Cervical Cancer

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive system and holds the highest chance of a complete cure when diagnosed early. Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç offers hope to his patients by using the most advanced surgical techniques and personalized treatment protocols provided by modern medicine.

What is Cervical Cancer and Why Does it Occur?

Cervical cancer begins with the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus opening into the vagina. More than 99% of this type of cancer is associated with a sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. However, not every HPV infection converts into cancer; the process of carcinogenesis can be triggered when the body’s immune system cannot clear the virus and high-risk HPV types (particularly Types 16 and 18) become persistent in the cervix.

Symptoms and Early Diagnosis: The Importance of Smear and HPV Tests

Cervical cancer is generally an insidiously progressing disease and may present no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do emerge, the following conditions are commonly observed:

• Spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse,

• Irregular vaginal bleeding observed outside of menstrual periods,

• Foul-smelling discharge, sometimes mixed with blood,

• Persistent pain in the pelvic region (groin).

Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç emphasizes that regular screening tests are life-saving at this point. The Smear test and HPV DNA test provide an opportunity for “preventive treatment” by detecting cell alterations before cancer has even formed or while it is in its initial stage.

Modern Treatment Approaches with Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç

If a lesion or a diagnosis of cancer is established as a result of screenings, the treatment plan is meticulously devised based on the patient’s age, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s desire to have children.

1. Colposcopy and Biopsy

In cases of suspicious Smear results, colposcopy—which is the examination of the cervix under a specialized microscope—is performed. Dr. Erkılınç establishes a definitive diagnosis by taking biopsies from areas deemed suspicious during this procedure.

2. Conization and LEEP Procedure

This is the procedure of removing the risky tissue in the cervix as a small, cone-shaped piece in precancerous lesions (such as CIN 2-3). With this method, a definitive diagnosis is made and many cases are completely treated at this stage.

3. Gynecologic Oncological Surgery

In cases where the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, oncological surgery—which is the field of expertise of Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç—comes into play.

• Radical Hysterectomy: This is the extensive removal of the uterus along with surrounding tissues.

• Nerve-Sparing Surgery: Thanks to Dr. Erkılınç’s surgical experience, the nerves managing bladder and bowel functions are preserved, aiming to maintain the patient’s quality of life after the operation.

• Laparoscopic (Closed) Surgery: In patients with appropriate stages, operations performed via the closed method without making large incisions allow patients to heal much more quickly and return to their social lives in a short time.

Is it Possible to Prevent Cervical Cancer?

Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç’s greatest advice to his patients is the awareness of “preventive medicine.” Receiving the HPV vaccine for all women (and male children) between the ages of 9 and 45 reduces the risk of cancer by over 90%. Furthermore, regular gynecological examinations and screening tests prevent this cancer from being a threat.