Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease that occurs when cancer cells form in the tissues of the cervix, a part of a woman's reproductive system. While no one knows the exact cause of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for developing the disease. Symptoms may not appear in the early stages of cervical cancer; however, certain tests can help find and diagnose cervical cancer in its early stages. When symptoms are present, they can include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, among other things. Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

 

An Introduction to Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the cervix. In the last 50 years, there has been a decrease in the number of new cases and the number of deaths due to cervical cancer.
 

Understanding the Cervix and Cervical Cancer

The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive system. It is located in the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in the lower abdomen. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina and the vagina leads to the outside of the body.
 
The cervical canal is a passageway. Blood flows from the uterus through the canal into the vagina during a woman's menstrual period. The cervix also produces mucus, which helps sperm move from the vagina into the uterus. During pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed to help keep the baby inside the uterus. During childbirth, the cervix dilates (opens) to allow the baby to pass through the vagina.
 
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which cells that are not normal begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.
 

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

No one knows the exact cause or causes of cervical cancer, and doctors cannot always explain why one woman will develop cervical cancer and another woman will not. However, doctors do know that a woman with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop cervical cancer. A cervical cancer risk factor is something that may increase a person's chance of developing the condition.
 
Specific cervical cancer risk factors include:
 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Lack of regular Pap smears
  • Weakened immune system
  • Age
  • Sexual history
  • Cigarette use
  • Long-term use of birth control pills
  • Having many children
  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES).
 
People who think that they may be at risk of cervical cancer should discuss this concern with their doctor.
 
(Click Cervical Cancer Risk Factors for more information.)
 

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer screening is very important because it can help doctors find abnormal cells before cancer develops. Finding and treating abnormal cells can prevent most cervical cancer. The number of women who are diagnosed each year has been decreasing for the past several decades. Doctors believe that this decrease is directly related to the success of cervical cancer screening. In order for women to reduce their risk of cervical cancer, doctors recommend that women have regular Pap tests. A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear or cervical smear, is a simple test that is used to look at the cervical cells.
 

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms may not appear in the early stages of cervical cancer. Therefore, women should have yearly checkups, including a Pap smear, to check for abnormal cells in the cervix.
 
When cervical cancer worsens, women may experience symptoms of cervical cancer, which include:
 
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
 
Although these symptoms may be caused by cervical cancer, there are other conditions that may cause these same symptoms. Therefore, you should consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms of cervical cancer.
 
(Click Symptoms of Cervical Cancer for more information.)
 

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

In order to diagnose a patient with cervical cancer, doctors will:
 
  • Look to see if the patient has possible symptoms of cervical cancer
  • Order Pap test results, which may show precancerous cells or cervical cancer
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Ask about the patient's personal and family medical history
  • Recommend additional tests and procedures.
 
The tests and exams that are used to make a cervical cancer diagnosis may include:
 
  • Colposcopy
  • Biopsy
  • Punch biopsy
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
  • Endocervical curettage
  • Conization.
 
(Click Cervical Cancer Diagnosis for more information.)
 

Stages of Cervical Cancer

After cervical cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out how far the cancer has spread within the cervix and other parts of the body. In order to treat cervical cancer, it is important to know the stage of cervical cancer that you have.
 
The stages of cervical cancer include:
 
  • Stage 0
  • Stage I
  • Stage II
  • Stage III
  • Stage IV
  • Recurrent.
 
(Click Stages of Cervical Cancer for more information about these stages.)
 

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

There are many different types of cervical cancer treatment, which vary based on the type of cervical cancer that a person has. Factors that may influence treatment include:
 
  • The stage of the cancer (see Stages of Cervical Cancer)
  • The size of the tumor
  • The patient's desire to have children
  • The patient's age.
 
In general, treatment for cervical cancer can include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy.
 
Patients should work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets their medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate cervical cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the patient's family, and the patient's healthcare team.
 
(Click Cervical Cancer Treatment for more information.)
 

Cervical Cancer: Prognosis

The prognosis of cervical cancer will depend on the following:
 
  • The stage of the cancer
  • The type of cervical cancer
  • The size of the tumor.
  

Survival Trends for Those With Cervical Cancer

Cervical dysplasia (precancerous condition) mostly occurs in women who are in their 20s and 30s. However, the chances of survival may be affected by race, age, and how often a woman gets screenings. Death from cervical cancer:
 
  • Is rare in women younger than 30 years of age
  • Is rare in women of any age who have regular screenings
  • Increases with age
  • Is highest for white women between the ages of 45 and 70 years of age and for black women in their 70s
  • Occurs more often in black women than in white women.
 

Summary of Key Points About Cervical Cancer

Key information about cervical cancer includes the following:
 
  • Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix.
 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for development of cervical cancer.
 
  • There are usually no noticeable signs of early cervical cancer, but it can be detected early with yearly checkups.
 
  • Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
 
  • Tests that examine the cervix are used to find and diagnose cervical cancer.
 
  • Certain factors affect the cervical cancer prognosis and treatment options.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD