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Voice Disorders - How Speech Therapy Can Help In It?

BASLP, DHLS (AYJNIHH), BEd(SPL. Edu.) in Hearing Impairment
Speech Therapist, Kolkata
Voice Disorders - How Speech Therapy Can Help In It?

People’s inability to use their voices in an effective manner has the potential to create a major impact on careers, personal relationships and also on the overall quality of their lives. Some might opine that voice therapy is totally reserved for actors, singers, and broadcasters, as their careers are made through the voices but the reality is that almost everyone can garner the benefits out of voice therapy.

The speech therapists, better known as speech-language pathologists, who specialize in voice therapy, get involved in the diagnosis, assessment, planning and finally treating the patients suffering from voice disorders. These kinds of healthcare providers are trained to evaluate the usage of voice and vocal function to understand the causes behind the loss of voice and the best methods of treatment, which patients could undergo for improving their voices

Before looking into how exactly speech therapy can help in treating voice disorders, let us first understand what exactly voice disorders are, the manner in which they develop, their symptoms and causes:

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Voice Disorders

Voice disorders deal with a variety of problems related to voice, which occur as a result of a wide range of causes.

Causes

Numerous circumstances can result in the loss of voice quality or complete voice loss. The causes which lead to voice disorders include:

  • If you frequently scream or raise the voice.

  • Allergies.

  • Side effects of medicines.

  • Viruses

  • Infections caused due to bacteria.

  • Neurological disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms range from a persistent feeling as if something is stuck on the throat, to a feeling of strain on the neck and throat, leading to scratch voice.

People whose careers are dependent on voices like singers, motivational speakers and broadcasters, voice therapy might be used as a preventive measure.

Role of Speech Language Pathologist in Voice Therapy

The therapy consists of assessment and the implementation of two techniques, voice therapy and voice hygiene.

Assessment

A speech-language pathologist would look at various factors while making an assessment like:

  • Health conditions or medications, which might affect the voice.

  • Full case history

  • Patient’s self-assessment of the problem.

  • Conducting an oral-peripheral examination

After completion of the assessment, speech-language pathologists can diagnose a voice disorder, provide a clear description and assess the severity of their disorder, recommend interventions, look into appropriate treatments and if needed can refer to other professionals.

Vocal Hygiene

A speech-language therapist would encourage patients to make necessary changes in their lifestyles and maintain a healthy regime to make sure that he or she can maintain a healthy voice. This includes:

  • Period of rest to the vocal cord.

  • Complete avoidance of screaming or shouting.

  • Avoid clearing out throat.

  • Limited use of air conditioners during summer

Voice Therapy

This voice therapy involves changing up the biomechanics of voice production. Voice therapy’s goal is to bring improvements in vocal function and quality and carry out exercises aimed at achieving strength in the vocal cord.

Some of the voice therapy techniques include:

  • Physiologic Voice Therapy

  • Symptomatic Voice Therapy

1034 people found this helpful

Trichoepithelioma - Causes + Treatment

Dr. Hardik Pitroda 89% (237 ratings)
MD - Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy, MBBS
Dermatologist, Ahmedabad
Trichoepithelioma - Causes + Treatment

Puberty brings hormonal changes which affect the body in a number of ways and the skin is one of the main affected organs. While acne is the more common issue, there are also other lesser known skin lesions, which can bother teenagers. The less common trichoepithelioma is one such disease.

In this health condition, multiple hair follicle tumors are seen on the face after attainment of puberty. These are benign, but not very common. They form small hair shafts, but do not develop into full fledged hair follicles. While the exact cause of these lesions is not identified, they are related to a syndrome called Brooke-Spielger Syndrome. There is also a genetic component where the CYLD gene is affected, and the proteins required for self-protection of the skin are missing. There is also a theory which states this condition to be an autosomal dominant condition. In such a scenario, multiple lesions are seen, and it is also the most common variant of the disease.

