Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells start growing in the tissues of the cervix. These cells may spread to nearby organs, lymph glands, or distant organs. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
If the cancer is in an early stage, you may need to have only a small part of the cervix removed. This type of surgery may allow for pregnancy later. In other cases, removal of the cervix and uterus (hysterectomy) may be the better choice. Treatment also may include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Appointment Information
The U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center's Gynecologic Oncology Program is a team of fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists providing comprehensive, personalized cancer care. We follow National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, stage, and goals. As an NCCN founding member institution, we offer access to the latest evidence-based treatments and the most clinical trials available for each disease.
To get the appointment process started, call 734-647-8902. If you are a referring physician, please contact our M-LINE at 800-962-3555.
If you have questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.
Types of Cervical Cancer
Most cervical cancer starts with normal cells that gradually develop into pre-cancerous changes that then develop into cancer. Several terms are used to describe these pre-cancerous changes including:
- cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
- squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL)
- dysplasia
Cervical pre-cancers and cancers are categorized by how they look under the microscope. The most common types of cervical cancer include:
- squamous cell carcinoma
- adenocarcinoma.
Other less common types of cervical cancer include melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms. But some people may have:
- Vaginal bleeding that isn't normal. This may be bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- Pain during sex.
- Vaginal discharge that isn't normal.
The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:
- Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain.
- Urinary problems because of a blocked kidney or ureter.
- Leakage of urine or stool into the vagina. This can happen when an opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. This may include a pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening. For the screening test, the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix.
You may also have other tests, including blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.
Tests to confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer include:
- Colposcopy and cervical biopsy. This test can find out whether and where cancer cells are on the surface of the cervix.
- Endocervical biopsy (or curettage). This test is done to find out whether cancer cells are in the cervical canal.
- Cone biopsy. This type of biopsy may be done to remove cervical tissue for examination under a microscope.
How do we treat cervical cancer?
We utilize a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as appropriate for the stage and grade of your cancer. Our treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Referral Center for Advanced Cervical Cancer: We are a referral center for advanced cervical cancer, offering specialized interstitial brachytherapy — a highly focused form of radiation delivered directly to the tumor. This advanced treatment is available at very few hospitals in Michigan. Your physician will discuss whether this option is appropriate for you.
Clinical Trials: We prioritize clinical trials and have access to the most trials open for cervical cancer. Ask your physician if a clinical trial may be right for you.
Questions about cancer?
Contact our Cancer AnswerLine™ at 800-865-1125. You'll talk to a nurse with years of experience in cancer care.
Resources for Patients
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Our Gynecologic Oncology Program follows the NCCN guidelines for care. The U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center physicians helped create these guidelines in cooperation with other National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated centers.
Visit the NCCN site to access their Cervical Cancer information.
U-M Health & the Rogel Cancer Center
U-M Health as an online patient library offering care guides and other information and we're adding it to it every day.
For more personalized help, the Rogel Cancer Center offers a Cancer AnswerLine. Anyone can call with questions at 800-865-1125.
News & Stories
Speculum exams unnecessary for HPV screening
Improving access to HPV testing
U.S. could cut cervical cancer cases, deaths by up to 20% if more patients followed up after screening, study suggests
Clinical trial aims to treat HPV, cervical lesions without surgery
7 things you need to know about Pap smears
