Cervical Cancer Screening
Pap smears reduce life-threatening cervical cancer by as much as 90%. Learn more in this video from Marcela del Carmen, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center.
The Center for Gynecologic Oncology provides compassionate care for patients with cervical cancer.
Cancer is caused by malignant (cancerous) cells that grow and multiply without control. When cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix (the lower, narrow part of a woman's uterus), it is called cervical cancer.
It typically takes a long time for cervical cancer to develop. The first warning sign may come in the form of abnormal cells found on the surface of the cervix. These cells are benign (not cancer) and usually cause no symptoms. Over time, however, they may undergo changes and can become cancer. With cervical cancer (also known as invasive cervical cancer), the now cancer cells spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 13,900 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, and that the disease would cause about 4,300 deaths. The death rate for cervical cancer has gone down over the past three decades, which the ACS credits largely to "the increased use of the Pap test" for screening purposes.
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually do not appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may:
Other cervical cancer symptoms include:
Cervical cancer symptoms may look like symptoms associated with other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms.
The first step in diagnosing any disease is to complete a medical history and physical examination. In addition, routine annual (every year) pelvic examinations and Pap tests can help your doctor identify cervical problems early on.
If problems or abnormal cells are found during routine exams, further tests and procedures may be performed, such as:
If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. This plan will depend on factors such as type and stage (extent) of cervical cancer, your general health, and your treatment preferences.
Surgical options for removing cervical cancer include:
Nonsurgical treatment options (treatments other than surgery) for cervical cancer include:
Some hospitals also offer clinical trials that may provide access to new and promising therapies for cervical cancer.
The National Cancer Institute has more information on Cervical Cancer Treatment.
We provide patients with comprehensive cancer diagnosis in one location, bridging the gap between clinical care & research in cancer early detection.
Pap smears reduce life-threatening cervical cancer by as much as 90%. Learn more in this video from Marcela del Carmen, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center.
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