Cervical Cancer Symptoms & Treatment

Cervical cancer occurs after abnormal cells grow out of control on the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Types

• Squamous cell carcinoma – begins in the lining of the outer part of the cervix. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas
• Adenocarcinoma – begins in cells that line the cervical canal

Causes & Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can be sexually transmitted
• Early sexual activity
• Other sexually transmitted infections
• A weak immune system
• Smoking

Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods or after menopause
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam
• Abnormal menstrual periods
• Vaginal discharge between periods or after menopause
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Diagnostics

• Abnormal pap test results
• Physical exam
• HPV test
• Colposcopy – magnifies cells of the cervix and vagina
• Biopsy
• Imaging
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • Computed tomography (CT scan)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Positron emission tomography (PET scan)

Treatments

• Surgery
  • Conization – a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix to diagnose cancer or remove abnormal cells
  • Hysterectomy –  removal of the uterus and cervix
  • Radical hysterectomy – removal of the uterus, cervix, upper vagina and adjacent tissue
  • Trachelectomy – removal of the cervix and upper part of the vagina to preserve fertility
  • Pelvic exenteration – similar to a radical hysterectomy, but performed to treat recurrent cervical cancer.  The bladder, vagina, rectum and part of the colon also may be removed.
  • Pelvic lymph node dissection – removal of pelvic lymph nodes adjacent to the cervix to evaluate disease spread and treatment planning. It is performed with a radical hysterectomy.
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy