Cervical Cancer Surgery

The different types of surgery for cervical cancer include but are not limited to conization, total hysterectomy, laser surgery, and cryosurgery. Most women with early cervical cancer will require a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove the cervix and uterus). In most cases, women return to their normal activities within four to eight weeks after surgery.

Cervical Cancer Treatments

An Introduction to Cervical Cancer Surgery

When patients need treatment for cancer in the cervix or treatment for the area close to the tumor, doctors may recommend surgery. Most women with early cervical cancer will require surgery to remove the cervix and uterus (this is known as a total hysterectomy). However, for very early (stage 0) cervical cancer, a hysterectomy may not be needed.

Surgical Options for Cervical Cancer

The following surgical procedures may be used as part of cervical cancer treatment.

Conization

Conization, also called a cone biopsy, is a procedure that is used to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. A pathologist will view the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. This type of surgery may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition.

Total Hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove the uterus, including the cervix. Three different procedures may be used to perform a total hysterectomy:

A vaginal hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are taken out through the vagina

A total abdominal hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are taken out through a large incision (cut) in the abdomen (stomach)

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are taken out through a small incision in the abdomen using a laparoscope.

(Cervical Cancer Surgery Continued: Page 2)