The lesions are small, less than 1 cm, isolated, firm, round, and shiny. Their color can vary from brown, to blue, yellow, or pink. The face is first affected, starting from the cheeks, and then slowly moving to the eyelids, and the nose. Multiple lesions are easier to diagnose, while individual lesions can be confused with basal cell carcinoma. The lesions grow very slowly and when multiple lesions are present, they can cause aesthetic concerns. There could be ulceration and recurrence in these patients. The genetically correlated ones have a higher incidence of aggressive behavior both in terms of severity of the lesions and the rate of recurrence.

Treatment: Though they are benign, aesthetic concerns may mandate treatment. The treatment is usually multipronged and includes the following genetic counseling, drug therapy (mostly topical creams and lotions), and minor invasive procedures.

  1. The best solution is to let them run their natural course, as they usually subside with age, both in terms of numbers and the severity of the lesions.
  2. Dermabrasion or carbon dioxide laser is useful in improving facial appearance too.
  3. In more severe cases, surgical removal may be done, which is partial and does not cover the entire depth of the lesion.
  4. However, in some cases, if there is a concern for malignancy, the lesions are completely excised (excision biopsy) and then sent for biopsy to confirm their benign nature.

Trichoepithelioma is also known by the name hereditary multiple benign cystic epithelioma, which explains the nature of the disease quite well. Other than cosmetic concerns, more so because if affects females, these are harmless in nature. But a detailed discussion with your dermatologist is suggested to confirm the state of the condition.

2955 people found this helpful

Breast Lump Detection - How Can It Be Done?

Dr. Rajendra Bansal 88% (81 ratings)
Diploma In Medical Radio-Diagnosis, DNB - Radio Diagnosis, Post Doctoral Fellowship In interventional Radiology - Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Radiologist, Jaipur
Breast Lump Detection - How Can It Be Done?

A breast lump is a restricted swelling, projection, lump, or knot in the breast that doesn't feel like a breast tissue. There are diverse reasons why breast lumps occur.

Not all lumps are cancer. These can also be breast conditions that are not harmful and which can be easily curable.Knots that feel harder or are not the same as the rest of the breast need to be checked. This kind of irregularity might be an indication of breast cancer.

A self-examination should be your starting point. This is how you can detect a lump on your own:

Step 1: Begin by taking a look at your breast in the mirror. Keep your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

This is what you need to search for:

  1. Breasts that are their typical size, shape, and shading
  2. Breasts that are uniformly formed without distortion or swelling

In the event that you see any of the changes mentioned below, convey them to your doctor:

  1. Dimpling, puckering, or protruding of the skin
  2. A nipple that is not in its initial position
  3. Redness, rash or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the changes mentioned above.

Step 3: While you're in front of the mirror, search for any indications of liquid or blood discharge from the nipples.

Step 4: Next, examine your breasts while resting.Use Your right hand to feel your left breast and use your left hand to feel your right breast. Cover the whole breast from your collarbone to the highest point of your mid-region, and from your armpit to your cleavage to search for any lumps.

Step 5:Examine your breasts while either standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest approach to examine their breasts is when their skin is wet, so this step could be done while taking a bath as well.

Diagnosis:

  • Mammogram: Mammography is a technique using X-rays to diagnose and locate tumours of the breasts.
  • Breast ultrasound: Breast ultrasound utilises sound waves to create pictures of the breasts from the inside.
  • Breast MRI:This involves using an effective and attractive field, and radio frequency pulses to create photos of the insides of the breasts.
  • Ultrasound-guided biopsy: During this sort of biopsy, utilising ultrasound imaging to discover the bump, a radiologist will give you anesthesia and afterward insert a needle into the lump to evacuate some tissue for assessment under a magnifying lens. Stereotactic biopsy and an X-ray-guided biopsy may also be used.

Possible treatments:

  1. In case the knot turns out to be cancerous, surgery is typically performed.
  2. You may have a few discussions with different doctors for additional treatment, including radiation treatment and chemotherapy or hormone treatment.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3219 people found this helpful

Brain Tumor - How To Diagnose It?

Dr. Nitin Jagdhane (Jain) 92% (36 ratings)
MCh Neurosurgery, Fellowship in Spine surgery, MS - General Surgery
Neurosurgeon, Mumbai
Brain Tumor - How To Diagnose It?

