The highest risk factor for developing cervical cancer is carrying the human papillomavirus, (HPV). Not all women carrying the virus will develop cervical cancer, but it is important for women who know they carry the virus to have an annual Pap smear to check for changes in cervical cells.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States this year.

SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER

There are not usually noticeable symptoms of cervical cancer, making it critical for women to have yearly Pap smears to check for abnormal cells. However, some women do experience symptoms. These may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Unusual vaginal discharge, that may include bloody streaked mucous.
• Pain in the pelvis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

These symptoms can be caused by cancer or other conditions. Typically these symptoms are not signs of cancer, but in the interest of their best health, women should seek the guidance of an experienced gynecologist. If there is a concern, or a biopsy comes back with possible signs of cancer, you will be referred to a gynecological oncologist.

WHY CAN’T MY REGULAR GYNECOLOGIST MANAGE MY TREATMENT?

The Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service is one of the world leaders in oncology care for women with cancer of the female reproductive tract. Our patients have twice the survival rates of patients of those not treated by a cancer specialist, which is why it is so important to be evaluated by an experienced gynecological oncologist at the onset of disease.

DIAGNOSIS

When evaluated for cervical cancer, your doctor will take a complete medical and family history as well as perform a pelvic exam to examine the organs of the female reproductive tract for any changes in size or shape. The following tests may be ordered by your doctor to fully evaluate you for cervical cancer.

• Pap smear. This test includes collecting cells from the cervix and upper vagina. An experienced gynecological pathologist will then check the cells for any sign of malignancy.
• Transvaginal ultrasound. Your doctor will use a receiver inserted in the vagina to examine the uterus, ovaries and vagina by ultrasound. Using high-frequency waves that ‘bounce’ back to the machine, your doctor can fully visualize the internal anatomy. If the endometrium of the uterus looks like it has thickened, your doctor will probably order a biopsy.
• Biopsy. In this procedure, which can be done in your doctor’s office, your doctor will remove a sample of tissue from the endometrium. There may be times when your doctor will order a dilation and curettage (D&C), an outpatient procedure performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. A pathologist will carefully examine the sample of tissue to check for possibly malignancies and other conditions. Recovery for this procedure usually involves some cramping and vaginal bleeding.

TREATMENT

If cancer is found in the biopsy, then your gynecological oncologist will create an individualized treatment plan for you, involving the whole patient and multidisciplinary care. Our team of experienced gynecologic oncologists treats cervical cancer in women with nationally recognized high success rates and outcomes.

Treatment for cervical cancer may include:

• Surgery.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.