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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is treated in our Gynecology Oncology Program within the Upstate Cancer Center.

For more information or answers to your questions about our Cancer Care, please call 315 464-HOPE (4673) to speak with an Upstate Cancer Center representative.

Definition

Cervical cancer forms in tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus. It connects the uterus with the vagina.

Cervical Cancer
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Causes

Cancer happens when cells divide without control or order. These cells grow together to form a tumor. They can invade and damage nearby tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection. It can cause changes in cervical cells that can lead to cancer.

It is not clear what causes changes in the cells. It is likely due to genes and the environment.

Risk Factors

Cervical cancer is more common in women 40 to 49 years of age. The risk is higher in countries with limited medical resources.

The most common risk is having HPV infection and cervical dysplasia. Other things that raise the risk are:

  • Having many sexual partners or unprotected sex
  • Sexual activity before age 18
  • A history of being pregnant more than once or before 19 years of age
  • Smoking
  • Using birth control pills for more than 5 years
  • A history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • A weak immune system, such as with HIV
  • A family history of cervical cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms usually do not appear until the cells are cancerous. Then, they invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. This may include:

  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Long lasting or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding after sex, douching, or a pelvic exam
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic or back pain

Diagnosis

The diagnosis usually happens after an abnormal pap test.

Others may go to the doctor due to symptoms. The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A pelvic exam will be done.

Tests may include:

  • Blood and urine tests to look for signs that point to cancer
  • Colposcopy —a lighted scope is used to view the cervix
  • Biopsy —a sample of cervical tissue or lymph nodes is removed for testing

Pictures of the cervix may be taken. This can be done with:

The exam and test results will be used for staging. This will outline how far and fast the cancer has spread.

Treatment

The goal is to get rid of the cancer. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. A combination of treatments may be used.

Options may be:

  • External or internal radiation treatment—to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
  • Chemotherapy by pills, injection, or IV—to kill cancer cells
  • Surgery to remove a tumor, nearby tissue, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes
  • Hysterectomy—to remove all or part of the uterus
  • Surgery to remove other tissue, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes
  • Medicines to control pain and bleeding

Prevention

The risk of cervical cancer may be lowered by:

  • Regular pap tests—to screen for tissue changes in the cervix
  • Safe sex—limiting the number of sex partners and using latex condoms
  • Getting the HPV vaccine

References

  • Cervical cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer.html.
  • Cervical cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical.
  • Cervical cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cervical-cancer .
  • Cervical cancer—health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/hp.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet.
  • Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.
  • Practice Bulletin No. 183 summary: postpartum hemorrhage. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(4):923-925.

Library resources related to cervical cancer.

For more information:

Internet Links
The detailed guide includes descriptions of the causes, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, staging, and treatments of cervical cancer.
Information on cervical cancer from the Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health.
Information summary on cervical cancer from the National Cancer institute includes the stages, treatment options, and links to more information on related topics.
A detailed guide to cervical cancer by the American Cancer Society. The guide includes descriptions of the causes, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, staging, treatments, and what's in the research.
Link to a search of the MedlinePlus database for health information on cervical cancer. MedlinePlus links are managed by medical librarians at the National Library of Medicine.
An electronic booklet about medical care for cervical cancer from the National Cancer Institute. The booklet includes information on diagnosis and staging, treatment and follow-up care, and taking part in research studies.
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