A brain tumor can occur at any age and it generally occurs in people in the age group of 40-60 years. The common types of brain tumor are termed as meningioma and gliomas. These supratentorial brain tumors generally occur above the covering of the cerebellum tissue. In children, brain tumors occur at the age of 1-12 years and the most common tumors are ependymomas, astrocytoma and meduloblastomas. Brain tumor is the common cause of death even in children.

Tips to Detecting a Brain Tumor

The general symptoms that are indications of a brain tumor include severe headaches, memory changes, nausea, drowsiness, sleep problems, fatigue and sudden involuntary movements of muscles of an individual. The symptoms can be either specific or generic and the general symptoms are mainly caused by the pressure of the tumor on the brain. The specific symptoms on the other hand are caused when specific parts of the brain does not function properly. Many people even experience loss of control of body functions.

The other problems that are experienced by individuals include changes in the ability to perform daily activities and loss of balance. They find difficulty in hearing, speech and at times are very aggressive. If these symptoms exist, then your doctor would recommend a physical examination and ask about your health history and that of your family.

Tests to Detect Brain Tumor
The tests that are advised by doctors to detect a brain tumor include MRI, neurologic exam, CT scan, biopsy, angiogram and spinal tap.

In the neurologic exam the vision, alertness, hearing, coordination, muscle strength and reflexes are checked by the doctor. The doctor also checks for any swelling in the eyes which can be caused by the pressing of the nerve which connects the brain and the eye.

The CT scan done for detecting brain tumor provides detailed pictures of your head and it is done through an X-ray machine which is connected to a computer. The contrast material is injected into the blood vessel of your hand and abnormal areas can be seen easily.

Biopsy
In this method tissues from the brain are removed and tested for tumor cells. The cells are observed by a pathologist under a microscope mainly to check for abnormal cells. The biopsy method is used to show tissue changes that can further lead to cancer. Brain tumor can be easily diagnosed with this method.

MRI:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI as it is commonly referred to is of great use as it helps to diagnose brain tumors. In this procedure, a dye is injected through a vein in the arm using which the variances in the tissues of the brain can be identified.

Consult your doctor today for more information on the same.

2082 people found this helpful

Frozen Embryo Transfer - When Is It Required?

Dr. Anuj Sharma 93% (814 ratings)
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, Fellowship of Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (FIAGES), Fellowship in Sexual Medicine
IVF Specialist, Meerut
Frozen Embryo Transfer - When Is It Required?

A frozen embryo transfer is a type of IVF treatment wherein a cryopreserved embryo, created in a full cycle of IVF is thawed enough to soften it up and hence transferred to the uterus of a woman. The embryo which has been cryopreserved might well be from a woman, who had previously gone through a typical IVF cycle or it can also be a donor embryo. In case a donor embryo gets used, then obviously that embryo is neither related to the woman nor to her partner.

On most occasions, a frozen embryo transfer takes place when there are extra embryos available after a normal IVF cycle. The usually preferred option is to have a fresh transfer.

Reasons behind Choosing To Have a Frozen Embryo Transfer-In Vitro Fertilization Cycle (FET - IVF)

One can choose to go for a Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle if:

A fresh IVF transfer fails and a woman has embryos which are cryopreserved: IVF Treatment cycle can result in the emergence of one or more than one embryo. The safe option is to get only one embryo transferred or a maximum of two at a time. In order to ensure complete reduction of risk, certain doctors even recommend women to go for Elective Single Embryo Transfer, especially for those with a good prognosis.

On certain situations, an IVF cycle can result in extra embryos. Most women opt to freeze or cryopreserve their extra embryos. For instance, a woman gets five embryos. Now, let's presume that a doctor recommends a woman to go for elective single embryo transfer. This would ensure that only one out of the five embryos will get transferred, whereas the remaining four embryos will be cryopreserved. It can well happen that one embryo transfer does not lead to successful pregnancy, then in that scenario, there would be a couple of options: a) A woman can go for another fresh complete IVF cycle or b) She can transfer either one or two of her embryos which were previously cryopreserved.

