Overview
Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina — grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other organs if not detected and treated early.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in India and the second most common gynaecological cancer worldwide. The vast majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18. This makes cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers through HPV vaccination and regular Pap smear screening — yet it remains a leading cause of cancer death among women in India due to late detection.
With advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early — and even advanced cervical cancer can be effectively managed with a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. Regular screening, early diagnosis, and access to affordable treatment are the three pillars of cervical cancer control.
Types of Cervical Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer — accounting for approximately 70% to 80% of all diagnoses. It develops in the flat squamous cells lining the outer part of the cervix and is strongly associated with HPV infection. It typically responds well to radiation combined with chemotherapy.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma develops in the mucus-producing glandular cells lining the cervical canal. It accounts for approximately 20% to 25% of cervical cancer cases and has been increasing in incidence — particularly in younger women. It may be less easily detected on Pap smear screening than squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma
Adenosquamous carcinoma is a mixed type of cervical cancer that contains both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma components. It is treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation depending on stage.
Small Cell Cervical Cancer
Small cell cervical cancer is a rare, aggressive form of neuroendocrine cervical cancer. It spreads rapidly and requires prompt, intensive treatment — typically with chemotherapy and radiation.
Clear Cell Carcinoma
Clear cell carcinoma is a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma. It may be associated with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation depending on stage and spread.
Cervical Lymphoma
Primary cervical lymphoma is an extremely rare cancer of the lymphoid tissue of the cervix. It is treated with chemotherapy and may respond to immunotherapy depending on the specific lymphoma subtype.
Signs to Look for in Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding — between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge — watery, bloody, or with a foul odour
- Pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower back, legs, or pelvis
- Swelling of one or both legs
- Difficulty urinating or blood in urine in advanced cases
- Rectal bleeding or pain in advanced cases
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Persistent lower abdominal discomfort
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used alongside radiation therapy (chemoradiation) as the primary treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer — and as palliative treatment for metastatic disease. Cisplatin-based chemoradiation is the standard of care for stages IB to IVA cervical cancer. At Jus’ Onco, cervical cancer chemotherapy is delivered as a low cost day care service — patients receive their infusion and return home the same day.
Targeted Therapy
Bevacizumab — a targeted anti-VEGF therapy — has shown significant benefit for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer in combination with chemotherapy. At Jus’ Onco, biomarker assessment is conducted to determine targeted therapy eligibility and the most appropriate combination regimen.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy — particularly pembrolizumab (PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor) — has been approved for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with PD-L1 expression. It is also used for MSI-high cervical tumours. At Jus’ Onco, PD-L1 and MSI status is reviewed to determine immunotherapy eligibility.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy — including external beam radiation and brachytherapy — is a cornerstone of cervical cancer treatment, particularly for locally advanced disease. It is often combined with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for maximum effectiveness. Jus’ Onco coordinates radiation therapy referrals through its specialist oncology network.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical options for cervical cancer include cone biopsy, trachelectomy, or radical hysterectomy depending on stage and fertility preservation goals. Surgery is typically recommended for early-stage disease and coordinated with chemotherapy and radiation as part of a comprehensive plan.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy may be used in specific cases of recurrent cervical cancer — particularly adenocarcinoma subtypes — as part of a broader personalized treatment approach. Your oncologist at Jus’ Onco will determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate for your specific case.
Supportive Care
Includes pain management, nutritional support, psycho-oncology counselling, management of treatment-related side effects, and symptom control — maintaining quality of life and supporting treatment completion throughout the full cervical cancer journey.
Cervical Cancer Care at Jus' Onco
At Jus’ Onco, we provide comprehensive cervical cancer care through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary oncology team. From first consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up, our focus is on delivering the best chemotherapy in India alongside targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and integrated supportive care — all at a low cost that ensures no patient is forced to delay or abandon treatment.
Our cervical cancer care programme begins with a thorough review of your diagnostic reports, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), biopsy and pathology findings, and biomarker testing — including PD-L1 expression and MSI status — ensuring your treatment plan is precisely matched to your cervical cancer type, stage, and molecular profile. Whether you require cisplatin-based chemoradiation, bevacizumab targeted therapy, pembrolizumab immunotherapy, or a combination approach, Jus’ Onco designs and delivers a complete, evidence-based cervical cancer treatment plan with full day care convenience, transparent pricing, and zero hidden charges.
We also offer HPV vaccination as a preventive service for eligible patients and family members — making Jus’ Onco a complete cervical cancer prevention and treatment destination.
