What is the cervix?

• Opening of the uterus into the vagina
• Two cell types present (squamous and glandular)
• Cervical cancer tends to occur where the two cell types meet

The central cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus or HPV:

• HPV is transmitted through sexual contact
• The HPV detected today could have been acquired years ago
• There are many different types of HPV that can infect the cervix, vagina, and vulva
• ‘High-risk’ types may cause precancer and cancer of the cervix
• Most women who are infected with HPV will never have any symptoms

At-risk individuals:

• Women who have had more than one partner
• Women whose partner(s) has had more than one sexual partner
• Women who have had a sexually-transmitted disease

What is a Pap test?

• A test which collects cells from the surface of the cervix and looks for any abnormal cells
• Abnormal cells can be treated before cervical cancer develops
• When cancer is detected early, it is easier to treat

What is a cervical biopsy?

• Removal of a small piece of tissue from the cervix
• May feel like getting a Pap test or like a menstrual cramp that lasts a few seconds
• Mildly abnormal (CIN-I)
• More abnormal (CIN-II)
• Pre-cancer (CIN-III)
• Cancer

What is a cervical conization?

• Removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue
• Often allows for diagnosis and treatment
• Performed with under general anesthesia in the operating room

What is a radical hysterectomy?

• Treatment option for early stage cancer
• Not the same as the usual hysterectomy
• Surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina with the surrounding tissues
• Lymph nodes are removed
• Removal of the ovaries is not required