Cervical Cancer

Our experts draw on Emory’s vast resources in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for cervical cancer.

Our multidisciplinary care teams also include radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in cervical cancer.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

• Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
• Review of patient cases by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
• Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
• Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
• Access to support programs and groups for you and your caregivers.
• Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, we are ready to help you. To request an appointment with our gynecologic cancer team, please contact us at (404) 778-3401. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

Additional tests that may be performed include:

Colposcopy: the use of a lighted instrument to closely examine the cervix. Vinegar (acetic acid) may be swabbed on the surfaces of the cervix to be examined. The acid solution makes abnormal tissues turn white and therefore easier to see. A camera may be attached to the instrument.

Biopsy: removal of a small sample of tissue for examination by a pathologist. The procedure is typically done without anesthesia and is associated with minimal pain or bleeding. It is possible to perform the biopsy during a colposcopy.

There are several options for treatment depending on the stage of your cervical cancer and your desire for future fertility or to avoid early menopause. Your doctor will review which of the following options will best treat your cancer.

Surgery

• Cone Biopsy - used to preserve fertility in women with early stage cancer or to obtain a sample for further study; a cone-shaped section of tissue is taken from the cervix.
• Trachelectomy - used to preserve fertility in women with early stage cancer; removes the entire cervix leaving the uterus in place.
• Simple Hysterectomy - removes the uterus and cervix; results in infertility.
• Radical Hysterectomy - removes the uterus, cervix, tissue surrounding the cervix (parametria), and the upper vagina; results in infertility.
• Salpingo-ophorectomy – removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be recommended; results in infertility and menopause.
• Lymph Node Dissection – depending on the stage of your cancer, you may also need to have lymph nodes removed from the pelvis.
• Pelvic Exenteration - for recurrent cancer isolated to the pelvis; this is a complex procedure for select patients and requires removal of the same organs as a radical hysterectomy in addition to removal of the bladder, rectum, vagina, and possibly colon.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to treat cervical cancers that have spread beyond the cervix or for very large tumors (larger than 4 centimeters). External and internal radiation are used to treat cervical cancer. In many cases, chemotherapy is given with radiation. Low levels of chemotherapy make the cancer cells more sensitive to the radiation. The technique is called chemoradiation or radiosensitization.

Proton therapy

Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to precisely treat cancerous tumors throughout the body while minimizing the potential toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. Learn about proton therapy for cervical cancer.

Chemotherapy

Several different chemotherapy drugs may also be used to treat primary or recurrent cervical cancer.

Targeted therapies

Winship's most promising research in treating cervical cancer is in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In personalized medicine, researchers identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual's cancer. In targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat cervical cancer. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Reproductive Health Care

Some patients with cervical cancer may be candidates for preserving their fertility, the ability to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. Our cancer team works closely with the Emory Reproductive Center to support patients when their fertility may be impacted by cancer treatment. Ask your doctor if this is an option with your cancer diagnosis and to be referred to a fertility specialist.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians, social service professionals, and additional specialists trained in the management of cancer symptoms, such as pain or nausea.