Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. At Saint John’s Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care based on the type and stage of cervical cancer, your overall health and the needs and priorities that matter to you.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is common, and most infections clear on their own. When a high-risk HPV infection persists for years, however, it can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells that may eventually develop into cancer. Regular cervical cancer screening can identify many of these changes before cancer develops.
Other factors can increase the likelihood that a persistent HPV infection will lead to cervical cancer, including smoking, a weakened immune system and certain reproductive factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop cervical cancer, but understanding your individual risk can help guide appropriate screening and follow-up care.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but persistent or unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Periods that are heavier or last longer than usual
- Unusual vaginal discharge, including watery, bloody or strong-smelling discharge
- Pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse
How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed
Cervical cancer screening and diagnosis are related but different steps. HPV and Pap tests can identify high-risk HPV infections and abnormal cervical cell changes that may require further evaluation. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Colposcopy and Biopsy
If screening results or symptoms suggest an abnormality, a colposcopy may be performed to examine the cervix more closely using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. If an abnormal area is identified, a tissue sample, or biopsy, may be taken and examined by a pathologist to determine whether precancerous or cancerous cells are present.
Determining the Extent of Cancer
If cervical cancer is diagnosed, additional testing may be used to determine whether the cancer is confined to the cervix or has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This process, called staging, helps the care team determine which treatment approaches may be most appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Stages
Cervical cancer is staged according to how far the disease has progressed, including whether it remains within the cervix or has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or more distant parts of the body. Stage is an important part of determining treatment, although other factors also influence an individual treatment plan.
Stage I: Cancer is limited to the cervix. Stage I is divided into additional categories based on the size and depth of the cancer.
Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but has not reached the pelvic wall or lower third of the vagina.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower portion of the vagina, the pelvic wall and/or affects the urinary tract by blocking a ureter or impairing kidney function. Stage III also includes cervical cancer that has spread to pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Recurrent Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer that returns after treatment is called recurrent cancer. If cancer returns, additional testing can help determine where the cancer is located and guide the next treatment approach.
If you have questions regarding cervical cancer or would like an expert second opinion, please call today or click here to schedule an appointment.
