CERVICAL CANCER

This section will take you through the basics of cervical cancer. It will introduce you to people who may be members of your treatment team. In addition, it will determine different treatments for cervical cancer. I hope this information helps you prepare to speak with the treatment team and gives you more confidence in the treatment plan.

Cervical Cancer Overview

Cancer occurs when cells in a certain area of ​​the body grow abnormally. Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is the uterus or part of the uterus, and leads to the vagina. It is a part of the uterus that is fully expanded and open to allow the baby to enter the birth canal.

The normal cervix has two main types of cells: squamous (or flat) cells, which protect the outside of the cervix, and glandular cells that are found mainly inside the cervix and produce the fluid and mucus commonly seen during ovulation.

Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal changes in any of these cell types on the cervix and is the only gynecological cancer that can be prevented through regular screening and vaccinations.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. This is why it is important to have a Pap test. A woman usually does not have any signs until the cells become cancerous and invade the deeper parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs.

These symptoms include:

• 

  Vaginal discharge

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal odor
• Pain

Medical evaluation and diagnosis

When a woman experiences worrisome symptoms, a pelvic exam (including a rectovaginal exam) and a general physical exam should be done. If the test is abnormal, the woman may be recommended to have an HPV test, a colposcopy (looking at the cervix through a magnifying glass), and a biopsy, based on the results of the colposcopy.

Surgical staging

When diagnosing cervical cancer, it is critical to determine whether the cancer has spread or not. Your treatment team may do more tests to determine this.

After surgery, your cancer will be classified as Stage I, II, III, or IV, as illustrated below. Cancer will also be assigned a grade. Grade refers to how abnormal the cells appear under a microscope. Low-grade tumors, also called grade 1, have characteristics that resemble normal cervical cells. In contrast, in high-grade tumors (grade 3), the microscopic appearance is greatly altered.

Cervical Cancer Treatment and Side Effects

Cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Depending on several factors, your treatment team may recommend using a combination of treatments to treat your cancer.