Causes, Symptoms, Types, Stages & Risk Factors at Sunrise Hospital, Delhi

Cervical cancer is a serious but preventable cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably. The cervix, located at the lower end of the uterus, connects the uterus to the vagina. Early detection through screening and timely treatment can dramatically improve outcomes.

Sunrise Hospital in Delhi is a leading center for cervical cancer treatment, offering advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgeries, fertility-preserving options, and personalized care. Our team of experienced gynecologic oncologists and laparoscopic cancer surgeons ensures the best treatment outcomes for patients.

If you are looking for the best cervical cancer specialist in Delhi , Sunrise Hospital provides expert consultation, world-class treatment, and compassionate care tailored to your needs.

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the cells of the cervix. Most cervical cancers develop in squamous cells , which form the surface lining of the cervix, while others arise from glandular cells , known as adenocarcinoma.

Early-stage cervical cancer often shows no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular cervical screening is critical for early detection, prevention, and successful treatment.

Understanding the type of cervical cancer is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.

The main types include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Accounts for 70–90% of cases, arising from thin, flat cells on the cervix surface./li>
• Adenocarcinoma: Develops from glandular cells in the cervical canal, representing 10–20% of cases.
• Adenosquamous Carcinoma: A rare type that has features of both squamous and glandular cells.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with high-risk HPV strains (HPV 16 and 18), a common sexually transmitted virus. While some HPV types cause genital warts, high-risk strains can lead to precancerous changes in cervical cells, potentially progressing to cancer if untreated.

HPV infections can remain dormant for years, often without symptoms. This silent progression emphasizes the importance of regular Pap smears and HPV testing for early detection.

Other Causes and Contributing Factors

Apart from HPV infection, additional factors may increase cervical cancer risk:

• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners
• Weakened immune system (HIV infection or long-term immunosuppressive therapy)
• Long-term oral contraceptive use
• Multiple full-term pregnancies
• Family history of cervical or other gynecologic cancers

Women with the following risk factors should be particularly vigilant:

• Persistent high-risk HPV infection
• Smoking or exposure to tobacco
• Early sexual activity
• Multiple sexual partners or partners with multiple partners
• Weakened immune system
• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Family history of cervical or other gynecologic cancers

Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, patients may experience:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Foul-smelling or blood-stained vaginal discharge
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain or pressure

Early recognition and consultation with a cervical cancer doctor in Delhi can save lives.

Accurate staging is essential for treatment planning. Cervical cancer is staged using the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system:

• Stage I: Cancer confined to the cervix
• Stage II: Spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall
• Stage III: Extended to the lower vagina or pelvic wall; may cause kidney problems
• Stage IV: Spread to nearby organs (bladder, rectum) or distant metastasis

Sunrise Hospital uses advanced imaging techniques to determine the precise stage, ensuring the most effective treatment.

Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Recommended screening methods include:

1. Pap Smear

A routine test that collects cervical cells to identify precancerous changes early.

2. HPV DNA Test

Detects high-risk HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer.

3. Colposcopy

A magnified examination of the cervix to identify abnormal areas. Sunrise Hospital offers colposcopic-guided cervical biopsy for accurate diagnosis.

4. Cervical Biopsy

A small tissue sample is collected for microscopic evaluation to confirm precancerous or cancerous changes.

5. Imaging Studies

Advanced MRI, CT, or PET scans determine the extent and stage of cancer for precise treatment planning.

Our multidisciplinary team combines screening tests with modern imaging to provide an accurate diagnosis:

• Pap smear and HPV testing for early detection
• Colposcopy-guided biopsy for precise results
• MRI / CT / PET scans for staging and treatment planning

Early diagnosis is key to improving survival rates. Sunrise Hospital is a leading cervical cancer hospital in Delhi NCR.

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, tumor size, spread, patient’s overall health, and fertility goals. Sunrise Hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatments:

1. Surgical Treatment

A. Cone Biopsy / LEEP

• Removes a wedge of cervical tissue
• Treats early precancerous changes (CIN1, CIN2, CIN3)

B. Radical Trachelectomy

• Removes the cervix and part of the vagina
• Preserves the uterus for future fertility
• Ideal for early-stage cancer in young women

C. Radical Hysterectomy

• Removes the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and pelvic lymph nodes
• Suitable for advanced localized cancer

D. Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy – Modern Standard

• Minimally invasive approach
• Minimal blood loss, less pain, and scarring
• Shorter hospital stay (2–3 days)
• Faster recovery
• Performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons

2. Chemotherapy

• Uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells
• Administered before or after surgery
• Often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation)

3. Radiation Therapy

• High-energy X-rays target and kill cancer cells
• Recommended for locally advanced cancer or patients unsuitable for surgery
• Can be combined with chemotherapy

4. Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) Mapping

• Uses Indocyanine Green (ICG) and near-infrared cameras
• Accurately identifies lymph node metastasis
• Reduces unnecessary lymph node removal
• Minimizes risk of lymphedema
• Improves recovery and staging accuracy

5. Fertility-Preserving Surgery

• Laparoscopic encirclage with radical trachelectomy
• Preserves the uterus while effectively treating cancer
• Important for young women desiring future pregnancies

Preventive strategies can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer:

1. HPV Vaccination

• Vaccines: Cervarix, Gardasil
• Protect against high-risk HPV strains
• Recommended for girls aged 9–26

2. Reduce Risk of STIs

• Practice safe sexual activity
• Regular STI screenings

3. Routine Pap Smear

• Recommended every 1–3 years based on age and risk factors

4. Healthy Lifestyle

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Maintain good hygiene
• Boost immunity with proper diet and exercise

• Experienced cervical cancer doctors with high success rates
• Advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery
• Fertility-preserving surgical options
• World-class diagnostic facilities
• Comprehensive cervical cancer treatment in Delhi NCR
• Affordable treatment costs
• Online & offline consultations
• Multidisciplinary gynecologic oncology team
• Personalized treatment plans for every patient

Dr. Nikita Trehan, a leading cervical cancer specialist in India, leads the team with expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge treatment protocols.

Cervical cancer is preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Sunrise Hospital in Delhi offers state-of-the-art diagnosis, advanced laparoscopic surgery, fertility-preserving options, and personalized treatment plans.

If you are looking for the best cervical cancer specialist in Delhi, book an appointment with Dr. Nikita Trehan or our expert team today.