Before becoming cancerous, normal cells of the cervix usually display abnormal changes that are referred to as pre-cancerous. Only some women with pre-cancerous cells in the cervix will develop cancer, so it’s important to have regular screenings or Pap tests to detect the presence of pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. Cervical cancer caught early or detected in the pre-cancerous stages is much more treatable and curable.
Cervical Cancer Treatment in Tampa Bay
Cervical cancer is most common among women between the ages of 35 and 44 and rarely develops in women younger than 20. The average age at diagnosis is 50, and over 20% of cases are diagnosed in women over 65.
Cervical cancers and cervical pre-cancers are classified by two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that develop from cells in the exocervix
- Most other types of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas that develop from glandular cells.
- Some cervical cancers have features of both and are called mixed carcinomas
Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Treatment for pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix depends on the type and stage of cancer as well as its location, the patient’s age, overall health, and desire to maintain fertility. Your doctor or one of the experts at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology can perform tests to determine the stage of your pre-cancer or cervical cancer and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment for cervical cancer, depending on stage and type, can include the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Brachytherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Target drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
Depending on the type and stage of cervical cancer, radiation therapy may be used as a main form of treatment or along with surgery or chemotherapy. If your treatment plan includes radiation therapy, Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology offers several options, including external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. When you meet with one of our experts at our cancer centers in Tampa and Brandon, they will take the time to perform a complete evaluation, explain all of your options and work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about cervical cancer and treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa and Brandon.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Cervical Cancer
The most common risk factor for cervical cancer is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), but not everyone with HPV develops cancer, and there are other risk factors. Smoking, sexual and family history, long-term use of birth control pills, HIV or chlamydia infections, and having had 3 or more full-term pregnancies are all factors that can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer,
The two most important things women can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated for HPV and to get regular Pap tests.