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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins when abnormal cells in the cervix grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Because every patient’s situation is unique, our team at Illinois CancerCare focuses on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcome. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain highrisk human papillomavirus (HPV) types.  

Understanding the Cervix

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. It has two main parts: 

  • Ectocervix: The outer part of the cervix, covered with squamous cells. 
  • Endocervix: The inner canal connecting to the uterus, lined with glandular cells. 
  • The area where these cells meet is the transformation zone, where most cervical cancers begin.  

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears, cervical cells go through precancerous changes known as dysplasia. With proper screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer is highly preventable. 

Types of Cervical Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma:

The most common type (up to 90%), arising from squamous cells in the ectocervix. 

Adenocarcinoma

Begins in the glandular cells of the endocervix.

Adenosquamous carcinoma

Contains features of both types. 

Rare types

Clear cell adenocarcinoma and other very uncommon variants.

Signs & Symptoms

Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. As cancer advances, symptoms may include: 

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause) 
  • Unusual discharge (watery, bloody, or foulsmelling) 
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse 

Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but they should always be evaluated.  

Risk Factors

  • HPV infection (the primary cause of almost all cervical cancers) 
  • Multiple sexual partners or early sexual activity 
  • Smoking 
  • Weakened immune system (including HIV infection) 
  • Longterm use of birth control pills 
  • Family history of cervical cancer 
  • Socioeconomic and geographic disparities that affect access to screening and vaccination

Prevention

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. 

  • HPV vaccination (recommended beginning at ages 11–12): protects against the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers 
  • Regular screening (Pap and/or HPV testing) 
  • Smoking cessation 
  • Safe sexual practices 

Screening

Screening can detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. 

Current ACSaligned screening approaches include: 

  • Primary HPV testing every 5 years (preferred for ages 25–65) 
  • Cotesting (HPV + Pap) every 5 years if HPVonly testing is unavailable 
  • Pap testing alone every 3 years as an alternative 
  • Selfcollected HPV tests are now an acceptable option when using FDAapproved kits, with repeat screening recommended in 3 years if results are negative 

Your clinician will help determine which screening method is best for you based on age, medical history, and risk factors. 

Diagnosis

If screening tests suggest cervical abnormalities, diagnostic steps may include: 

(magnified examination of the cervix)

of suspicious areas

(CT, MRI, PET) in cases where cancer is confirmed and staging is needed

Staging

Cervical cancer is staged from 0 to IV based on how far it has spread: 

Stage 0 / Carcinoma in situ

Abnormal cells limited to the surface

Stages I

Cancer confined to the cervix

Stage II

Spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall or lower vagina

Stage III

Spread to the pelvic wall, lower vagina, or causes kidney problems

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to nearby organs or distant sites

Your team will explain your stage and how it impacts treatment planning.  

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on stage, tumor type, patient age, fertility considerations, and overall health. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team. 

EarlyStage Cervical Cancer 

Surgery

  • LEEP or cone biopsy (for precancerous lesions or microinvasive cancers) 
  • Simple or radical hysterectomy (depending on the stage and fertility wishes) 

Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer 

  • Radiation therapy 
  • Chemoradiation (radiation plus chemotherapy, often with cisplatin) 

Advanced or Recurrent Cervical Cancer 

  • Chemotherapy 
  • Targeted therapy (e.g., bevacizumab) 
  • Immunotherapy for select cases 

Your Illinois CancerCare team will discuss the benefits of each option, potential side effects, and whether a clinical trial may be appropriate. 

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis, tumor type, response to treatment, and overall health. When found early, cervical cancer is highly curable—the U.S. fiveyear relative survival rate is approximately 68% across all stages, with significantly higher survival when detected early.  

Follow Up Care

Regular followup is essential and may include: 

  • Physical exams 
  • Pelvic exams 
  • Imaging when indicated 
  • Management of long-term treatment effects 

Your followup schedule will be personalized based on your treatment and overall health.  

Living With Cervical Cancer 

Illinois CancerCare offers comprehensive support, including: 

National organizations, including the American Cancer Society, provide additional resources and education.  

  • Counseling and psychosocial support 
  • Nutrition services 
  • Survivorship and wellness programs 
  • Caregiver resources 
  • Access to clinical trials 

Why Choose Illinois CancerCare

  • Experienced, compassionate team specializing in gynecologic cancers 
  • Advanced diagnostics and treatment options 
  • Access to innovative clinical trials 
  • Personalized care tailored to your individual needs 

Sources & Patient Friendly References

All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).