Your Guide to Cervical Cancer

CERVICAL CANCER Uterus What is Cervical Cancer? It is a type of cancer that forms in the cervix, found Cervical Cervix cancer at the entrance to the womb tumor (uterus). The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. Vagina Uterus The cervix is the lower Cervix third portion of the uterus. Did You Know? CERVICAL CANCER is preventable but about 12,000 women in the US. are diagnosed every year. Did You Know? In a Pap test, a speculum is used to open the vaginal canal and allow the collection of cells from the outer opening of the cervix. • Cervical cancer is completely preventable if precancerous changes are detected and treated early. • The best way to The cells are then examined screen for cervical under a microscope to cancer is a Pap test. look for abnormalities. RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICAL CANCER Multiple sexual partners • Weakened immune system Smoking Sexually transmitted disease • Failure to receive regular Pap test screening • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection HPV is sexually transmitted 70% of women & men will be exposed to HPV in their lifetime HPV virus Most people with HPV do not know they are infected Most cases of HPV will not lead to cervical cancer SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse Pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse or urination TREATMENTS FOR CERVICAL CANCER Treatment depends on stage of the cancer, whether it has spread and can include: surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery for cervical cancer can include: Total hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, including the cervix Ovary Uterus Ovary Radical trachelectomy surgery may also be performed robotically. Radical 1 trachelectomy: Surgery that preserves the uterus by removing the cervix and upper two centimeters of the vagina. The healthy uterus is then connected to the vagina, leaving some young women able to conceive and deliver a full term Cervix Vagina Conization/Cone Biopsy: A procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. Conization may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Cervix Abnormal tissue Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A treatment that uses a painless electrical current passed through a thin wire loop to remove abnormal Wire loop- tissue or cancer Chemotherapy: Treatment to stop the growth of cancer cells delivered into the body through a vein Tomotheregy Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER You may reduce your risk of cervical cancer if you: Use a condom every time you have sex to reduce your risk of contracting HPV Delay first intercourse Have fewer sexual partners • Avoid smoking • Get vaccinated against HPV • Remember to get regular Pap test screenings © 2013 The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York You are free to copy, distribute and transmit this content, but you must attribute the work to Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York. Mount Sinai Visit www.mountsinai.org/obgyn for more information.