Cervical Cancer
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Learn About Cervical Cancer

What is the definition of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of slow-growing gynecological cancer that affects the opening of the uterus (cervix). The two main types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma – This is the most common type of cervical cancer, which starts in the cells lining the outer part of the cervix that extends into the vagina. Adenocarcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in glandular cells lining the canal (opening) of the cervix. Occasionally, both the cells lining the outer part of the cervix and the glandular cells lining the canal are involved in cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is categorized by the following stages: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ) – The cervical cancer is only in the surface layer. Stage I – The cervical cancer stays within the cervix. Stage II – The cervical cancer has spread beyond the cervix, but not as far as the pelvic wall or the lower portion of the vagina. Stage III – The cervical cancer has spread into the pelvic wall, the lower portion of the vagina, or the ureters. Stage IV – The cervical cancer has spread beyond the pelvis or to the bladder, rectum, or both.
What are the alternative names for Cervical Cancer?
There are a few alternative names for cervical cancer, including cervical adenocarcinoma and gynecological cancer.
What are the causes of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells lining the cervix (dysplasia) appear, which eventually (slowly) may become cancerous and spread (metastasize) deeper into the cervix and surrounding areas. Researchers believe that the main cause of cervical cancer is having been infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV). While many women may have been infected with HPV, the virus is usually prevented from causing harm by the body’s immune system; however, in a small percentage of women the HPV virus remains, eventually causing the cervical cells to become cancerous. Risk factors for developing cervical cancer include being exposed to the drug, diethylstilbestrol (DES), while in the mother’s womb, being sexually active at a young age, having many sexual partners, giving birth to many children, using long-term hormone-based contraceptives, smoking, having a weakened immune system or being on immunosuppressants, aging, and being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Early cervical cancer usually has no symptoms; however, symptoms of more advanced cervical cancer include watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy with a foul odor, vaginal bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods or after menopause, heavier, longer periods, and pelvic pain during intercourse. Symptoms of more advanced cervical cancer may include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, anemia, and pelvic pain.
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What are the current treatments for Cervical Cancer?
The treatment for cervical cancer is determined by the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, and whether the patient wants to have children. If a woman who is pregnant is diagnosed with cervical cancer, treatment may be postponed until after the birth. Treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery – The type of surgery used for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and includes conization (removal of cone-shaped portion of the cervix; cone biopsy) for early stage cervical cancer, using a scalpel, electrosurgical current, or laser; total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) either through the abdomen, the vagina, or with a laparoscope; radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and the ligaments and tissues surrounding these organ, and which often includes removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby lymph nodes) for advanced stage cervical cancer; modified radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and ligaments and tissues surrounding these organs and some lymph nodes); radical trachelectomy (removal of the cervix, nearby tissue and lymph nodes, and upper part of the vagina); bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and both ovaries); and pelvic exenteration (removal of the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes, lower colon, rectum, and bladder, with the placement of artificial urine and stool openings with collection bags); and artificial vagina construction. Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays, protons, or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Types of radiation therapy used for cervical cancer include external radiation therapy (intensity-modulated radiation therapy; IMRT), which directs radiation at the cancer, and internal radiation therapy, in which radioactive needles, seeds, wires, or catheters are placed directly in the cancer. In addition to treatment, radiation therapy can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of cervical cancer. Patients with cervical cancer who have not yet had children should speak with their doctor about egg preservation before undergoing radiation therapy. Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and can be administered orally (pill), intravenously (IV), intraabdominally (directly into the abdomen), or intrathecally (into the spinal canal) and may be combined with other treatments. Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins on cancer cells to prevent them from growing or to kill cancer cells and include monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab), which can be given by infusion and is used to treat cervical cancer that has spread (metastasized) and recurrent cervical cancer. Immunotherapy (Biotherapy or Biologic therapy) – Immunotherapy uses a patient’s immune system to kill cancer cells and uses the immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, for the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer. Palliative (Supportive) care – Palliative care for cervical cancer focuses on relief of pain and other symptoms while undergoing cancer treatment and may also be used to help improve patient quality of life.
Who are the top Cervical Cancer Local Doctors?
Elite in Cervical Cancer
Radiation Oncology
Elite in Cervical Cancer
Radiation Oncology

