Common tests & procedures
It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.
How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?
The follow-up for cervical cancer will typically include clinical history and physical examination, which includes a pelvic examination and a smear of the vagina. Additional scans may be recommended depending on clinical factors.
What follow-up should I expect after cervical cancer treatment?
Survivors of cervical cancer should also follow the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, such as those for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Imaging tests may be done if you have worrisome signs or symptoms of the cancer coming back.
Can cervical cancer be detected early?
If you've been diagnosed with cervical cancer, your cancer care team will talk with you about treatment options. In choosing your treatment plan, you and your cancer care team will also take into account your age, your overall health, and your personal preferences. How is cervical cancer treated?
What should I do if I'm diagnosed with cervical cancer?
How soon after cancer diagnosis should treatment start?
Cancer treatment should start very soon after diagnosis, but for most cancers, it won't hurt to wait a few weeks to begin treatment. This gives the person with cancer time to talk about all their treatment options with the cancer care team, family, and friends, and then decide what's best for them.
What is the next step after being diagnosed with cervical cancer?
If you've been diagnosed with cervical cancer, your doctor will talk to you about cervical cancer treatment options. Depending on the cervical cancer stage and your plans for pregnancy, your treatment plan might include: Surgery to remove a part of your cervix, all of your cervix, or all of your reproductive organs.
How long does it take for cervical cancer to go from Stage 1 to Stage 4?
Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.
Do you need chemo for Stage 1 cervical cancer?
Stage 1 cervical cancer is usually treated with: surgery. combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
Is cervical cancer curable if detected early?
Cervical cancer is generally viewed as treatable and curable, particularly if it is diagnosed when the cancer is in an early stage. This disease occurs in the cervix, or the passageway that joins the lower section of the uterus to the vagina.
What are the symptoms of Stage 1 cervical cancer?
Signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer can include:Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul odor.Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause.Menstrual periods may be heavier and last longer than normal.
What are the odds of beating cervical cancer?
5-year relative survival rates for cervical cancerSEER Stage5-year Relative Survival RateLocalized92%Regional58%Distant18%All SEER stages combined66%Mar 1, 2022
What is the most common treatment for cervical cancer?
Common treatment approaches For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, either surgery or radiation combined with chemo may be used. For later stages, radiation combined with chemo is usually the main treatment. Chemo (by itself) is often used to treat advanced cervical cancer.
Is there a fast growing cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a slow-growing malignancy. In fact, once cells in the cervix begin to undergo abnormal changes, it can take several years for the cells to grow into invasive cervical cancer.
What if cervical biopsy shows cancer?
If the biopsy shows that cervical cancer is present, the doctor will refer you to a gynecologic oncologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. Your doctor may suggest additional tests to see if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
Can a hysterectomy get rid of cervical cancer?
Nearly half of cervical cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, meaning the tumors are small and have not spread beyond the cervix. Although there are other treatment options, radical hysterectomy is the most common treatment for early-stage disease, and cure rates for the disease are around 80%.
What if cervical biopsy is positive?
However, if you recently had a cervical biopsy, you may need repeated Pap and HPV testing sooner. A positive test, on the other hand, means that cancer or precancerous cells have been found and further diagnosis and treatment may be needed.
What is the test for cervical cancer?
A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV DNA test.
What tests are done to determine if you have cervical cancer?
Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment. Staging exams include: Imaging tests.
What tests can be done to check if you have cancer?
Tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix. Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum.
Can you get pregnant with cervical cancer?
A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and prevent recurrence. But removing the uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant.
Does palliative care help with cancer?
When palliative care is used along with all of the other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer.
Can you remove cancer from a small cervix?
Surgery to cut away the cancer only. For a very small cervical cancer, it might be possible to remove the cancer entirely with a cone biopsy. This procedure involves cutting away a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue, but leaving the rest of the cervix intact.
Can you use chemotherapy for cervical cancer?
Sometimes both methods are used. For locally advanced cervical cancer, low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation . Higher doses of chemotherapy might be recommended to help control symptoms of very advanced cancer.
How long does it take for cervix cancer to develop?
Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells.
What is the best way to prevent cervical cancer?
Get an HPV vaccine — HPV vaccines protect you from the strains of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.
Why is a Pap smear important?
The slow growth of cervical cancer is why Pap tests are so effective at preventing cervical cancer. A regular Pap smear can check for any abnormal changes that will eventually lead to cervical cancer. That means you can receive treatment before the cancer ever fully develops.
What is the cause of cervical cancer?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause (nearly 99 percent) of cervical cancer. HPV is spread through sexual and other skin-to-skin contact and is very common. Although there are hundreds of HPV strains, 70 percent of cervical cancers are caused by two of them: HPV 16 and HPV 17. The HPV vaccine can prevent these strains.
Is cervical cancer a treatable disease?
Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Your treatment options will depend on how far the cancer progressed. A doctor may order multiple imaging tests as well as a biopsy to determine your cancer stage and how far it has spread.
Is HPV a risk factor for cervical cancer?
In addition, people who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk for acquiring an HPV infection, and thus cervical cancer. For example:
Does cervical cancer have symptoms?
Early stage cervical cancers typically don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms usually don’t develop until the cancer grows larger and invades nearby tissue. At this time, the most notable symptoms are:
What to do if a biopsy results in cervical cancer?
