At the Saint John’s Cancer Institute, personalized care is our top priority as we help you beat cervical cancer using a multi-disciplinary approach to care, ensuring we treat the entire person and not just the disease. Our care teams are ready to support you.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, connecting the vagina and uterus. Cervical cancer is mostly found in sexually active women, most commonly due to the HPV or Human Papillomavirus. Cervical pre-cancer or cancer can be detected using PAP smear screening and treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Cervical cancer primarily results from persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is sexually transmitted and can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to cancer over time. Other risk factors include smoking, having a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and multiple full-term pregnancies.
Regular screening through Pap smears and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes in cervical cells, allowing for early intervention and prevention of cancer development. It’s essential to follow recommended screening guidelines to identify any potential issues early. If you experience symptoms or are at risk, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate screening and preventive measures.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early stages of cervical cancer tend to not produce signs or symptoms, so it is important to have regular pelvic exams and screening with PAP smears and HPV testing.
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with sexual intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding or odor
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Ideally early diagnosis means finding cervical pre-cancer on PAP smear screening. A colposcopy may also be performed in which a medical provider looks at the cervix using a special microscope that can detect any visual abnormalities. A biopsy may also be performed in an abnormal looking area to determine if there is cancer present.
Cervical Cancer Stages
Cervical cancer staging is determined according to where the cancer is located and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Stage I: The cancer has spread from the cervix lining into the deeper tissue but is still just found in the uterus. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby areas, such as the vagina or tissue near the cervix, but it is still inside the pelvic area. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Stage III: The tumor has spread to the pelvic wall, and/or involves the lower third of the vagina, and/or causes swelling of the kidney, called hydronephrosis, or stops a kidney from functioning. No lymph nodes are involved, and there is no distant spread.
Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum and may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes, but it has not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage IVB: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Recurrent: Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back after treatment. If the cancer does return, there will be another round of tests to learn about the extent of the recurrence. These tests and scans are often similar to those done at the time of the original diagnosis.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
- HPV: The Human Papillomavirus is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV has dramatically decreased the incidence of cervical cancer.
- Sex at age younger than 16 years old: Women started sexual activity at a younger age are more likely to have a greater number of lifetime sexual partners.
- Multiple sexual partners: Increases the rates of transmission of HPV.
- Smoking: Chemicals found in cigarettes alter cells of the cervix, which can ultimately contribute to cancer.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, biological targeted therapy or radiation, or a combination of these depending on the stage. Surgical intervention at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute utilizes cutting-edge minimally invasive robotic-assisted technology. Fertility-sparing surgery is also available.
Follow Up
Follow up includes repeat exams and PAP smears to detect recurrence. Sometimes imaging is recommend as well. We provide advice to help you reduce the risk of recurrence using nutrition and lifestyle choices.
If you have questions regarding cervical cancer or would like an expert second opinion, please call today or click here to schedule an appointment.
