Cervical Cancer
Why choose us for cervical cancer care?
At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can access gynecological cancer expertise and leading cervical cancer treatment innovations, close to home.
Multiple specialists with a deep understanding of female reproductive cancers collaborate on your care. We use advanced surgical techniques and high-tech radiation technologies to treat disease in hard-to-reach areas.
Fertility-sparing surgery and oncofertility services offer younger women of childbearing age expanded options for their reproductive future.
Cervical cancer is one of many gynecological cancers we treat. Learn more about our gynecologic oncology program.
What you need to know about cervical cancer
- The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It connects the uterus to the vagina, serving as a gatekeeper to the womb.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are responsible for a large percentage of cervical cancers. Preventive care can safeguard your health.
- Getting regular pelvic exams and Pap tests can help your gynecologist identify and remove precancerous tissue (called dysplasia) before it turns into cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against several high-risk strains that cause cervical and other cancers.
- Purple Heals is a large, active support group for cancer survivors affected by all forms of gynecologic cancer. This diverse network of women provides wide-ranging resources and support to the San Antonio community
How to talk to your doctor about cervical cancer
A cancer diagnosis may make you question how cancer may impact your long-term health or your reproductive future. We’ll provide honest answers to your questions and help you navigate the next steps in your care.
We take the time to discuss your treatment options at length, helping you gain a better understanding of your care journey. Knowing what to expect from treatment can help you plan ahead and feel confident in your care decisions.
Having a familiar face or trusted friend by your side at doctor appointments may provide comfort during a stressful time. We encourage you to involve family members or loved ones in your care in ways that feel right for you.
You might want to ask your doctor about:
- Additional testing you might need as well as how tests help inform your treatment plan
- Cancer stage, including where cervical cancer originated and whether it has spread
- Treatment options, including how oncofertility services and fertility-sparing surgery can help preserve future reproductive options before cancer treatment
- Clinical trials you may be eligible for at any point in your care
- Support services, including how our unique network of local gynecologic cancer survivors, Purple Heals, can aid your health and help you cope
Types
A large majority of cervical cancers fall into three main types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma develops from skin cells that make up the cervix lining. This cancer type makes up most cervical cancer cases.
- Adenocarcinoma grows out of gland cells located where the cervix meets the uterus.
Mixed carcinoma cancer cells have characteristics from more than one cancer. Cells may resemble squamous cell carcinoma in some ways and adenocarcinoma in others.