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Baltimore, MD 
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Akila Viswanathan, M.D., M.P.H., is the director for the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, and a professor of radiation oncology, gynecology/obstetrics and oncology for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Viswanathan leads the department emphasizing excellence in clinical care, research and education. She has expertise with gynecologic cancers and their treatment, including cervical and uterine cancers and image-guided brachytherapy. She has developed numerous clinical innovations and initiated several system-wide integration efforts at all sites, including Green Spring Station, Bayview, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Suburban's Rockledge site, and Sibley Memorial Hospital for the Johns Hopkins Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Viswanathan earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University, her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, followed by her Masters in Public Health and Masters in Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. She completed a residency in radiation oncology at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy at Harvard Medical School, where she served as chief resident. She has had research grant funding through the National Cancer Institute K07, R21 and R01 programs to support efforts in gynecologic cancers, specifically looking at the identification of gynecologic tumors at the time of brachytherapy under magnetic resonance imaging. The research team has developed several novel clinical innovations. Dr. Viswanathan has been named one of America's Top Doctors by Newsweek, Who’s who in America, and a Super Doctor by the Washington Post magazine. Dr. Viswanathan served as President and Chair of the Board of the American Brachytherapy Society; Chair of Education Committee for American Society for Radiation Oncology; and, on the Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee and the uterine cancer task force for the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Akila Viswanathan has published more than 200 articles and chapters, and lectures nationally and internationally. She is the Editor-in-Chief for Seminars in Radiation Oncology. She is on the editorial board of Gynecologic Oncology and Brachytherapy, and is an editor of several textbooks including Gynecologic Radiation Therapy: Novel Approaches to Image-Guidance and Management, Radiation Therapy Techniques for Gynecologic Cancers, and Gunderson and Tepper's Clinical Radiation Oncology. Make A Gift. Dr. Viswanathan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Cancer. She is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Vaginal Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Vulvar Cancer, Vulvectomy, and Cordotomy. Dr. Viswanathan is board certified in American Board Of Radiology.

Elite in Cervical Cancer
Surgical Oncology
Elite in Cervical Cancer
Surgical Oncology

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

10201 Carnegie Avenue, 
Cleveland, OH 
Experience:
49+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Peter Rose is a Surgical Oncologist practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been practicing medicine for over 49 years. Dr. Rose is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Cancer. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Carcinosarcoma, Salpingo-Oophorectomy, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. Rose is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, 1990.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Cervical Cancer
Elite in Cervical Cancer

UPMC Gynecologic Oncology

2918 6th Avenue, 
Altoona, PA 
Languages Spoken:
English, Yoruba
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Alexander Olawaiye, MD, is a professor of gynecologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. He specializes in gynecologic malignancies, as well as endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.Dr. Olawaiye is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as gynecologic oncology. He completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and received a medical degree from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in London, UK. Dr. Olawaiye completed a residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a gynecologic oncology fellowship at Harvard Medical School.Dr. Olawaiye is a member of professional organizations such as the Society for Gynecologic Oncologists, American Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the American Joint Committee on Cancer. He maintains a research interest in translational and clinical research for endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar cancers. Dr. Olawaiye is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Cancer. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Hysterectomy, and Vulvectomy. Dr. Olawaiye is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology and American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology. Dr. Olawaiye is currently accepting new patients.

What are the support groups for Cervical Cancer?
There are several online, local, national, and international support groups for cervical cancer, including the following: CancerCare - https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/46-gynecologic_cancers_patient_support_group Cancer Support Community - https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/learn-about-cancer-types/cervical-cancer The National Cervical Cancer Coalition - https://www.nccc-online.org/find-support/
What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cervical Cancer?
The prognosis for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer when diagnosed, the type of cervical cancer, whether the patient is infected with a certain type of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), whether the patient has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), whether the cancer has recurred, and the patient’s overall health. Stage 0 cervical cancer (Carcinoma in situ) is 100% curable. Stages 1 and 2 cervical cancer have a good chance of cure. The cure rates for cervical cancer decrease significantly for more advanced stages. Cervical cancer that has been treated may recur or appear in other parts of the body. For this reason, regular follow-up tests are needed.
What are the possible complications of Cervical Cancer?
Possible complications of early cervical cancer are usually treatment-related and may include early menopause from removal of the ovaries and narrowing of the vagina, in addition to cancer treatment-related side effects, such as fatigue and hair loss. Complications of advanced cervical cancer may include swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphedema), pain, kidney failure, and the development of fistulas (abnormal openings) between the vaginal and rectum or other areas.
When should I contact a medical professional for Cervical Cancer?
If you experience any of the following symptoms of cervical cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, unusual or bloody vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, pain or bleeding during or after intercourse, or abdominal pain, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Any extreme vaginal bleeding requires immediate medical attention.
How do I prevent Cervical Cancer?
Since early cervical cancer often has no symptoms, women should have regular pap smears (tests) to screen for cervical cancer, which can be detected early. In addition, receiving the HPV vaccine may reduce the risk or cervical cancer or other HPV-related cancers, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all females ages 11-to-12 and young women up to age 26. The risk of developing cervical cancer can also be reduced by preventing sexually-transmitted infections by using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners. Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of cervical and other cancers. Early detection of cervical cancer greatly increases the chances of the cancer being cured.
What are the latest Cervical Cancer Clinical Trials?
The Impact Of A Patient Support Community On Patients With Neuroendocrine Cervical Cancer: NECC Peer Support

Summary: To learn about the effects of a participant support community on illness perception, emotional well-being, and feelings of isolation among participants with NECC.

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Patient Preference for Subcutaneous vs. Intravenous Immune Therapy (PSI-Immune)

Summary: The study will evaluate patient and Health Care Professional- reported preference for Subcutaneous (SC) compared with IV nivolumab administration or similarly for SC compared with IV pembrolizumab.