Cervical cancer

Note: The information on cancer types on the ACRF website is not designed to provide medical or professional advice and is for information only. If you have any health problems or questions please consult your doctor.

Overview

Cervical cancer usually grows slowly, over many years, in the tissues of the cervix – the opening of the uterus extending into the upper end of the vagina.

Before true cancer cells develop, the cervix tissues undergo changes called dysplasmia or precancers, which can be detected in a Pap smear. If left untreated, these precancers can invade and become cancerous.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for 80 per cent of all cases. It starts in the squamous, or skin-like cells of the cervix.

Adenocarcinoma is less common and develops from the glandular cells. This kind of cervical cancer is more difficult to diagnose as it begins higher up in the cervix and is harder to reach with the brush used to take a Pap smear.

In 2006, Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland discovered a vaccine to prevent and treat cervical cancer. That vaccine is available for women and girls under the brand name of Gardisil. The research was kick-started with an ACRF grant in 1999.

Cervical cancer treatment

The approach taken depends on the stage and size of cancer, the depth of invasion and whether it has spread to other body parts.

For small pre-invasive tumours found within the cervix, surgery is the most common treatment. If the tumour is very small a cone biopsy may take place to surgically remove the cone-shaped tissue containing the cancer.

Laser surgery, which involves a narrow beam of intense light being used to kill the cancerous cells is another option.

Loop excision, in which an electrical current is passed through a thin wire loop to remove the cells may also be used.

If the tumour is more developed, a total or radical hysterectomy, involving the surgical removal of the uterus, may be required.

Radiotherapy, which uses x-rays to kill or injure cancer cells so they cannot multiply and chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill or slow their growth, are often combined to make treatment of this disease more effective.

If the cancer cannot be cured, palliative treatment to relieve pain and other problems may be used.