Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells start growing in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Vaginal bleeding that isn't normal. This may be bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
• Pain during sex.
• Vaginal discharge that isn't normal.

The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:

• Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain.
• Urinary problems because of a blocked kidney or ureter.
• Leakage of urine or stool into the vagina. This can happen when an opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.

If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. This may include a pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening. For the screening test, the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix.

You may also have other tests, including blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.

Tests to confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer include:

Colposcopy and cervical biopsy.

This test can find out whether and where cancer cells are on the surface of the cervix.

Endocervical biopsy (or curettage).

This test is done to find out whether cancer cells are in the cervical canal.

Cone biopsy.

This type of biopsy may be done to remove cervical tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment for cervical cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as whether you might want to become pregnant. The main treatments include:

Surgery.

Most women have surgery. The most common type is hysterectomy. This removes the uterus, the cervix, and part of the vagina. Options to preserve fertility include conization (removing a wedge of tissue that contains cancer) and trachelectomy (removing the cervix and part of the vagina but leaving the uterus).

Radiation therapy.

This therapy uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation is often used with surgery.

Chemotherapy.

These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together (chemoradiation).

If the cancer is advanced or has come back (recurrent), treatment options may also include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery.

Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.

Treatments for cancer can cause side effects. Your doctor can tell you what problems to expect and help you find ways to manage them. Healthy habits may help your symptoms. They include eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and activity.