Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer grows in the cells within the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. The cervix connects the uterus and the vagina.
Types of cervical cancer include:
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The cause of cervical cancer is typically human papillomavirus (HPV) or a genetic mutation in your DNA. DNA mutations cause healthy cells to change and grow at a rapid rate, causing a tumor. Not everyone with HPV will develop cervical cancer.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Some people who get cervical cancer have a specific mutation in their DNA that increases their risk of getting cervical cancer. Our heredity cancer program can provide important information to you and your family so we can identify cancer early, when it is most treatable, and plan your treatment.
Cervical cancer is associated with the following risk factors:
- Early sexual activity.
- Family history of cervical cancer.
- HIV infection.
- Inherited gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Many sexual partners.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Smoking
Make an appointment
For more information, please contact your oncologist or the Cancer Care Center at (859) 301-2237, option 2.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms. If it has spread, symptoms include:
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Pain during sexual activity.
- Pelvic pain.
- Vaginal discharge (may be bloody and foul-smelling).
Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
If your doctor suspects that you have cervical cancer, they may run tests to determine the stage of cancer to develop the best treatment plan. These tests include:
- Biopsy
- Blood tests to check genetic makeup and blood markers.
- CT scan.
- HPV DNA test.
- MRI
- Pap test.
- PET/CT scan.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, we can provide a second opinion and present treatment options.
Treating Cervical Cancer
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we believe in caring for you, not just treating your cancer. Our holistic approach means we combine cancer treatment with working to minimize side effects and help you manage them. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible while we use innovative approaches to treat your cancer.
Treatment for early-stage cervical cancer usually begins with surgery. We have expertise in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers.
Depending on the stage of your cancer and whether it has spread, your treatment may include
Preventing Cervical Cancer
Steps you can take to reduce your risk of cervical cancer include: