Female reproductive & breastCancerICD-10 C53
Cervical cancer
Cancer of the neck of the womb, caused almost entirely by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination and screening make it largely preventable.
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Causes
- Persistent high-risk HPV infection (types 16 and 18 cause about 70%)
Risk factors
- HPV infection
- Not attending screening
- Smoking
- Weakened immunity (HIV)
- Long-term combined pill use
- Multiple births
Symptoms
- Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
- Unusual discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Early stages often have no symptoms
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- HPV-based cervical screening
- Colposcopy and biopsy
- MRI and PET-CT for staging
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced disease
- Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) for advanced disease
Operations and procedures
- LLETZ/cone biopsy for pre-cancer (CIN)
- Radical hysterectomy for early cancer
- Fertility-sparing trachelectomy in selected women
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Attend screening
- Stop smoking
Possible complications
- Spread to pelvic organs and lymph nodes
- Treatment effects on fertility and bladder/bowel
Prevention
- HPV vaccination (ideally before sexual debut)
- Regular HPV screening
- Condoms reduce risk
Outlook
Pre-cancer and early cancer are highly curable.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
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