Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common subtype — about 80% of cases. Arises from the squamous cells of the outer cervix.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — through HPV vaccination and regular screening — yet remains a leading cause of cancer death in Indian women. Dr. Madhav Danthala provides treatment planning, chemoradiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy at Omega Hospitals, Gachibowli, and Peoples Polyclinic, Manikonda.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by persistent HPV infection. Vaccination prevents most cases. Screening catches changes early.
The most common subtype — about 80% of cases. Arises from the squamous cells of the outer cervix.
About 15-20% of cases. Arises from the glandular cells of the inner cervix. Tends to be missed on traditional Pap screening, which is why HPV testing matters.
HPV-related cellular changes that precede cancer by years. Detected by screening and treated before invasive cancer develops.
Most causes of these symptoms are benign. Persistence — and any bleeding after menopause — warrants prompt evaluation.
Bleeding after intercourse, especially when recurrent or persistent.
Spotting or bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle.
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated promptly.
New or persistent discharge that is foul-smelling, blood-tinged, or watery.
Cervical cancer is the cancer where prevention works best — and treatment results best when stage-led.
Treatment intensity matches stage. Early-stage disease is often surgically curable. Locally advanced disease responds well to chemoradiation. Both pathways have well-defined protocols.
For young women with early-stage disease, fertility-sparing options (trachelectomy) are discussed early — before surgical or radiation decisions are committed.
Every consult ends with a written summary of the plan, expected timeline, and the trade-offs each option carries.
Yes. Given between ages 9 and 14 (catch-up to 26), the HPV vaccine prevents the strains that cause nearly all cervical cancers. One of the most effective cancer-prevention tools available. Both girls and boys benefit.
The Pap smear looks for abnormal cells. The HPV test looks for the virus that causes them. HPV testing is now the gold standard for primary screening — detects high-risk HPV early, before cell changes develop. In India, most centres still default to Pap.
Cervical cancer screening typically begins at age 25 to 30 with HPV testing or at age 21 with Pap smear. Frequency depends on the test used — every 3 to 5 years for normal results. Continue through age 65 if consistently normal.
Bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods, persistent unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding after menopause. Most causes are benign — but persistence warrants gynaecological evaluation, especially in unscreened women.
Early-stage: surgery (radical hysterectomy or fertility-sparing trachelectomy). Locally advanced: chemoradiation. Recurrent or metastatic: chemotherapy plus immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and anti-VEGF targeted therapy.
For first opinion, second opinion, or treatment planning: