Cervical/Ovarian

Cervical and ovarian cancers can increase a woman’s risk for infertility and other reproductive health issues. If you have gynecological cancer, Arizona Center for Cancer Care provides a customized treatment plan using radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery to destroy cancerous cells and reduce the likelihood that cancer spreads. Call an office in Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Sun City, Sun City West, or Apache Junction, Arizona, to schedule an appointment. You can also request an in-person or telehealth consultation online at any time.

What are cervical and ovarian cancers?

Cervical and ovarian cancers are common gynecological cancers that affect a woman’s physical and reproductive health.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. This type of cancer can develop because of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that’s spread through sexual contact.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer forms in the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs and the female reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. Your risk for ovarian cancer may increase because of your genetic background or factors like:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Endometriosis
• Early-onset menstruation
• Family history of ovarian cancer

Hormone replacement therapy to treat post-menopausal issues like hot flashes and vaginal dryness can also contribute to ovarian cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical and ovarian cancers?

In both cervical and ovarian cancers, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease. For this reason, you should schedule routine cancer screenings, which may include Pap testing and HPV testing if you have any risk factors for the disease.

Cervical cancer symptoms can include:

• Back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Weight loss
• Abdominal bloating
• Persistent fatigue
• Frequent need to urinate

As cervical cancer grows, you may have vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and pain with sex.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care offers diagnostic testing services onsite to confirm ovarian or cervical cancer. You can expect to have blood tests, a pelvic exam, and diagnostic imaging tests. Colposcopy services are also available to closely examine your vagina, vulva, and cervix with a magnifying instrument. 

You may also need a minimally invasive biopsy procedure to remove cells from your cervix or your ovaries to test for cancer. If your biopsy shows precancerous cells in your lower reproductive tract, your provider can use the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove them without surgery.

How is cervical and ovarian cancer treated?

Your care plan for cervical or ovarian cancer may involve one or more treatments to destroy cancerous cells. Arizona Center for Cancer Care offers treatments like:

• Radiation therapy
• Traditional chemotherapy
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

You might also be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery to remove your entire ovary or cervix. If your cancer is advanced, you may need a hysterectomy to remove your cervix, uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. 

A hysterectomy is typically only for women who are done having children or for those who have advanced cancer that’s likely to spread to other areas of the body.

As a leader in cancer treatments, Arizona Center for Cancer Care also participates in clinical trials to test new cancer medications. Your specialist can determine if you’re a candidate for trial participation during your consultation.

For a cervical or ovarian cancer consultation, call the Arizona Center for Cancer Care office nearest you or book an appointment online today.