A woman may want to give her IVF conceived child a sibling: If a fresh embryo transfer results in pregnancy, then through the last example, given above, a woman can have four embryos, which are waiting to get cryopreserved. Cryopreserved embryos can be on liquid nitrogen for an indefinite period of time. Cryopreserved embryos can be used for second child.

The embryos are screened genetically: There are two assisted reproductive techniques in the form of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Preimplantation Genetic Screening, which ensure embryos to get screened for any kind of specific disease or defects. This is carried out through a biopsy of the embryo on the 3rd or on the 5th day after fertilization and after the egg gets retrieved. On certain situations, the results get back in time for performing a fresh embryo transfer. In case the biopsy or genetic test result is complex and more time gets consumed, in that case, all those embryos whose biopsy were taken get cryopreserved.

2406 people found this helpful

Frozen Embryo Transfer In IVF - When To Go For It?

Dr. Kaushal Samir Kadam 89% (1206 ratings)
MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, DGO
IVF Specialist, Mumbai
Frozen Embryo Transfer In IVF - When To Go For It?

A frozen embryo transfer is a type of IVF treatment wherein a cryopreserved embryo, created in a full cycle of IVF is thawed enough to soften it up and hence transferred to the uterus of a woman. The embryo which has been cryopreserved might well be from a woman, who had previously gone through a typical IVF cycle or it can also be a donor embryo. In case a donor embryo gets used, then obviously that embryo is neither related to the woman nor to her partner.

On most occasions, a frozen embryo transfer takes place when there are extra embryos available after a normal IVF cycle. The usually preferred option is to have a fresh transfer.

Reasons behind Choosing To Have a Frozen Embryo Transfer-In Vitro Fertilization Cycle (FET - IVF)

One can choose to go for an Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle if:

A fresh IVF transfer fails and a woman has embryos which are cryopreserved: IVF Treatment cycle can result in the emergence of one or more than one embryo. The safe option is to get only one embryo transferred or a maximum of two at a time. In order to ensure complete reduction of risk, certain doctors even recommend women to go for Elective Single Embryo Transfer, especially for those with a good prognosis.

On certain situations, an IVF cycle can result in extra embryos. Most women opt to freeze or cryopreserve their extra embryos. For instance, a woman gets five embryos. Now, lets presume that a doctor recommends a woman to go for elective single embryo transfer. This would ensure that only one out of the five embryos will get transferred, whereas the remaining four embryos will be cryopreserved. It can well happen that one embryo transfer does not lead to successful pregnancy, then in that scenario, there would be a couple of options: a) A woman can go for another fresh complete IVF cycle or b) She can transfer either one or two of her embryos which were previously cryopreserved.

A woman may want to give her IVF conceived child a sibling: If a fresh embryo transfer results in pregnancy, then through the last example, given above, a woman can have four embryos, which are waiting to get cryopreserved. Cryopreserved embryos can be on liquid nitrogen for an indefinite period of time. Cryopreserved embryos can be used for second child.

The embryos are screened genetically: There are two assisted reproductive techniques in the form of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Preimplantation Genetic Screening , which ensure embryos to get screened for any kind of specific disease or defects. This is carried out through a biopsy of the embryo on the 3rd or on the 5th day after fertilization and after the egg gets retrieved. On certain situations, the results get back in time for performing a fresh embryo transfer. In case the biopsy or genetic test result is complex and more time gets consumed, in that case all those embryos whose biopsy were taken get cryopreserved.

3094 people found this helpful

Voice Disorders Types, Symptoms & Treatment

MBBS, MS
ENT Specialist,
Voice Disorders Types, Symptoms & Treatment

What are voice disorders?

Voice disorders are medical conditions affecting the sound of a person's voice. These can include factors such as hoarseness, loss of voice, vocal fatigue, abnormal pitch or loudness, breathiness, roughness, strained or strangled vocal quality, tremor and thickening of the vocal folds.

Voice disorders can be caused by medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke; diseases of the larynx; allergies; trauma to the throat or neck area; vocal cord cancer; and by overusing or misusing the voice. They can also be due to poor speaking habits, incorrect breathing techniques and psychological issues such as stress and anxiety.

