Health Insurance That Covers Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is the third most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It's classified as either pre-invasive or invasive. Pre-invasive cancer ranges from minimal cervical dysplasia, in which the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells, to carcinoma in situ, in which the full thickness of epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells. If left untreated in may progress to invasive cervical cancer, depending on the form. In invasive disease, cancer cells penetrate the basement membrane and can spread directly to contiguous pelvic structures or disseminate to distant sites by way of lymphatic routes. In most cases the histological type is squamous cell carcinoma, which varies from well differentiated cells to highly anaplastic spindle cells.

When covered under a managed care health insurance plan certain preventative treatment may be tested for to detect and terminate the progression of cancer if treated early. Such testing may include certain diagnostic procedures such as a Papanicolaou test more commonly known as a Pap smear to identify abnormal cells, and a colposcopy which determines the source of abnormal cells evidenced on the Pap test. There is also the Cone biopsy which is performed if endocervical curettage is positive. Another useful test is known as the Vira/Pap test which is used to permit examination of the specimens deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure to detect Human Papiloma Virus a predicator to cancer cells. Additional studies such as a lymphangiography, cystography, and major organ and bone scans, can detect metastasis.

But What Do You Do If You Have No Insurance And Have Cervical Cancer?

There are a few organizations that can help or provide financial assistance if you have been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. First try contacting the American Cancer Society a non profit enterprise funded through donor volunteer groups. Second try contacting The Angel Network a private equity fund sponsored by Oprah Winfrey dedicated to assisting individuals diagnosed with the debilitating disease. Finally there are some insurance companies that will provide health insurance, however there is usually a limited open enrollment period for acceptance of an application.

We Can Help.

If you are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer you will need financial assistance to compensate the medical facilities for a multitude of expenses. Acute clinical staging will determine the type of treatment. Pre-invasive lesions may be treated with total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery, laser destruction, conization and sometimes even a hysterectomy costing thousands. Therapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma may include radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy requiring additional out of pocket expenditures. Pelvic exenteration might also be performed for recurrent cervical cancer.

Complications of the surgery itself can run up more charges because of bladder dysfunction, formation of lymphocytes or seromas after lymphadenctomy, and pulmonary embolism. Other possible complications to be considered in cost are the radiation therapy itself. When it is all said and done the cost of treating a single case of localized (early stage) cervical cancer can average anywhere from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00 dollars and while the cost of treating a single case of distant (later stage) cervical cancer can range anywhere from $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 dollars so you will definitely need help.