoscopy, known as a colposcopy, is first performed and a tissue sample is taken. If malignant cells can be detected, a computer tomography examination (CT and/or PET-CT) is carried out, in which the tumor can be visualized. During the interdisciplinary tumor case discussion, the so-called tumor board, specialists from gynecology, oncology, radio-oncology, radiology, pathology and possibly other disciplines jointly determine the further procedure.
Treatment
In very early stages, the tumor can usually be removed surgically. If it is already advanced, removal of the uterus with cervix and lymph nodes in the pelvic area or radiation therapy with or without additional chemotherapy may be considered. In more advanced stages, radiochemotherapy is indicated. If the cancer has spread to other organs, the symptoms can be alleviated with chemotherapy, but the disease can no longer be cured.