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Cervical Cancer

Definition

Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, the narrow section of the uterus (womb) that leads to the vagina (birth canal).

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Most of patients with cervical cancer are treated in the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic. Read about:
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Please Note:
Cervical cancer can result from pre-cancerous gynecologic conditions, such as Cervix intraepithelial neoplasia or Dysplasia. These conditions are diagnosed through a PAP test and then treated in the The Colposcopy Clinic. Learn more about these conditions on the Pre-cancerous Gynecologic Conditions webpage.

How does cervical cancer occur?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. It is seen more frequently among women who have had sex at an early age, multiple sex partners, who have contracted sexually transmitted disease, or who smoke. It tends to occur when women are in their 40's and 50's.

Dysplasia usually occurs before the cells become cancerous. Dysplasia is the term for precancerous changes in cells on the surface of the cervix. Early detection and treatment of precancerous cells can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Otherwise, the abnormal cells can become cancer and spread to other parts of the body.

How is it diagnosed?

Women should start getting regular Pap tests by the age of 18 or when sexual activity begins, whichever occurs first. Regular Pap tests allow abnormal cell changes in the cervix to be detected early and treated before cancer develops.

How is cervical cancer caused?

The exact causes of cervical cancer are unclear. There are 2 main types of cervical cancer:
Squamous type (epidermoid cancer): This is the most common type, accounting for about 80% to 85% of cervical cancers. This cancer may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts. The squamous type of cancer generally starts on the surface of the cervix.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer develops from the tissue in glands in the cervical canal.

What increases the chances of cervical cancer?

You are at greater risk for cervical cancer if:
  • You have had an abnormal Pap test.
  • You or your sexual partner has or had an HPV infection or genital warts.
  • You have had a herpes infection of the cervix.
  • You have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
  • You have had many sexual partners or began sexual activity before age 18.
  • You do not use condoms.
  • You have had genital or vaginal cancer.
  • Your sexual partner's previous partner had cervical cancer or abnormal cervical cells.
  • Your partner has had cancer of the penis.
  • You smoke.
  • Your immune system is weakened; for example, because you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or you have AIDS.
  • Your mother took the hormone DES (diethylstilbestrol) when she was pregnant with you.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Early cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms. The cancer is usually detected by a Pap test and pelvic exam. This is why a Pap test is suggested for all women who are sexually active or 18 or older.

Later stages of cervical cancer cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge at unexpected times. For example, you may have bleeding between menstrual periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Abnormal vaginal discharge may be cloudy or bloody or may contain mucus with a bad odor. Advanced stages of the cancer may cause pain.

How is cervical cancer treated?

The treatment options may include surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. The specific treatment recommendation by your physician is based upon the findings on physical examination, the biopsy and your medical condition. As for survival rates, they are good as long as the disease is caught early.

Mild abnormalities detected by the Pap test will most likely return to normal with very little or no treatment. However, you should have follow-up Pap tests every few months as recommended by your health care provider to make sure the cells have returned to normal.

Early precancerous changes can usually be treated easily with:

Discuss the risks and benefits of these treatments with your provider.

Cancerous cells on the surface of the cervix are called cancer in situ of the cervix. Possible treatments for this type of cervical cancer are:

  • cone biopsy of the cervix, which is removal of a cone-shaped piece of the cervix with a surgical knife, laser, or wire loop
  • hysterectomy, which is removal of the uterus.

Treatment of invasive cervical cancer depends on how much the cancer has spread and your age and general health. If the invasive cancer is small and involves only the cervix or uterus, your provider may recommend removing the uterus and cervix, upper vagina, and some surrounding tissue in the pelvis. The ovaries are usually removed also, but sometimes they are not removed so you can keep your normal hormone functions. For more advanced cervical cancer, you may have radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

The earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chances are that you will keep your ability to have children.

>How long will the effects last?

If abnormal cells are found, diagnosed, and treated early, there is an excellent chance of complete cure. If left untreated, the cancer may spread to surrounding structures such as lymph nodes and nearby pelvic tissues. As the tumor enlarges or spreads beyond the cervix, the likelihood of cure decreases. However, studies have shown that combined treatment with radiation and chemotherapy can add years to the lives of women with invasive cervical cancer.

How can I take care of myself after treatment?

  • Ask your health care provider for instructions regarding intercourse, douching, or using tampons.
  • Frequent exams and Pap tests will be recommended to check for a return of cancer. You may also need other tests or scans, such as CT scans or MRI, after your treatment. Keep all follow-up appointments.

How can I help prevent cervical cancer?

To help reduce your risk of cervical cancer:
  • Do not start having sexual intercourse until you are at least 18 years of age.
  • Do not have a lot of sexual partners. It will also help if your partner has had very few other partners. Ask your partners if they have had any sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Use latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sexual intercourse.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene.
  • If you are or have ever been sexually active, you should have regular pelvic exams, including a Pap test. Ask your provider how often you should have these tests.

 

updated 1/2007

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Developed by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
Published by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Copyright © 2006 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.


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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center