Treatment

Treatment will depend on the exact diagnosis. The pre-cancerous form of cervical cancer is known as dysplasia. This can be treated with laser, conization (removal of a portion of the cervix) or cryotherapy (freezing). Surgery and/or radiation therapy may be required for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy is used in late stages. Sometimes more than one form of treatment is necessary. If the cervical cancer has not spread and a woman wants to become pregnant in the future, a conization may be done. If a woman does not want a future pregnancy, removal of the uterus may be chosen (a hysterectomy).

Questions to Ask

Do you have these problems? A leakage of urine and feces through the vagina Pain in the abdomen Anemia (are you tired and weak) Appetite and weight loss
Do you have any or these problems? Constant vaginal bleeding Spotting between periods or bleeding after intercourse Pelvic pain Thick or watery vaginal discharge
Do you have two or more risk factors for cervical cancer? (See "risk factors" under Causes in this topic). And, have you not had a pap test and pelvic exam for more than a year?

Self-Care Procedures

Remember to schedule and have pap tests and pelvic exams as often as your doctor suggests. Schedule these near your birthday to help you remember that they need to be done.
Take measures to prevent getting HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) See Basic Facts About STDs.)
Avoid douching. If you do, don't do so more than once a month.
Don't smoke.
Learn how to do a genital self-exam to be able to identify signs of cancer and other problems such as herpes and sexually transmitted diseases like HPV. Ask your doctor to show you how to do this and what to look for. You will need a flashlight, a mirror and a plastic speculum. You can buy a speculum at a medical supply store, pharmacy, Planned Parenthood Clinic, or your doctor's office or clinic.
You can check your partner or yourself for HPV. Put vinegar on the penis or outside the skin of your vulva. Look for raised red or white bumps. If you see any, contact your doctor.
Use a latex condom every time you have sexual intercourse, especially if your sex partner has a history of multiple sex partners.

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