Cervical Cancer

In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. This is why regular cervical screening is so important.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods

• bleeding after sex

• bleeding after the menopause

• heavier or longer periods than usual

• unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, bloody, or have an unpleasant smell

• pain during sex

• persistent pelvic pain

These symptoms are common and are often caused by conditions other than cancer, such as infections or benign growths. However, if you notice any of these changes, it’s important to arrange a consultation promptly so a specialist can make a professional assessment and run any tests if needed.

Both low-risk and high-risk HPV types are extremely common. Most people, male and female, will have it at some point in their lives, sometimes without ever knowing. In most cases, the immune system clears the virus naturally without causing any harm.

There are 2 main categories of HPV:

• low-risk HPV, which can cause genital warts, but does not cause cancer

• high-risk HPV, which increases the risk of certain cancers, including cervical, anal, vulval and vaginal cancer, and some head and neck cancers – nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk types of HPV

Problems can arise if high-risk HPV infection persists over many years. This can lead to abnormal changes in the cervical cells, sometimes called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). If unmonitored and untreated, these changes can develop into cancer.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer:

• persistent infection with high-risk HPV

• not attending regular cervical screening appointments

• smoking

• having a weakened immune system, for example, due to HIV or immunosuppressive medication

• starting sexual activity at a younger age

• having multiple sexual partners

• long-term use of the combined oral contraceptive pill

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop cervical cancer. Many women with risk factors never develop the condition.

Cervical cancer screening aims to detect cell changes on your cervix before they become cancer. If any cell changes are detected, you’ll likely be referred for further tests. 

Investigation may include:

• colposcopy – your gynaecologist will insert a speculum into your vagina to take a detailed look at your cervix using a magnifying instrument (colposcope)

• cervical biopsy – if cells look abnormal during a colposcopy, a biopsy is done to collect a small sample of tissue from the cervix for laboratory analysis

• imaging scans – if cancer is detected, MRI, CT, or PET-CT scans will be done to assess whether the cancer has spread

• blood tests – blood tests may provide information, such as tumour makers and genetic mutations, that helps determine the most appropriate treatment 

In some cases, abnormal cells are identified during routine cervical screening before symptoms develop. Your consultant will explain whether these changes are pre-cancerous or cancerous and advise on the next steps.

If a diagnosis of cervical cancer is confirmed, your specialist will discuss the stage of the cancer. Staging describes how large the cancer is and whether it has spread beyond the cervix. This helps guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. There are 2 key ways to reduce your risk:

• attending regular cervical screening appointments when invited

• having the HPV vaccination, which protects against the most common high-risk types of HPV

Treatment of pre-cancerous changes (CIN) may also be possible. This may be in the form of a procedure called LETZ (Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone), a NETZ (needle excision of the transformation zone) or rarely, a cone biopsy. These procedures remove a small area of abnormal cells, with the aim of preventing cancer from developing.

Screening does not test for cancer itself. Instead, it checks for high-risk HPV and abnormal cell changes so they can be treated early. Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, you should still attend screening appointments, as the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing types of HPV.

You can also reduce your risk by:

• stopping smoking

• practising safer sex

• seeking medical advice promptly if you have unusual bleeding or discharge

If left untreated, cervical cancer can grow and spread into nearby tissues and other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bladder, bowel or lungs.

Advanced cervical cancer can cause:

• severe pelvic or back pain

• problems passing urine or opening your bowels

• swelling of the legs

• unexplained weight loss

Modern treatments are effective, especially when cancer is detected early. Early-stage cervical cancer is often highly treatable, with good long-term outcomes.

Treatment itself can also have side effects. These depend on the type of treatment used and may include early menopause, fertility problems, and bowel and bladder changes. Your consultant will discuss potential risks with you in detail and provide support throughout your care.

The most appropriate treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, your general health and whether you wish to have children in the future. Your care plan will be tailored to you.

While we do not currently offer treatment for cervical cancer at Welbeck, your diagnosing consultant will ensure that you’re referred to the correct teams so that the next steps can be started as quickly as possible.

Treatment options may include:

• surgery – to remove the cancer, which may involve removing part or all of the cervix, and also the womb in some cases (total hysterectomy) 

• radical trachelectomy – removal of the cervix while preserving the womb in selected early-stage cases

• radiotherapy – using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells

• chemotherapy – anti-cancer drugs, often given alongside radiotherapy

• chemoradiotherapy – a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

• targeted therapies or immunotherapy – in some advanced or recurrent cases

At Welbeck, our consultant gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem, if required, to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.