When abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, the disease is called cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over the age of 40. It is different from cancer that begins in other parts of the uterus and requires different treatment. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.

About Cervical Cancer

Patient evaluation and assessment – Our subspecialist team members use state-of-the-art technology and skilled physical examination to assess each woman for diagnosis, treatment and care planning.

Dysplasia Screening and Treatment Clinic – The Cervical Neoplasia Clinic for Clinical Research gives patients access to cutting edge clinical care including expert colposcopic services, office based treatment methods, cytology and pathology review, counseling, and treatment planning.

Colposcopy Clinic – This specialized Clinic provides care for the underserved women of Alabama who have been found to have abnormal pap smears, preinvasive or invasive cervical neoplasia.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine – For some types of cancers, specialized vaccines help the body’s own immune system recognize tumor cells as foreign so that they can be destroyed. Cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer, but allow the body’s own defenses to attack existing or growing tumor cells.

Radical Pelvic Surgery – When needed, radical pelvic surgery may involve extensive removal and reconstruction of many of the pelvic organs and structures, including the intestines, urinary system and lymph nodes. Many of these procedures are performed with minimally invasive techniques utilizing DaVinci Robotic Enhancement.

Minimally invasive surgery – Many traditional pelvic surgeries for gyn malignancy can be done with minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery allow treatment of complex problems with smaller incisions and improved recovery.

Gyn Pathology Review – The gynecologic oncologists at UAB have access to expert gyn-pathologists for review of surgical specimens following surgical procedures or biopsies for malignant conditions. Many physicians from the state and Southeast consult with members of the Division regarding the proper diagnosis or interpretation of biopsy or specimen materials. In cases where treatment planning is necessary, the gynecologic oncologist may present a patient’s case at the weekly Tumor Board held at UAB. At this planning conference, (attended by gyn oncologists, pathologists, radiologist, medical and radiation oncologists), details of a patient’s history, therapies, pathology specimens and radiologic images are confidentially presented and the cases discussed by physicians in attendance. Specific treatment recommendations are formulated and later discussed with the patients and referring physicians.

Clinical Trials – Our patients have access to therapies arising from the latest national clinical investigations. Our division has made significant contributions through research to the body of medical literature guiding current, as well as traditional therapeutic strategies. Patients may participate in on-going clinical investigations gaining access to therapies not available at many institutions or take advantage of the latest treatment concepts developed by previous trials. These may include:

• Novel Vaccine Trials - For some types of cancers, specialized vaccines help the body’s own immune system recognize tumor cells as foreign so that they can be destroyed. Cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer, but allow the body’s own defenses to attack existing or growing tumor cells.
• Therapeutic Clinical Trials for Advanced Disease - Click here for information on clinical trials that are available through UAB.

Palliative Care Services – Our specially trained physicians and other professionals provide treatment for women with advanced disease that helps relieve symptoms and maintains quality of life. A comprehensive approach combines services to meet physical needs with counseling to assist families with psychological, social, and spiritual concerns.

Support Group Services