When the cause of the voice disorder is unknown or cannot be corrected medically, therapy may be needed to improve speaking abilities, reduce abnormal features in ones speech/voice production and improve overall communication skills. Voice therapy may also help a person develop healthier speaking habits.

What are the signs and symptoms of voice disorders?

Voice disorders can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms which may include:

  • Hoarseness or changes in the quality or pitch of the voice
  • Breathiness, harshness, Nasal twang, a “frog” in the throat sounds
  • Decreased range (loss of higher notes)
  • Vocal fatigue (drainage after singing)
  • A sudden onset of loss of volume while speaking or singing
  • Pain while speaking or singing
  • Throat tightness and/or pain, usually occurring after large vocal efforts
  • Frequent throat clearing/coughing 
  • Elevated pitch.

What are possible complications of voice disorders?

Voice disorders can lead to a wide range of complications, affecting the person's physical and emotional well-being. Complications may include the following:

  • Difficulty communicating effectively: People with voice disorders may find it difficult to understand and be understood when speaking, due to impaired speech or other alterations in vocal quality. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships as well as professional success.
  • Social isolation: Struggling to communicate effectively due to a voice disorder can lead to feelings of social withdrawal and alienation from others.
  • Depression and anxiety: Working with a clinician on strategies to overcome communication problems associated with a voice disorder can be emotionally challenging, creating feelings of frustration that may result in depression or anxiety symptoms on top of already existing stressors related to voice impairment itself (or other factors).
  • Physical strain and pain: From straining the vocal cords due to an inability to communicate clearly or forcefully enough can cause fatigue, irritability, hoarseness, loss of vocal range or pitch control in addition to increasing risk for poor posture during speaking tasks which can complicate related respiratory issues (such as asthma) as well as neck pain making breathing even more difficult at times for some people with asthma in particular).

Common types of voice disorders

Common types of voice disorders include spasmodic dysphonia, vocal cord nodules, and musculoskeletal dysphonia.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

A voice disorder where tight muscles constrict the larynx, causing disruptions to the larynx's motions and generating a jerky or shaky voice. Symptoms may include difficulty sustaining a normal tone or volume, difficulty transitioning rapidly between sounds or pitches, and frequent loss of voice. 

Treatment often involves speech therapy and exercises to strengthen affected muscle groups, as well as occasionally injections of botulinum toxin.

Vocal Cord Nodules

Vocal cord nodules are growths that develop on the vocal cords due to overuse and strain on the vocal cords. Symptoms of vocal cord nodules include hoarse voice, breathiness, muscle tension, and difficulty sustaining notes while singing. Treatment options for nodules range from voice and speech therapy to minor surgery to remove them.

Musculoskeletal Dysphonia

Musculoskeletal dysphonia is a type of functional voice disorder that results from inefficient use of the muscles involved in speaking and/or the inadequate coordination of the muscles. Symptoms include hoarseness, breathiness, vocal strain, vocal fatigue, and reduced loudness. 

Musculoskeletal dysphonia can be caused by a variety of factors including poor vocal hygiene, psychological stressors, neurological conditions or diseases such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis, smoking/alcohol use, certain medications and/or environmental allergens. 

Treatment may include vocal rest and physical exercises such as lip moving exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speaking.

Most common symptom of voice disorders

The most common symptom of voice disorders is changes in voice quality. These may involve decreased volume/harshness, tremors, hoarseness, breathiness/nasality, speaking too quickly or slowly/monotone pitch range. 

Other symptoms may include pain and discomfort when attempting to speak or swallow food; 

  • Coughing
  • Throat clearing 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Feeling like there is something caught in your throat all time; dry throat 
  • Straining while speaking/tired vocal cords
  • Gagging sensation while talking
  • Feeling like air is stuck in your throat all time. 

As with any health issue, it is important for people with symptoms suggestive of a voice disorder to consult their doctor so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be initiated as soon as possible.

Treatments for Voice Disorders

Treatment options for voice disorders depend upon the type and severity of each individual's condition.

