Cervical Cancer - Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Treatment of Pregnant Women with Cervical Cancer

Only 1% of cervical cancers occur during pregnancy or shortly afterwards. To diagnose the condition, a cervical biopsy, in which a small amount of tissue is removed for diagnosis, can be performed anytime during the pregnancy. However, a cone biopsy, which removes larger amounts of tissue, is typically delayed until after the first trimester to reduce the risk of abortion. The options may be as follows:

• If the abnormality is diagnosed as dysplasia or even carcinoma in situ, treatment is sometimes delayed until a few weeks after the mother gives birth, and vaginal delivery may still be possible. The risks and benefits of this approach, however, should be discussed with the doctor.
• If early-stage cancer is diagnosed in the late second or third trimester, a woman may sometimes be able to delay treatment until the baby is delivered. A Cesarean section is the preferred delivery method. The cancer treatment of choice is started shortly afterward.
• More locally advanced invasive cancer is nearly always treated, particularly if is diagnosed within the first 20 weeks of the pregnancy.