If a biopsy results in a cervical cancer diagnosis, your doctor may refer you for imaging studies to assess if and where the cancer has spread. This evaluation will help inform the treatment plan.
What are the treatments for cervical cancer?
Other factors that influence treatment options include the exact location of the cancerous tissue within the cervix and which type of cancer is present (squamous cell or adenocarcinoma) The most common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
How long do women live with cervical cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, when cancer of the cervix is detected during an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for all women is about 92%. The prognosis changes based on the stage of cancer, and factors like age, race, and ethnicity affect survival rates. Overall 5-year survival rates have decreased by over 50% since the 1970s, due in large part to routine screenings detecting cervical changes before cancer is present. That’s why getting regular screenings done and getting any recommended follow-up imaging tests.
What tests should be done after cancer diagnosis?
After diagnosis and treatment, the patient should receive comprehensive follow-up care to monitor their condition. While regular Pap and HPV tests are recommended, imaging tests are also employed. Imaging tests may include ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans of the pelvis, abdomen, or both. The frequency of follow-up testing and monitoring depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancerous tissue. The kind of treatment you received also plays a part in determining how often you see the doctor for follow-up tests.
What is a CT scan for cancer?
CT scans: Computed tomography (CT) scans can be used for larger tumors and to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
What is the treatment for cancer in the lymph nodes?
Nonsurgical Treatments: If surgery is not an option or cancer spreads to the lymph nodes or surrounding tissues, treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy are prescribed.
Does insurance cover cervical cancer screening?
Most insurance plans cover annual well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening . Check the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer and speak to your doctor about when you should be screened.
What are the treatments for cervical cancer?
Common types of treatments for cervical cancer include: Surgery for Cervical Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer. Targeted Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer.
What to talk to your cancer care team about?
Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about any method you are thinking about using. They can help you learn what is known (or not known) about the method, which can help you make an informed decision.
What are the best doctors for cancer?
Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: 1 A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system 2 A gynecologic oncologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines 3 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer 4 A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer
Why is it important to communicate with your cancer care team?
Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life.
Why do we do clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures . Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system. A gynecologic on cologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines. A radiation on cologist: a doctor who uses radiation ...
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
What should survivors of cervical cancer follow?
Survivors of cervical cancer should also follow the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, such as those for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
How long do side effects of cancer last?
Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some might only last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time. Some side effects might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment.
What is it called when cancer comes back after treatment?
Cancer that comes back after treatment is called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors may develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer.
How to plan for cancer survivorship?
Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include: 1 A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests 2 A schedule for other tests you might need to look for long-term health effects from your cancer or its treatment 3 A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor 4 Suggestions for things you can do that might improve your health, including possibly lowering your chances of the cancer coming back
What to do if cancer returns?
If cancer does return at some point, your treatment options will depend on where the cancer is, what treatments you’ve had before, and your health. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or some combination of these might be options. Other types of treatment might also be used to help relieve any symptoms from the cancer.
Why is it important to let your doctor know about any new symptoms or problems?
It's important to let your doctor know about any new symptoms or problems, because they could be caused by the cancer coming back or by a new disease or a second cancer.
Where are Pap cells taken?
Although cells for a Pap test are normally taken from the cervix, if you no longer have a cervix (because you had a trachelectomy or hysterectomy), the cells will be taken from the upper part of the vagina. Survivors of cervical cancer should also follow the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, ...
How long does it take for cervical cancer to grow?
Cervical cancer is a slow-growing malignancy. In fact, once cells in the cervix begin to undergo abnormal changes, it can take several years for the cells to grow into invasive cervical cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix grow and divide uncontrollably. Unlike many other cancers whose causes are largely still unknown, cervical cancer is most often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Does Moffitt Cancer Center have a referral?
You do not need a referral.
Does cervical cancer reduce risk?
While this won’t completely eliminate your chances of developing cervical cancer, it does help lower your risk. Additionally, receiving routine screenings can help your physician detect abnormal changes in the cervix before cancer fully develops. When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
What is the follow up for cervical cancer?
The follow-up for cervical cancer will typically include clinical history and physical examination, which includes a pelvic examination and a smear of the vagina. Additional scans may be recommended depending on clinical factors.
How to keep track of cancer treatment?
Keeping personal health records. You and your doctor should work together to develop a personalized follow-up care plan. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your future physical or emotional health. ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan when treatment is completed. ...
What to do if a doctor is not involved in cancer care?
If a doctor who was not directly involved in your cancer care will lead your follow-up care, be sure to share your cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms with them and with all future health care providers . Details about your cancer treatment are very valuable to the health care professionals who will care for you ...
What is ASCO for cancer?
ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan when treatment is completed. This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about who will lead your follow-up care. Some survivors continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the care of their family doctor ...
What is the term for a team that monitors your health after cancer treatment?
This is called follow-up care . Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both.
What is the goal of cancer rehabilitation?
The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation. Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.
What is the best way to recover from cancer?
Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. Cancer rehabilitation may be recommended, and this could mean any of a wide range of services, such as physical therapy, career counseling, pain management, nutritional planning, and/or emotional counseling.
Diagnosis
Treatment
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Preparing For Your Appointment
- Screening
Screening tests can help detect cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer. Most guidelines suggest beginning screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21. Screening tests include: 1. Pap test. During a Pap test, your do… - Diagnosis
If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for l…