Cervical Cancer FAQ

Each year, about 1,000 women in the United States learn they have cervical cancer.

Because it’s one of the most common types to affect a woman’s reproductive organs, women often have a lot of questions about cervical cancer and the services we provide. Below are the answers to the most common questions we receive about cervical cancer. Please contact us at If you are unable to find your question, or if you would prefer to speak to us on the phone, please call the MD Anderson at Cooper call center at 855.MDA.COOPER (855.632.2667).

What are the causes of cervical cancer?

A sexually transmitted virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV usually goes away by itself but sometimes a high-risk form of the infection can stimulate the growth of precancerous cells in the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found and treated, they may become cancerous.

What are the cervical cancer treatment options by stage?

Treatment options for women with cervical cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, whether the patient wishes to have children, and her age and overall health. The following are among the possible treatment options for each stage of cervical cancer.

Stage IA1

• Cone biopsy
• Radical trachelectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the cervix and surrounding tissue but not the uterus)
• Hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and the cervix)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• External beam radiation therapy
• Brachytherapy (the use of radioactive materials inside the body)

Stage IA2

• Cone biopsy
• Radical trachelectomy
• External beam radiation therapy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Stages IB and IIA

• Radical trachelectomy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Stage IIA1

• Radical hysterectomy
• Radiation (with or without chemotherapy)

Stages IB3 and IIA2

• Chemoradiation
• Radical hysterectomy

Stages IIB, III, IVA

• Chemoradiation

Stage IVB

This stage of cervical cancer is not curable; treatment therefore aims to slow the growth of the cancer and provide a patient some relief from symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Radiation (with or without chemotherapy)

How serious are precancerous cells?

Before cervical cancer appears, the cells of the cervix go through precancerous changes known as dysplasia. For some women, these changes may go away without any treatment. More often, they need to be treated to keep them from changing into cancer. Precancerous cells and lesions are usually curable if caught early; therefore, a woman should continue with regular Pap tests and pelvic exams, especially if she has HPV.

What are the symptoms of stage 2 cervical cancer?

Early cervical cancer usually has no noticeable symptoms, but it can be detected with yearly check-ups that include getting a Pap test to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following possible signs of cervical cancer:               

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
• Unusual vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody or has a foul odor.
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

Is stage 0 cervical cancer really cancer?

Yes. Some forms of cancer can be referred to as Stage 0, meaning they are noninvasive. Stage 0 cervical cancer refers to cancer that has been found only in the top layer of cells lining the cervix and has not invaded the deeper tissues of the cervix.

Is stage 2 cervical cancer serious?

In this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall (the tissues that line the part of the body between the hips) or to the lower third of the vagina. It is important to consult with your doctor on the best approach to treating the cancer and trying to prevent it from spreading further.

What is the survival rate for stage 2 cervical cancer?

The earlier cervical cancer is caught, the greater the survival rate. Also, a woman’s age, general health, and how well her cancer responds to treatment are all factors in the survival rate. According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancers that have spread to the regional lymph nodes have a 56.3% chance of survival after five years, while cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body have a 17 percent of survival after five years. Those cervical cancers that are localized (often referred to as stage 1) have a nearly 92% survival rate, underscoring the need for regular Pap tests and pelvic exams to catch cancer as early as possible.

What is the treatment for precancerous cells in the cervix?

Some precancerous cells and lesions may not need further treatment, especially if the abnormal area was completely removed during a biopsy. If treatment is needed your doctor may use cryosurgery (freezing) or laser surgery to destroy the abnormal area without harming nearby healthy tissue, or perhaps remove the abnormal tissue by procedures called loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or conization. In some precancerous cases, treatment may involve hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, including the cervix), particularly if abnormal cells are found inside the opening of the cervix.