Cervical cancer is one of the more common cancers of the female reproductive system. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus; it adjoins the vagina. Uterine cancer refers to cancer of the uterine corpus, namely the upper part of the uterus, and will not be discussed in this article.

What are the Causes of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is thought to arise from dysplasia, or atypical cells within the cervix, transforming into a malignant state. The mechanism may have to do with certain proteins that “turn off’ tumor suppressor genes, which function to keep cells from forming tumors.

There can be many triggers for this process. The most well-known involves infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), best known for causing genital warts.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pain on sexual intercourse or diaphragm insertion
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Anemia secondary to vaginal bleeding

Who Is Likely To Get Cervical Cancer?

Some risk factors are:

• HPV infection
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Long-term oral contraceptive use
• Chlamydia infection
• Immunocompromise secondary to HIV infection
• Multiple pregnancies
• Women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) during their pregnancies
• Failure to get regular Pap smears

What Does Treatment for Cervical Cancer Involve?

Surgery

The type of surgery for cervical cancer is dependent on the stage of the cancer. If it is a carcinoma in situ – that is, a cancer localized to a small area of the cervix – a cone biopsy to remove the cancer is sufficient.

Cone Biopsy

• Cold Knife – standard method of surgery
• LEEP Procedure - surgery using an electrical wire

The cone biopsy is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Hysterectomy

If the cancer is at a more advanced stage, a simple or a radical hysterectomy may be recommended. If there is evidence of metastasis to the lymph nodes, adjuvant treatment is indicated.

Radiation

Both external beam radiotherapy and radioactive implants into the vagina and cervix may be recommended.

Chemotherapy

For metastatic disease, a platinum agent is recommended, such as cisplatin or carboplatin. Ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, and 5-FU have also been used in treating cervical cancer.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

Surgery offers the best chance for a cure if the cancer is localized to the cervix.

How Long Does It Take?

A cone biopsy takes about 30 minutes; a hysterectomy, a couple of hours.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Only one surgery should be required, but sometimes, the cancer may recur. This is one argument for hysterectomy over simple conization.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Cervical Cancer?

Clinical Trials – There are always new chemotherapeutic and immunologic agents being developed in clinical trials. One of them may be effective in your case.

Will I Have Pain?

Pain is sometimes, but not always a symptom of the disease. If you have surgery such as a hysterectomy, it is a major procedure and there may be postoperative pain, but this is manageable with prescription analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

For a cone biopsy, the patient should not have more than a day or two of downtime. For the standard abdominal hysterectomy procedure, we recommend the patient wait 3-6 weeks before going back to work, but some patients undergoing the laparoscopic surgery have returned to work in as few as 10 days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified gynecologists will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Cervical Cancer Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.