Cervical Cancer
Empower yourself with knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and screenings. At UCI Health, our compassionate team offers you innovative care.
At UCI Health, our dedicated team of gynecologic oncologists provides comprehensive support and advanced care personalized to your needs.
Signs or symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer often develops slowly and usually doesn’t have symptoms in its early stages. Being aware of the signs can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after intercourse)
- Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, pink or foul-smelling)
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in menstrual cycle patterns
- Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
When you’re a patient at UCI Health, we don’t just treat your cervical cancer – we treat you
Our team uses the most advanced treatments to create a care plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Call 714-456-8000 to make an appointment today.
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Cervical Cancer Diagnosis at UCI Health
Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects the cervix's surface cells. Early detection through a Pap smear can identify abnormal cells before cancer develops.
If you experience unusual bleeding, a speculum exam may help diagnose cervical cancer. To confirm the diagnosis, we’ll take a biopsy. We can usually do this in an outpatient setting.
For more advanced cases, a biopsy in an operating room under anesthesia may be necessary to assess tumor extent and involvement of nearby organs. Working closely with a skilled pathologist ensures accurate identification of the cancer type.
Staging
To determine the stage of your cervical cancer, we’ll perform cervical biopsies, a thorough physical exam, and imaging studies like a chest X-ray to assess your internal organs.
Cervical cancer stages are classified using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system:
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix.
- Stage IA: Microinvasive tumors.
- Stage IB: Visible cancer on the cervix.
- Stage II: Cancer involves surrounding ligaments.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower vagina and/or pelvic wall.
- Stage IVA: Cancer affects the bladder and/or rectum.
- Stage IVB: Tumors have metastasized to distant sites.
Understanding the stage your cancer is in helps us tailor your treatment plan and assess your prognosis.
Cervical cancer treatment at UCI Health
Cervical cancer is treatable.
If you have precancerous cervical cells, they can be easily removed using a scalpel, laser or heated wire loop. A cervical cancer diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
For early cervical cancers, traditional treatment may involve open radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection (removal). While this procedure can be curative, it carries significant side effects, such as scarring, blood loss, loss of fertility and bladder issues.
At UCI Health, our gynecologic oncologists offer advanced treatment strategies to improve your experience:
Early stage cervical cancers can be treated surgically by radical hysterectomy with preservation of the ovaries. In some cases, very small cancers can be managed with non-radical hysterectomy or even cervical conization to preserve the uterus for future child-bearing if that is desired.
In most cases, radical or non-radical hysterectomy is also performed with surgical evaluation of the pelvic lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread.
At UCI Health, we’re committed to providing you with safe, personalized care tailored to your unique situation. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Why choose UCI Health for cervical cancer care
Innovative treatments
Our specialists are pioneers in combining low-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy for women with locally advanced cervical cancer. This approach enhances the effectiveness of radiation and targets hidden microscopic disease.
In cases of metastatic and relapsing cervical cancer, traditional chemotherapy may not extend survival significantly. Dr. Krishnansu Tewari leads a groundbreaking clinical trial exploring non-platinum chemotherapy combined with anti-angiogenesis therapy to improve outcomes for women like you.