Dr. Seema Singh

  How Fast Does Cervical Cancer Spread? Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and a question many ask is: How fast does it actually spread? Understanding its growth pattern and risk factors can empower women to take timely preventive and treatment measures. Slow Beginning: Precancerous Changes Cervical cancer usually starts with precancerous changes in the cervix known as cervical dysplasia. These abnormal cells often take several years to develop into cancer. This slow progression is why regular screening with Pap smears and HPV tests is so important. These tests can detect abnormal changes long before they become cancerous, making early treatment possible. Speed of Spread Varies Once cervical cancer forms, its speed of spread depends on factors such as the cancer type, stage, and the individual’s health. Squamous cell carcinoma — the most common form — tends to progress more slowly. Adenocarcinoma, although less common, can grow and sp...

  Is Endometrial Cancer the Same as Uterine Cancer? When it comes to women’s health, terms like endometrial cancer and uterine cancer are often used interchangeably, which can create confusion. While both are connected, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help in early detection and the right treatment approach. Uterine Cancer – The Broader Term Uterine cancer is a general term that refers to any cancer that begins in the uterus, also called the womb. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located in the pelvis, where a baby grows during pregnancy. There are two main types of uterine cancer: Endometrial cancer – cancer that starts in the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Uterine sarcoma – a much rarer type that begins in the muscles or supporting tissues of the uterus. Endometrial Cancer – The Most Common Type Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. In fact, when most doctors or patients use the term uterine canc...

  Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium. It is one of the most common gynecological cancers, especially among women after menopause. Like all cancers, uterine cancer is divided into stages, which describe how far the disease has spread inside the body. Knowing these stages is very important, as it helps doctors choose the most effective treatment and also gives patients a clear idea about the seriousness of the disease. Early Stages: Stage I and Stage II In Stage I , the cancer is limited only to the uterus. This is the earliest stage, and treatment often involves surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). Many women diagnosed at this stage have a very good chance of recovery. In Stage II , the cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix. While it is still considered an early stage, it may require surgery along with radiation therapy. At this point, the disease is still manageable, and the chances of succe...

  Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but with timely detection and the right treatment, many patients are able to live healthy lives after diagnosis. The treatment plan usually depends on the type of breast cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Knowing the available treatment options can help patients and families make informed decisions. Surgery Surgery is often the first step in treating breast cancer. Depending on the stage, doctors may perform a lumpectomy (removing only the tumor and a small margin of tissue) or a mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Sometimes, lymph nodes under the arm are also removed to check if the cancer has spread. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is usually recommended after surgery to reduce the chances of recurrence, especially in patients who have undergone a lumpectomy. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth...

  Gynecological cancers affect a woman’s reproductive system and include ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Among these, ovarian cancer is often considered the most challenging to detect and treat. Understanding how it differs from other gynecological cancers can help raise awareness and encourage timely medical attention. Silent and Hard to Detect Unlike cervical cancer, which can often be identified early through regular Pap smears, ovarian cancer does not have a reliable routine screening test. Most cases are diagnosed at a later stage because symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in appetite may seem minor or unrelated to a serious condition. This makes ovarian cancer more difficult to detect compared to uterine or cervical cancers. Symptoms Are Less Specific Cervical cancer often presents with symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, while uterine cancer may cause post-menopausal bleeding. In contrast, ovarian cancer sy...

  Endometrial cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women, particularly after menopause. It begins in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, and can lead to serious health complications if not detected and treated early. Understanding the risk factors that contribute to the development of endometrial cancer is essential for early detection, prevention, and effective management. One of the most significant risk factors for endometrial cancer is obesity . Excess body fat increases the production of estrogen, a hormone that stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. When estrogen levels remain high without being balanced by progesterone, it can lead to abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk of cancer. Studies show that women who are obese have two to four times higher chances of developing endometrial cancer compared to women with a healthy weight. Hormonal imbalances also play a crucial role. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS...

  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections that affect both men and women. It spreads primarily through intimate sexual contact and is so common that almost every sexually active person will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their life. While most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own, some high-risk strains of the virus can lead to serious health complications, particularly cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. Certain high-risk types of HPV, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to cause abnormal changes in the cervical cells. Over time, if these abnormal cells are not detected and treated early, they can develop into cervical cancer. This makes HPV infection the leading cause of cervical cancer in women worldwide. One of the biggest challenges with HPV is that it often does not show any symptoms in the early stages....

  Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, and in many cases, it shows warning signs at an early stage. Being aware of these symptoms can help in timely diagnosis and treatment, which greatly improves recovery outcomes. Common Warning Signs of Uterine Cancer The most noticeable and common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding . This may include bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy menstrual flow. Some other signs to look out for include: Unusual vaginal discharge (watery or blood-tinged) Persistent pelvic or lower abdominal pain Pain or discomfort during intercourse Frequent urination or difficulty in passing urine Unexplained weight loss and fatigue Why Early Detection Matters Many women mistake these symptoms for regular health concerns and delay visiting a doctor. However, identifying uterine cancer in its early stages increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular check-ups an...