Cervical cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that begins developing in a woman's cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus connecting the uterus to the vagina.
There was a period of time when cervical cancer was one of the most common cancer deaths for American women. The death rate for cervical cancer has dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test, which can detect a cervical precancer before it turns into cancer.
Cervical cancer is normally a slow-growing cancer that's almost always caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. You can visit our blog to learn more about HPV, including what it is and how to prevent it.
Before cervical cancer appears, the cervix cells undergo changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. Over time, the abnormal cells can become cancer cells and begin to grow and spread deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.
If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, like cervical cancer, the physicians at Compass Oncology are here to help every step of the way. We offer the latest gynecologic cancer treatments available and continue researching new and better options by participating in clinical trials. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations throughout Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA; we are available to provide a second opinion or personalized treatment for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is normally slow-growing cancer that's almost always caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are, however, other factors that put women at risk for cervical cancer — some can be controlled and others cannot. While there is no proven way to prevent it completely, there are steps you can take to help lower your cervical cancer risk.
Cervical cancer is nearly always preventable when screenings are performed regularly.
The HPV test helps identify women who are at higher risk for cervical cancer. The Pap test helps identify pre-cancerous conditions so they can be treated and not develop into cancer.
After a patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer, your doctor needs to learn the extent of the disease.
This is called staging, and it will help you and your cancer care team choose the best treatment for you.
There are five stages of cervical cancer, that can be determined through exams, imaging, and testing.
Women with cervical cancer often have several treatment options. Our gynecologic cancer specialists will develop a cancer treatment plan that’s best for you based on the stage of cervical cancer and your general overall health. Your treatment plan may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.