Generally, cervical cancer begins with precancerous cell changes and takes a long time to develop. Most cervical cancers are caused byhuman papillomavirus, or HPV, which can be diagnosed by a simple blood test and vaccinated against.
With regular Pap smears, cervical cancer can usually be identified very early. If cervical cancer is identified in the precancerous stage, or in an early stage, generally neither the cancer itself nor the cancer treatments prevent pregnancy.
If cervical cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, generally the treatments reduce or eliminate the chances for a successful pregnancy.
What is
The cervix is a part of the reproductive system that connects the upper part of the uterus, which provides a home for the growth and development of the fetus, to the birth canal that the fetus travels through when being born. The cervix has three parts: the endocervix, which is next to the uterus; the transformation zone, which connects the parts of the cervix, and the exocervix, which is next to the vagina. Cervical cancer usually begins in the transformation zone, between the exocervix and the endocervix.
Early Treatment
Precancerous cells or localized stage I cervical cancer that is identified early, is generally treatable and does not prevent pregnancy. Treatment at the very early stages generally involves the insertion of a metal loop into the cervix. The metal loop heats up and removes cancerous cells from the cervix. These precancerous cells can also be removed by being frozen, or by laser vaporization. This treatment is appropriate for those diagnosed in the precancerous stage, and for those diagnosed with localized stage 1 cervical cancer.
Stage II Cervical Cancer Treatment
Once cervical cancer progresses and the tumor grows larger, the cancer is considered to be stage II. Treatment of stage II cervical cancer generally involves the removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. This removal ensures that the tumor is removed, as well as any surrounding cancer cells. This treatment significantly weakens the cervix and reduces the possibility of a successful pregnancy.
Stage III Cervical Cancer Treatment
Stage III cervical cancer treatment is appropriate when the cancer has grown large and cancer cells may have spread into the uterus and/or lymph nodes. Stage III cervical cancer treatment involves the removal of the uterus, the tissue around the uterus, and the lymph nodes. Obviously, once the uterus is removed, pregnancy is no longer possible. This treatment can also have a negative effect on the ability to pass urine and can create sexual problems. Patients with no lymph node involvement who undergo this surgery have a 90 percent chance of survival. Patients who have lymph node involvement have a 50 to 60 percent chance of survival.
Stage IV Cervical Cancer
Stage IV cervical cancer involves metastases to parts of the body other than the cervix. Stage IV cervical cancer is not curable. Radiotherapy is the only method of extending survival, but even with radiotherapy the five-year survival rate is about 30 percent. Infertility is a side effect of radiotherapy.
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