Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages. Moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer.

The most important risk factor in the development of cervical cancer is infection with a high-risk strain of human papillomavirus. Women who have many sexual partners (or who have sex with men who had many partners) have a greater chance.

While the Pap smear is an effective screening test, confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix.

Microinvasive cancer (stage IA- diagnosed only by microscopy; no visible lesions) is usually treated by hysterectomy (removal of the whole uterus including part of the vagina). The lymph nodes may be removed as well. An alternative for patients who desire to remain fertile is a local surgical procedure such as a loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP) or cone biopsy.

Prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer. As the cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, prognosis drops dramatically because treatment of local lesions is generally more effective than whole body treatments such as chemotherapy.

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