Common treatments include speech therapy - where techniques such as slow syllable rate exercises and regular vocal warm-up may be used - medications such as antibiotics if infection is believed to be causing symptoms

  • Surgery if physical irregularities inside the larynx are suspected
  • Dietary changes so as not to put further strain on the vocal system
  • Avoidance strategies such avoiding loud environments/talking at certain tones
  • Supportive measures such using electronic amplification when necessary.
  • With proper care and treatment most people begin experiencing improvements within 1-2 months after initiating therapy sessions although it may take longer depending upon the individual's overall health status and condition severity among other factors.

What are the surgical treatments for voice disorders? 

  • Surgical treatments for voice disorders primarily involve a procedure known as laryngoplasty, which helps correct anatomical defects in the vocal folds (also known as vocal cords). 
  • It is usually performed by a specialist otolaryngologist and may include modifying an area of tissue on one of the vocal folds, or removing a small piece of tissue from the fold. In some cases, tissue grafts may also be used to augment or replace damaged tissue in the larynx.
  • Other potential surgical treatments may include injecting fillers such as collagen into the vocal folds to improve their ability to vibrate, using lasers to cut and stiffen parts of the vocal fold, and replacing damaged parts with prosthetic material.

Best doctors to consult for voice disorders? 

  • It is best to consult an otolaryngologist (a medical doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat issues) for any voice disorders.
  • An otolaryngologist typically evaluates the voice disorder and prescribes tests for further investigation and diagnosis of vocal abnormalities such as hoarseness or breathiness.
  • They work with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in evaluating and treating communication difficulties due to various causes, including voice disorders.
  • An audiologist may also be consulted to help determine if hearing loss is a contributing factor to the voice disorder.
  • A speech therapist can then guide a patient through exercises of rehabilitation or therapy specific to the particular diagnosis of their voice disorder, such as vocal cord paralysis or muscle tension dysphonia.
2 people found this helpful

Gynecologic Laparoscopy : Know Why It is a Preferred Mode of Surgery

IAGES, MS, MBBS
General Surgeon, Noida
Gynecologic Laparoscopy : Know Why It is a Preferred Mode of Surgery

Reasons You Must Consider Gynecologic Laparoscopy

An alternative form of surgery, gynecologic laparoscopy uses an instrument known as laparoscope to view the inside of your pelvic area. In comparison to conventional open surgery, wherein large incisions are made, this surgical procedure involves smaller cuts or incisions being made, leading to smaller scars and quicker recovery. This technology also enables a medical professional to easily see as well as identify health issues.

Why is the procedure performed?

Depending on individual cases, laparoscopy can be opted for treatment, diagnosis or both. It can be used for the following scenarios like:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis (a condition wherein the tissue that lines your uterus develops outside it)
  • Removal of scar tissue and ovarian cyst
  • To take care of ectopic pregnancy in which an embryo places itself outside the uterus
  • Used to perform female sterilization (a surgical procedure on the fallopian tubes to put a stop to future pregnancy)
  • Used to perform oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries through surgery) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus through surgery)
  • To investigate cancer-related instances like lymph nodes

In addition to these reasons, laparoscopy may also be recommended in cases such as pain in the abdomen or difficulty in getting pregnant. At the same time, certain gynecologic conditions may require open surgery. It's best to consult an expert before taking any decision.

What happens after the reason is identified?

Once the reason is identified, a biopsy of your tissue may be taken during the procedure. This is done to identify the kinds of cell and whether they are cancerous or non-cancerous. Many a time, biopsies are also performed to identify certain conditions like endometriosis.

Tip: 5 Benefits of Lasik Surgery?

4527 people found this helpful

9 Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer!

Dr. Neelima Deshpande 91% (191 ratings)
EMDR, FRCOG (LONDON) (Fellow of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), MFSRH , Diploma in psychosexual therapy, Medical diploma in clinical Hypnosis, Diploma in Evidence Based Healthcare, DNB (Obstetrics and Gynecology), MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Pune
9 Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer!

