Gynecologic Experts in Cervical Cancer
Studies show that women with gynecological cancers who are treated by gynecologic oncologists -- obstetricians/gynecologists with additional years of training in cancers of the female reproductive system -- have better outcomes. Our gynecologic oncologists work with women with gynecologic cancers every day. We use our training and experience to tailor chemotherapy and surgical treatments to minimize cancer’s impact on your fertility and sexuality. We have dedicated radiation oncology expertise for treating cervical cancer. If surgery is needed, we are skilled in performing complex procedures on the reproductive system.
If you have been diagnosed with the type of HPV that increases your risk for cervical cancer, or your Pap test results suggest precancerous or cancerous cells, we work closely with you to look for suspicious changes in the cervix so treatment can be started at the earliest possible stage. Our overarching goal is to detect cervical cancer early, provide the treatment that's best for you, and increase your chances for a positive long-term outcome.
Learn about vaccines to prevent HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancer, and PAP screening, which can detect the cancer at its earliest forms.
Advanced Stage Treatments
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, administered orally or intravenously, may be recommended after surgery to kill cancer cells or slow cancer growth. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation oncology treatments.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
A highly precise, computer-controlled machine delivers small doses of high-energy radiation at varying intensities to kill cancer cells. The radiation beams enter the body at various angles and target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
External beams deliver radiation to areas affected by your cervical cancer. We may also use internal radiation devices that are placed directly near the tumor to deliver an even high-dose of radiation to kill cancer cells and halt cancer growth.
Systemic Therapy
When cervical cancer has spread, systemic therapies that treat cancer wherever it may have spread are an important part of treatment. This includes chemotherapy, as well as biological therapies like immunotherapy with drugs called checkpoint inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
Pelvic Exenteration
While rare, this may be performed in combination with a radical hysterectomy to remove affected organs or tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, rectum, and part of the colon.
