Sunaina Roshan, sister of Bollywood icon Hrithik Roshan, recently opened up about a deeply personal and challenging experience: her battle with lymphoma of the cervix, a rare and lesser-known form of cancer. Sunaina’s revelation has not only brought attention to her resilience but has also highlighted a form of cancer that many are unaware of. In this piece, we delve into her journey, the nature of lymphoma of the cervix, and the importance of awareness.
Sunaina’s Diagnosis and Initial Struggles
Sunaina first noticed something was wrong while working alongside her father on a film project. During this time, she observed unusual blood clots during her period. Concerned, she confided in her mother, who advised her to see a doctor. The diagnosis that followed was shocking and life-altering: Sunaina was told she had lymphoma of the cervix, one of the rarest types of cancer in the world.
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Sharing her experience in an interview on the HER Health Talks channel, Sunaina revealed that her mother initially dismissed the gravity of the situation, a reaction that made her more determined to fight the disease. She resolved to stay strong for her family, despite the overwhelming emotional and physical toll the illness took on her.
Understanding Lymphoma of the Cervix
While cervical cancer is a condition that many are familiar with, lymphoma of the cervix is much rarer and less understood. Dr Shishir N. Shetty, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, explains that lymphoma of the cervix is fundamentally different from the more common forms of cervical cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. These common types arise from the epithelial cells lining the cervix, whereas lymphoma originates from lymphoid tissues, specifically lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
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Lymphoma of the cervix belongs to a broader category of cancers known as extranodal lymphomas, which occur outside the lymph nodes. This is particularly unusual because lymphomas typically develop in lymphatic tissues such as the lymph nodes, spleen, or thymus, rather than in organs like the cervix. The cervix is not typically associated with lymphoid tissue, making cervical lymphomas extremely uncommon.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
According to Dr Shetty, diagnosing lymphoma of the cervix can be challenging due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms. The early signs can often be subtle and may be mistaken for other gynaecological conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Due to the rarity of the condition, symptoms like unusual bleeding can easily be overlooked, underscoring the importance of awareness and regular medical check-ups.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Given its uncommon occurrence, diagnosing lymphoma of the cervix often involves a combination of medical imaging, biopsy, and pathological evaluation. Dr Shetty notes that the process typically begins with a pelvic examination, where any abnormalities in the cervix might prompt further investigation through imaging tests like ultrasounds, MRI, or CT scans.
A biopsy of the cervical tissue is crucial for confirming the diagnosis. Pathologists examine the tissue under a microscope to identify the presence of lymphoid cells and determine the specific type of lymphoma. To establish the stage of cancer, additional imaging and possibly a bone marrow biopsy may be conducted, which helps tailor the treatment plan.
Treatment Options Available
Treatment for cervical lymphoma typically involves chemotherapy, which targets the rapidly dividing cancer cells. The specific regimen depends on the type and stage of lymphoma. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used alongside chemotherapy, especially if the lymphoma is localized.
Recent advances in cancer treatment have introduced targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which either attack lymphoma cells specifically or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer. For particularly aggressive or relapsed cases, a stem cell transplant might be considered, involving high-dose chemotherapy followed by the transplantation of healthy stem cells to help rebuild the patient’s bone marrow.
Bottomline
Sunaina Roshan’s journey through this rare cancer highlights the importance of awareness, early detection, and the emotional strength required to face such challenges. By sharing her story, she not only sheds light on a little-known form of cancer but also offers hope and inspiration to others who might be facing similar battles. Her resilience serves as a reminder that, while the journey may be difficult, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges with the right support and determination.