Cervical cancer is a form of cancer which occurs in the cervix or the lower part of the uterus in women, which opens up into the vagina. Its different from the other cancers that occur in other parts of the uterus and has a high rate of being cured if detected early.

Causes of Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is usually caused when abnormal cells present in the cervix, get out of control. Usually, major cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus gets transmitted from one person to another by sexual means or sexual contact. Abnormal changes in the cervix cells lead to cervical cancer. Usually, cell changes occur in the transformation zone in the cervix as the cells tend to change constantly, thereby leading to cancer.

Symptoms:

  1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual phases, after menopause or after having sex.
  2. Pain is experienced during sex.
  3. Abnormal vaginal discharge is produced.
  4. Abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle.
  5. Anemia due to abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
  6. Recurring pain in the pelvis, back or leg.
  7. Several urinary problems due to the blockage of the uterus.
  8. Urine or stool leakage into the vagina.
  9. Loss of weight.

How it can be diagnosed?
A routine screening test should be undertaken to observe any abnormal cell changes in the cervix and also for the screening for cervical cancer. Taking regular Pap smear test is recommended to detect abnormal cell changes so that cervical cancer can be prevented before hand. Other diagnostic tests include, Colposcopy and cervical biopsy to determine the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, Endocervical biopsy and Cone biopsy.

Treatment options available: 
Cervical cancer can be treated when detected at an early stage. The type of treatment depends on the stage and type of cervical cancer. The most common treatment methods are as follows:

  1. Surgery can be undertaken for removal of the cancer. Several types of surgeries exist and the ideal one depends on the location and severity of the cervical cancer.
  2. Radiation therapy involves the use of high dosage X-rays and implants within the vaginal cavity. This kills the cancer cells and is used in some specific stages of cervical cancer. This therapy is often used alongside surgery.
  3. Chemo-radiation is a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This procedure can be used at various stages of cervical cancer.
  4. Chemotherapy involves using medicines for killing cancer cells. It is used in advanced stages of cervical cancer.

Pelvic cancer is caused by abnormal cell changes in the pelvis. It is a common kind of cancer and can cause negative effects on the health. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for treating pelvic cancer. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

4063 people found this helpful

Uterine Cancer - 4 Methods Of Diagnosis

Dr. G.K. Bedi 87% (91 ratings)
DGO, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Chandigarh
Uterine Cancer - 4 Methods Of Diagnosis

Uterine cancer is also known as endometrial cancer. It is a cancer which begins in the lining of the uterus. The uterus is the part of a woman's body where the fetus develops. Uterine cancer is one of those rare cancers in India, which can be diagnosed in its early stages. This is because excessive vaginal bleeding occurs, thus making it a very serious and an apparent symptom. It is also one of the few forms of cancer which can be cured as removing the uterus is often more than enough to cure the patient of uterine cancer.

Here are the causes, diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer:

Causes

The exact cause of uterine cancer is not yet known, however, there is a theory on what causes uterine cancer. Hormones in a woman's body have been thought to increase the chances of getting uterine cancer. This is because it has long been thought that having high levels of estrogen is the cause of uterine cancer. Increased estrogen thickens the endometrium and thus, increases the likelihood of uterine cancer.

Diagnosis

There are several tests used to diagnose whether you have uterine cancer including:

1. Pelvic examination: This is an examination in which the vagina, bladder, rectum and uterus are scanned for lumps. If they are found, it might be due to uterine cancer.

2. Pap test: A pap test is a special test designed to scan for uterine cancer.
3. Transvaginal ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound uses high-intensity sound waves so that pictures of the uterus can be taken.
4. Biopsy: During a biopsy, the doctor will remove tissue from the endometrium and it will then be analyzed for cancerous growths.

Treatment

1. Surgery: This is the most common treatment as it removes the entire uterus and prevents the spreading of the cancer.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves giving drugs which kill cancerous cells. They are given through either an intravenous line or even in pill form.
3. Hormone therapy: This is a therapy in which either progesterone levels are increased or estrogen levels are decreased.
4. Radiation therapy: In this treatment, high energy laser beams are used to destroy cancerous cells.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2475 people found this helpful