Surgery
Your gynaecologist will discuss your surgery with you. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the cervix. According to NHS guidelines, any surgery for cancer of the cervix should be carried out in specialist cancer centres by a gynaecological oncologist or a gynaecologist with a specialist interest in cancer.
If the cancer cells have spread only very slightly beyond the surface cells of the cervix, it may be possible to treat this with a cone biopsy, LLETZ or using cold coagulation. An operation called a trachelectomy may also be possible.
The ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) but, where possible, they are not taken out in young women as this brings on an early menopause. Surgery is used more often for young women than radiotherapy, as radiotherapy to the pelvic area stops the ovaries from working and brings on an early menopause.
If it is necessary to remove the ovaries, the symptoms of the menopause can often be prevented by giving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as tablets, skin patches or creams. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you in detail.
If the cancer has spread further, surgery for cervical cancer usually involves removing the womb (hysterectomy), nearby lymph nodes and a small part of the vagina.
Last updated: 10/03/2011
