Cervical Cancer Metastatic

Metastatic Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know

Metastatic cervical cancer is cancer that has spread from its original site in the cervix to other parts of the body. When this happens, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat. It's important to understand the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments available for someone diagnosed with metastatic cervical cancer.

What Are the Risk Factors for Metastatic Cervical Cancer?

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing metastatic cervical cancer. These include:

Having an HPV infection, especially one caused by a high-risk strain of the virus.
Being older than 35.
Having had a past HPV infection.
Being immunocompromised, due to HIV or other conditions.
Having had multiple sex partners.
Having had a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Having had unprotected sex.
Having never had a cervical cancer screening.

How Is Metastatic Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have any of the risk factors for metastatic cervical cancer, your doctor may suggest screening tests to help diagnose it. These tests may include:

Pap smear: Pap smears are used to collect cells from the cervix to look for abnormalities that could indicate cancer. It looks for precancerous changes that could be an early sign of metastatic cervical cancer.
HPV test: This looks specifically for the presence of the virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Colposcopy: This test allows your doctor to look for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix. This can help diagnose metastatic cervical cancer in its early stages.
Biopsy: This test involves removing a small sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope for cancer cells. This is the best way to diagnose metastatic cervical cancer.
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can be used to look for abnormal growths and spread of cancer to other organs.
Blood tests: Your doctor may take a blood sample to look for markers of cancer in your body.

What Treatments Are Available for Metastatic Cervical Cancer?

Treatment for metastatic cervical cancer usually involves chemotherapy and radiation to help reduce the size of tumors and slow the spread of cancer. Depending on the location and severity of the cancer, your doctor may also recommend surgery. In some cases, doctors may also use targeted therapies to target cancer cells more selectively. These treatments are typically used in combination with other treatments. The goals of treatment may include slowing or stopping the progression of the cancer, shrinking tumors, and preventing further metastasis.

What Follow Up Care is Necessary After Treatment?

Once you have completed treatment for metastatic cervical cancer, it is important to continue to receive follow up care. This includes follow up visits to your doctor for physical exams and imaging scans to look for any changes in the cancer. You may also need to have your blood tested from time to time to look for any cancer markers. If the cancer does return, you may need additional treatments.