Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in the female reproductive system include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the
endometrium.
Risk factors
Risk factors for cervical cancer can include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with certain high risk subtypes
- Smoking cigarettes
- Many sexual partners
- First sexual intercourse at a young age
- Weakened immune system, such as for those with AIDS
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the disease is more advanced. Regular screenings are important to ensure that cervical changes are caught early, and precancerous cells are treated before they cause symptoms or develop into cancer. The signs and symptoms for cervical cancer can include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or back pain
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Diagnostic tests
- Pelvic exam
- PAP test
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
- Colposcopy
- Biopsy
- Endocervical curettage
Learn details about
how we diagnose cervical cancer.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on:
- The stage of the cancer
- The size of the tumor
- The patient's desire to have children
- The patient's age
Treatment during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer that is found early, or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.
Learn details about
how we treat cervical cancer.
Prognosis
The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on:
- A patient's age and general health
- The stage of the cancer (whether it affects part of the cervix, involves the whole cervix, or has spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the body)
- The type of cervical cancer
- The size of the tumor