Cervical Cancer
Northside Hospital is Georgia leader in diagnosing and treating GYN cancers. Ranked number 1 by the National Research Corporation Healthcare Market Guide for the past 4 years for Most Preferred Women's GYN Services. Northside Hospital provides the staff with expertise in caring for a woman with cervical cancer.
This year, more than 11,000 women will develop invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer begins in the lining of the cervix. These changes to normal cervical cells may gradually develop to pre-cancerous cells that turn into cancer. This pre-cancerous condition can be detected by a pap smear and is treatable. Since the introduction of the Pap test began mortality rates have steadily declined and even more lives could be saved with routine screening. It could take years for pre-cancerous cells to turn into cervical cancer. Patients with cervical cancer do not usually have problems until the cancer is advanced and has spread. The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV, and many do not cause cancer. You're also at greater risk for cervical cancer if you smoke, eat poorly, have a history of oral contraceptive use or have a family history of cervical cancer. A cervical cancer vaccine that protects against some forms of HPV is available for females between the ages of 9 and 26.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching or pelvic exam
- Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than usual
- Bleeding after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor or unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic Pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Pelvic pain
- Leg Pain
- Back pain
- Heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
- Bone fractures
Exams and Tests:
Pap smears screen for pre-cancers and cancers, but do not offer the final diagnosis. If abnormal changes are found the cervix is usually examined under magnification. This is called a colposcopy. Pieces of tissue are surgically removed (biopsied) during this procedure and sent to a laboratory for examination. Other tests may be recommended.
If cervical cancer is diagnosed your physician will order additional tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. These tests may include:
- CT scan
- Cystoscopy
- MRI
- Chest x-ray
Cervical Cancer Treatment:
Cervical cancer treatments will depend on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the age and general health of the woman, and her desire to have children in the future. Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing or destroying the pre-cancerous tissue, there are various surgical ways to do this without removing the uterus or damaging the cervix, so that a woman can still have children. Types of surgery for early cervical cancer include:
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) - uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue
- Cryotherapy - freezes abnormal cells
- Laser Therapy - uses light to burn abnormal tissue
Treatment in Advanced Stages:
- Hysterectomy - Laparoscopic and robotic surgerical procedures
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
To find a physician on staff at Northside Hospital, click on Find a Doctor or call our free physician referral services at (404) 851-8817.
