Cervical Cancer
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix. Before cervical cancer appears, the cells go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas. Recent studies suggest that women with a family history of cervical cancer are more likely to develop the disease, themselves. The prognosis is better if the cancer is detected early through yearly check-ups.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
If abnormal cells are detected on a Pap test, or if anything unusual is felt or seen during an examination, the doctor may perform a colposcopy. During this procedure, the doctor looks at the walls of the vagina and cervix. If a suspicious area is found, the doctor may do a biopsy, where a small piece of the suspect tissue is cut out and sent to a laboratory to determine if cervical cancer is present.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Three types of standard treatments are used to combat cervical cancer:
· Surgery – There are various procedures to remove or destroy cancerous tissue.
· Radiation therapy - X-rays or other types of radiation are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
· Chemotherapy - May be taken by mouth or through IV.
Learn more about cervical cancer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University. As a national leader in cancer care & research and ranked among the best treatment facilities in the country, it is one of only 38 cancer centers in the nation designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. NCI designation is an assurance of excellent care and comprehensive treatment options, including access to the latest clinical trials.
Cervical Cancer
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