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GYNECOLOGIC CANCER

Diagnosis & Treatment

Cervical Cancer

Find a cervical cancer specialist

Cervical Cancer Screening

Screening

The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has declined dramatically over the years due to screening for early cervical abnormalities using the Pap test and HPV testing. During testing, a doctor swabs the inside of the cervix to collect a cell sample. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to check for high-risk types of HPV or precancerous cells.

If a cervical cancer screening test detects these abnormalities, doctors can monitor them and prevent them from becoming cancerous. If a test detects cells that are already cancerous, treatment for cervical cancer can begin promptly, providing the patient with the best opportunity for recovery.

Pap tests and HPV tests can be conducted individually or simultaneously, and most health organizations recommend that women are regularly screened for cervical abnormalities starting at age 21.

How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Screening tests like the Pap test can detect cervical cancer. There is also a multitude of additional tests and examinations that can be performed individually or in unison to diagnose cervical cancer. These include:

  • Pelvic exams allow physicians to observe the vagina and feel for abnormalities. Your doctor can also feel the abdomen to assess the shape, size, and position of the uterus and ovaries.
  • Recto-vaginal exam involves your healthcare provider inserting a finger into the rectum and vagina to examine the tissue between the two areas
  • Colposcopy allows for a detailed examination of the cervix by providing a magnified view of the area, allowing for any abnormalities to be viewed, and samples to be taken if necessary
  • Punch biopsy uses a specialized tool to collect one or more small samples of cervical tissue for further analysis. These tissues will be tested in a lab to determine whether cancer cells are present.
  • Endocervical curettage involves a small instrument known as a curette to scrape a small tissue sample from the cervix that will be tested for cancerous cells
  • Cone biopsy, in which a cone-shaped tissue sample is surgically removed from the cervix using either a scalpel, an electrically charged wire loop, or a laser. This tissue will then be analyzed for abnormal or cancerous cells.

How is Cervical Cancer Treated?

Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our team of specialists is experienced in a wide range of treatment options for cervical cancer. Our doctors will develop the care plan that is best for you based on your individual preferences and healthcare needs.

Surgery

Surgical treatments are typically the standard for cervical cancer in its earlier stages. Several procedures can treat cervical cancer, depending on what is best suited for the patient’s circumstances.

  • Removing cervical precancers - If you have precancerous cells in the cervix, you may have cryosurgery (freezing the abnormal cells) or laser surgery (which "burns" the cells) to treat cervical cancer
  • Cone biopsy - Also known as conization, It is possible for cervical cancer to be removed with a cone biopsy, the same type of procedure that is often used for examining tissue to determine a diagnosis
  • Trachelectomy - Removal of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, leaving the body of the uterus in place
  • Hysterectomy - Removal of the uterus while leaving the ovaries in place, if appropriate
  • Robotic cervical cancer surgery - Can be performed to remove your cancer or your uterus. This approach will result in smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort, and a quicker recovery than traditional open abdominal surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Once your cervical tumor is of a certain size (IB3 or greater) or has spread beyond the cervix, your doctor may recommend radiation treatments with radio-sensitizing chemotherapy as a definitive treatment to target your cervical cancer.

Radiation treatments consist of external beam radiation treatments to the pelvis over several weeks and internal radiation treatments (brachytherapy) to deliver a targeted boost to the cervix.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatments for cervical cancer involve using drugs designed to kill cancer cells and/or inhibit their continued growth. This treatment is usually given intravenously and can be administered in our modern, comfortable infusion centers staffed by our skilled and compassionate experts.

Immunotherapy

Patients with cervical cancer who have specific genetic features may be candidates for immunotherapy treatments for cervical cancer. This can help boost your immune system's ability to detect and kill cancer cells.

Supportive or palliative care

This type of care focuses on improving a patient’s quality of life by relieving pain, symptoms, and stress associated with illness and the side effects of treatments. Our team of healthcare experts works to provide patients with relief and comfort as they undergo their treatments for cervical cancer. Methods vary but can include medications, spiritual and emotional support, and support for caregivers and family members.

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand how a cancer diagnosis can affect your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our team of gynecologic and cervical cancer specialists treats not only cancer, but the whole body. We can offer care and support through every stage of your healing process.

FAQs

FAQs

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of death for women in the U.S., but this number has decreased dramatically due to the use of screening tests and the HPV vaccine. It’s estimated that 14,100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year.

You may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of cervical. When symptoms appear, they may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sex, or watery and/or bloody vaginal discharge. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Since cervical cancer often does not produce symptoms in its early stages, it can be present for extended periods, possibly years, before diagnosis. Regular screening tests will detect cervical cancer in its early stages (even before symptoms are experienced) or will detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not feel painful at all. As the cancer advances, pain may be felt in the pelvic area, making it difficult to urinate. Some people also experience a general feeling of illness, such as fatigue or loss of appetite. Additional symptoms may be felt if the cancer spreads to other body parts.

Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. It can take years or possibly even decades for abnormal cells in the cervix to become cancerous cells that can spread to other body parts. The cancer will progress more quickly in women with a weakened immune system.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Our cancer specialists are skilled in treating cervical cancer and understand the symptoms patients experience throughout the healing process. We provide a wide range of additional services to ensure that patients, as well as their families and caregivers, have a strong support system while under our care. Schedule an appointment today with NewYork-Presbyterian’s team of healthcare professionals.