Cervical Cancer
The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has declined greatly over the years due to screening for early cervical abnormalities using the Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Also, immunization with the vaccine against strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer can often prevent the disease. For women who learn they have cervical cancer, we offer minimally invasive approaches to cure cancer with as few side effects as possible, and with an eye on preserving fertility whenever that is an option.
Medical Marvels: World-Class Care for a Young Mother Facing Cervical Cancer
Eve McDavid, 34, and her husband, Matt, began the year 2020 like many of us: full of hope, unaware that the viral outbreak that was taking hold across the world would change history. They were preparing for a joyous arrival: the impending birth of their second child. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, however, Eve received a surprising diagnosis. She learned she had stage 2B cervical cancer. And it was growing very fast. Thanks to the team of experts at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, today Eve is in remission, and their now one-year-old son, Arthur, happily plays with his 3-year-old sister, Ruby Ann, at their home on Long Island.
A Team of Cervical Cancer Experts
We will assemble the team of specialists you need, including gynecologic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, and others with experience treating cervical cancer. Together your team discusses your case and chooses the treatment regimen with the greatest chance of curing your cancer.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Our gynecologic oncologists choose the surgical approach best suited for your stage and location of cancer.
- Removing cervical precancers. If you have precancerous cells in the cervix, you may have cryosurgery (freezing the abnormal cells), laser surgery (which "burns" the cells), or conization (surgical removal of a cone-shaped section of tissue containing cancer.
- Preserving childbearing ability. If you have cancer that is stage I or greater and you wish to retain your ability to have children, your surgeon will let you know if you can have radical trachelectomy—removal of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, leaving the body of the uterus in place.
- Hysterectomy. Our surgeons also perform a hysterectomy for cervical cancer, removing the uterus but leaving the ovaries in place, if appropriate.
- Robotic cervical cancer surgery. Your surgeon may be able to use robotic surgery to remove your cancer or your uterus. With this approach, you will have smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort, and a quicker recovery than with traditional open abdominal surgery.
Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
If your cancer has spread outside of the cervix, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells. You can receive finely targeted radiation therapy in our state-of-the-art radiation treatment centers, and chemotherapy in our modern and comfortable infusion centers. These centers are staffed by skilled and compassionate professionals whose goal is to cure your cancer while supporting your health and well-being. Molecular targeted therapies can sometimes be utilized for uterine cancers. Your doctor may obtain molecular testing n your tumor that can help identify specific genetic abnormalities that can be targeted with specific drugs that are clinically available or available as part of a clinical trial. This approach to cancer therapy is called precision medicine.
Treating All of You
We understand how a diagnosis of cancer can affect your life and the lives of your loved ones. Your team includes other healthcare professionals you may need for the treatment of symptoms, as well as psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and nutrition during and after cancer therapy.
Clinical Trials
Our gynecologic cancer specialists participate in and lead clinical trials assessing promising new treatments for gynecologic cancers. Your doctor will let you know if you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial of an innovative therapy for cervical cancer.
Patient Stories
Amazing Things are Happening Here
It was a consistent and seamless transition from ob-gyn care to cancer care, with nothing falling through the cracks.
Saving Women's Lives, One Talk at a Time.
Read Patti Murillo Casa's story Read Patti Murillo Casa's story