Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.
About Cervical cancer
The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). It’s part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb. Cervical cancer can be detected earlier by attending regular cervical screening at your GP surgery.
What to expect from initial appointments
Initially you will be seen in Colposcopy clinic.
What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations
Colposcopy
A specialist doctor or nurse will use a microscope called a colposcope to take a closer look at your cervix. This will be done in an outpatients clinic and usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. During the colposcopy a biopsy may also be taken, so that we can look at cells from your cervix under a microscope.
Cystoscopy and occasionally hysterscopy
When cancer of the cervix is diagnosed it is important to check the bladder, bowel and sometimes the uterus for any signs of cancer. Both examinations are carried out under anaesthesia using a specialist camera. The procedures take between 10 and 30 minutes.
Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ)
This may be done at the same time as your colposcopy or you might be asked to come back. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the cervix before a sample of tissue is removed using a looped specialist wire. This procedure takes around 15 minutes.
CT scan
CT scans take pictures of your body. If cervical cancer is suspected you will have an abdomen and pelvis CT. This normally takes around 10 minutes.
MRI
An MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create a cross-sectional picture of the body. The scan normally takes between 45 minutes and one hour to complete.
PET scan
Position emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of inside the body. The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas, and can highlight the possible affected areas.
Treatment options for Cervical cancer
Hysterectomy
This will involve the removal of your womb, cervix, tissues around the cervix and the upper part of the vagina. This will be discussed with your surgeon and may be performed as an total abdominal hysteretcomy surgery (check wording)
Trachelectomy
This is an operation in which the cervix and upper part of the vagina are removed as a fertility preserving procedure. However, the uterus (the womb) and the ovaries are not removed, so it is still possible for you to have children. This operation is only suitable for some women who have very early-stage cervical cancer.
Pelvic lymph node dissection
This is surgery to remove the lymph nodes that can be found in your pelvis which are a common place for cervical cancer to have spread. It can be difficult to see if your cancer has spread on scans, so sometimes your surgeon may remove them to see if there is any cancer. Lymph node removal is normally done as part of another operation. If cancer is found in your lymph node, you may be offered other treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
More information about treatment for Cervical cancer
Macmillan cancer support has a Cervical cancer page for further information.
Living with and beyond cancer
After completing your cancer treatment If you have any symptoms or concerns contact your clinical nurse specialist and your GP.