Gynecologic Health

Maintain Your Gynecologic Health with Education and Early Detection

Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the only gynecological cancer that can be prevented by regular screening. The Pap smear has significantly reduced the incidence and death rates of cervical cancer. This test can detect dysplasias (abnormal cells) or precancerous changes in the cervix that precede the development of cancer, thereby allowing physicians to intervene. When cervical cancer arises, the tumor replaces the normalcervix and can spread to the lymph nodes, bladder, rectum, or other distant sites.

What are the common symptoms?

Bleeding after intercourse, excessive discharge, and abnormal bleeding between periods are the most frequent symptoms. Cervical cancer is easily diagnosed by colposcopy and cervical biopsies that are done in the office. Sometimes a minor surgical procedure called a cone biopsy makes the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Most cervical cancers are diagnosed when they are still within the cervix. If the cancer appears to be very small, a minor surgical procedure, also called a cone biopsy, may indicate that the tumor is so minimal that a simple hysterectomy will remove all of the cancer. Larger tumors within the cervix can be successfully treated with a radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy. Both forms of treatment, have similar cure rates but different side effects.

In a radical hysterectomy, the cervix, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are removed, but not necessarily the ovaries. This is important for young women since the loss of fertility does not have to be compounded by early menopause. With radiation therapy you can avoid surgery, but you may have side effects such as bowel and bladder problems, and vaginal dryness. When cervical cancer has spread outside the cervix, radiation therapy is most effective.

What are the risk factors?

Socioeconomic class is a significant risk factor, since a lack of access to medical care often eliminates the opportunity for early diagnosis by Pap smear screening. Smoking, a high number of sexual partners, and early age of first intercourse are other risk factors. HIV and HPV infections are also associated risks for cervical cancer.