Supportive Cervical Cancer Care Built Around Your Needs
Cervical cancer remains a threat to women, but it’s no match for our oncologists. Not only can the disease be prevented; when found early, it is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. We have expertise diagnosing and treating cervical cancer—and better yet, a track record of guiding patients to becoming empowered survivors.
Cervical cancer originates in cells that line the cervix, which is located in the lower part of the uterus. Symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and unusual discharge. It often does not produce symptoms, but women can catch it early by having regular Pap smear tests. These can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, giving women a powerful tool to take charge of their health.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Early signs of cervical cancer can be subtle and challenging to detect. At times, cervical cancer can have no symptoms, but the following are some key signs and symptoms of possible cervical cancer:
- Pain areas: in the pelvis
- Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding: Occasionally, there can exist irregular bleeding or pain; abnormal vaginal bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge
- Menstrual bleeding: abnormal menstruation, heavy menstruation, irregular menstruation, or spotting
Cervical Cancer Causes
A significant majority of cervical cancers are caused by a long-term HPV (human papillomavirus . HPV infections are transmitted sexually and a very common in the general population. The vast majority of HPV infections are “minor” in that they resolved (healed) normally by the human body. Occasionally, however, an infection may not resolve, and may remain hidden in the body for many years. Such unhealed infections can occasionally develop into cervical cancers.Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
When it comes to facing cervical cancer, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Our teams have the breadth of expertise, state-of-the-art technology and latest research—not to mention warm bedside manner—to foster a comfortable environment for cervical cancer testing.
Aside from an initial exam, these are some of the methods used to make a diagnosis:
-
Colposcopy
-
Endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping)
-
Cone biopsy
Upon having a positive biopsy, more tests may be required. These may include the following:
-
Imaging Tests: These scans can include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray, intravenous urography, positron emission tomography (PET scan), or computed tomography (CT).
-
Cystoscopy & Proctoscopy: Performed under anesthesia or a local anesthetic, these procedures test if cancer has spread. During a cystoscopy, a tool with a lens and a light is inserted through the urethra into the bladder so the physician can see if cancer has spread there. Biopsies can be taken. A proctoscopy involves a visual inspection of the rectum to see if cancer has spread there.
Groundbreaking Cervical Cancer Treatment in NJ
Working with our gynecologic oncologists and other specialists gives women with cervical cancer a wide range of treatment options.
Based on the type of cervical cancer, age, whether the cancer has spread, and other factors, the oncologist and care team may suggest a variety of solutions. These can include local (removes or destroys cancer in one area) or systemic (addresses cancer cells throughout the body) treatments such as the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation.
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy.
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
It may take time to choose the best plan of action, but our specialists give you all the information to make the decision that’s right for you.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best gynecologic cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or
844-226-2376.
