Mr Thomas Ind provides private cervical cancer assessment and expert treatment in his central London clinics.
Cancer of the cervix affects more than three thousand women in the UK [1] every year, with rates projected to rise over the years to come. Any cancer can be serious; however, prompt and effective assessment and treatment for cervical cancer will help you fight the disease and get the very best chance of a cure.
Mr Thomas Ind is a consultant gynaecologist with specialist accreditation in the management of gynaecological cancers. He has extensive experience and expertise in assessment, treatment and surgery for cervical cancer.
Mr Ind works with a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, they will provide information and guidance throughout your cancer treatment. Our private treatment clinics are efficient and well-equipped, so that you can recover in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
What is the cervix?
The cervix is also known as the neck of the womb. It’s the lower part of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina and it opens up during labour, to allow a baby to be born.
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix is lined by a fine membrane. The cells in this tissue are at risk of developing abnormalities, this can be triggered by infection with certain types of the wart or human papilloma virus (HPV). Sometimes, over time, these abnormal cells can become cancerous.
Who is at risk of cervical cancer?
Any woman with a womb could potentially develop cervical cancer, however some women could be at increased risk. A type of viral infection is believed to be the main contributory cause of the condition [2]. Certain high-risk strains of the wart virus or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appear to be linked to the disease in most women that develop cervical cancer.
In scientific studies, some lifestyle factors are associated with a higher chance of developing cervical cancer. These include using the oral contraceptive pill, smoking cigarettes, losing virginity at an early age [3] and having a higher number of sexual partners. Women with impaired immunity due to cancer treatment or HIV infection, are also at increased risk. However, all of these features will also increase an individual’s chance of contracting HPV, which could be the reason for the link.
Cervical cancer tends to affect younger women. More than half of women affected in the UK are under forty-five. However, it often occurs in older women too. So, if you are worried about any symptoms, you should see your GP or contact Mr Ind at the clinic for expert assessment and advice, no matter what your age is.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Many women will be unaware that they have cervical cancer, the condition can be totally silent, especially in the early stages. Sometimes, cancer cells can be detected during investigation for an abnormal smear test or on colposcopy examination. When the cancer is still too small to be seen by the naked eye, the microscopic abnormalities can be identified by analysis of biopsies in the laboratory.
As the cancer grows, symptoms can develop. In particular, you may notice changes to your usual pattern of vaginal bleeding. Look out for:
- Vaginal bleeding in-between periods.
- Bleeding after sex.
- An unusual, blood-stained or offensive vaginal discharge
- If the cancerous growths grow larger, they may block the kidneys, causing back pain.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cancer of the cervix is caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It’s a common virus that causes warts in the mouth, skin and genitals – but of more than a hundred different varieties, only some strains are associated with cervical cancer.
These high-risk strains of the virus include HPV types 16 and 18, they are believed to cause cervical cancer in around seven of every ten women affected. The virus can trigger changes in the cells lining the neck of the womb, which over time can develop into cervical cancer in some women[4].
Having HPV doesn’t mean that cancer is inevitable. The virus is extremely common and is easily spread during sexual contact, including touching. Most women can fight off the infection without treatment, using their immune systems. However, the high-risk strains can cause infections that some women cannot clear naturally. The virus can lead to cell changes known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia or CIN. CIN is not the same as cancer, but over time the abnormal cells can develop into cancer if they aren’t treated quickly and effectively.
Early vaccination against HPV is the best way of protecting the health of your cervix and reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
Find out more:
- Cervical cancer treatment
- How to protect yourself from cervical cancer
- Colposcopy
- HPV
- Abnormal smear
[1] http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/cervical-cancer#heading-Zero
[2] https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/95/6/E2/2520668