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Receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer can cause a lot of anxiety, but accurate information can help reduce fears. At the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, we are here to support and guide you as you consider your options and make decisions about your treatment.
Below, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients like you about cervical cancer. If you have additional questions, our team is always ready to help. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions. Call us at (888) 777-4167.
Cervical cancer basics
Cervical cancer screening and diagnosis
Cervical cancer treatment
Cervical cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the cervix – the lower part of the womb (uterus). Cancer cells presses against healthy cells and prevent normal functioning, which causes illness.
These risk factors increase the chance of developing cervical cancer in some women.
A family history of cervical cancer can increase the risk of the disease.
Despite social and economic factors, Black and Hispanic women have a greater incidence of cervical cancer compared to White women.
The most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Another cervical cancer called mixed carcinomas has the qualities of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
Screening for cervical cancer is done with a Pap test. A small sample of cells is brushed from the cervix and examined in a laboratory for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous abnormal cells.
When cervical cancer is suspected, it is diagnosed by thoroughly examining the cervix and by obtaining a biopsy. A colposcope is used to magnify the cervix, and a small sample of cervical cells is removed and reviewed by pathologists in a laboratory.
There are several types of biopsies. A punch biopsy, colposcopic biopsy and an endocervical curettage (biopsy) usually are not painful, but they cause mild discomfort, including camps or pressure. For a cone biopsy, a local anesthetic or general anesthesia is used to reduce pain.
To determine the stage of cervical cancer and the most effective treatment, doctors assess the size of the tumor. They also determine:
For early stage cervical cancer, there are some options to preserve fertility:
Cervical cancer is not contagious during sexual intercourse. HPV is contagious and linked to some cervical cancers. In cells infected with HPV, a cancerous tumor may take 10 to 20 years to develop.
The treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A gynecological oncologist will work with the patient to create a treatment plan.
A hysterectomy to remove the cervix and uterus is performed for advanced cervical cancer. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and nearby lymph nodes may be removed also. A trachelectomy may be done to remove the cervix and only part of the vagina, enabling possible pregnancy later.
For some stages of cervical cancer, radiation alone – or radiation after surgery – may be used to kill cervical cancer cells.
Depending on the stage of cervical cancer, chemotherapy may be given to boost the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
Clinical trials for cervical cancer are medical studies to research and evaluate a new treatment, such as a drug or device.
Radiation therapy can temporarily irritate sensitive genital tissue or create scaring. Chemotherapy can trigger menopause and vaginal dryness in some women. A hysterectomy can stop the pain associated with sex and cervical cancer.
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have a better prognosis than those with adenocarcinoma.
Five years after a diagnosis for cervical cancer has been received, the patient’s survival rate is:
Our cancer team is here for you in-person, by phone and virtually for all your cancer care needs.
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