Cervical Cancer during Pregnancy

Cervical Cancer in Pregnancy

3 out of 100 pregnant women find out that they have cervical cancer, and although this statistic may seem improbable for many pregnant women, it remains extremely vital that they are informed on the consequences and methods of preventing cervical cancer pregnancy. Undergoing a Pap smear is encouraged during pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy is punctuated by symptoms such as bleeding. A Pap smear can lead to the diagnosis of cervical cancer, and the required treatment modalities depend on the stage of pregnancy. You can view this site for more info.

Early Stage of Cervical Cancer in Pregnancy

At the early phase of the pregnancy, such as woman realized Cervical Cancer in Pregnancythe first trimester, treatment is not hastened and is usually delayed till a few weeks post-delivery of the baby. In this case, the recommended treatment is to perform a hysterectomy or cone biopsy on the woman, depending on how much the cancer has metastasized. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix, while a cone biopsy is the removal of just a part of the cervix. Alternatively, cancerous cells can be excised from the cervix before it metastasizes. This can be accomplished by performing a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, or what is simply called LEEP. This treatment method involves using an electrically active wire to break the cellular connections between the cancerous cells and the cervix.

Advanced Stage of Cervical Cancer

Unfortunately, when the cancer has attained a more advanced stage during the pregnancy, it demands some tough decisions to be made. This may include contemplating the termination of the pregnancy, because waiting to deliver the baby before commencing on treatment can compromise on the survival rates of the women with cervical cancer during pregnancy. Alternatively, the delivery of the baby can be arranged earlier than usual, provided it is safe for the child, so that the mother can quickly commence on seeking medical attention to the cancer.

Author: Sarah Alexander