Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.
Cervical Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673
Nationally Ranked in Cancer Care
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals for cancer care, and we are rated as "High Performing" in gynecological cancer surgery, placing us among the leading facilities in the U.S. for this procedure.
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s gynecologic oncology deliver experts, compassionate, innovative care to women with cervical cancer. We take time to answer questions, talk through options, and help patients feel more confident in their care.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.
Specialized Care for Gynecologic Cancers
At Simmons Cancer Center – the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas – patients with gynecologic cancers benefit from the latest treatment options and leading-edge technologies. Our multidisciplinary team of gynecologic oncology specialists is dedicated to delivering expert, personalized care and guiding patients through every stage of treatment with compassion and expertise.
Why Choose UT Southwestern for Cervical Cancer Care?
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the organ that connects the vagina to the uterus. There are several types of cervical cancer. The most common types – squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma – are mostly associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, not all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
UT Southwestern’s gynecologic oncologists are experts in the diagnosis and individualized treatment of all types of cervical cancers. Just as important, we take the time to truly listen.
Patients appreciate that our doctors never rush appointments. Instead, we focus on understanding each person’s concerns, explaining every option, and answering every question.
What Are Common Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, patients may experience:
- Bleeding: Bleeding after sex, after menopause, or between periods, or having longer and heavier periods
- Vaginal pain: Particularly during sex (severe pain could mean a more advanced cancer stage)
- Unusual discharge: Pink, watery discharge (often containing blood) or foul-smelling discharge
All women with cervical cancer should be seen and treated by a gynecologic oncologist.
How Can Cervical Cancer Be Detected and Prevented?
Screening and vaccination are the most effective ways to detect or prevent cervical cancer. Pap smears and HPV testing are the most common tools used for screening.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines
UT Southwestern abides by the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which suggests that girls and boys receive HPV vaccinations between the ages of 11 and 12. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can also receive the vaccine.
The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV strains that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.
Patients and families should speak with their doctors to learn more.
How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?
Cervical cancer treatment involves important decisions. At UT Southwestern, we give our patients the time and clarity they need to understand their options and feel comfortable moving forward.
Our gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care for all types of cervical cancers. Each patient receives a thorough evaluation, and treatment is tailored to their specific diagnosis, health needs, and personal goals.
At UT Southwestern, patients also have access to a wide array of clinical trials that offer treatments not available elsewhere.
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on its characteristics and stage, a woman’s overall health, and her preferences and goals. Options include:
- Radiation therapy: External beam radiation or internal radiation therapy, known as brachytherapy, can be used for certain stages of cervical cancer.
- Chemotherapy: UT Southwestern gynecologic oncologists use the most advanced combinations available.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can be used to enhance anti-cancer immune cell responses. UT Southwestern gynecologic oncologists use the most advanced combinations of immunotherapy with chemotherapy and other targeted therapies available.
Surgery
Our surgical options for cervical cancer allow for treatment that’s both precise and personalized to each patient.
Procedures commonly include removing the uterus (hysterectomy) along with sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node removal, a technique that identifies and removes only the lymph nodes most likely to contain cancer.
We offer fertility-preserving surgery in select situations, including:
- Cervical cone: Removal of a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix
- Radical trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and nearby tissues
- Sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node removal: Uses a tracer material injected near the tumor to locate the first lymph nodes likely to contain cancer
What Support Services for Cervical Cancer Does UT Southwestern Offer?
From the first appointment through long-term survivorship, we’re here for our patients.
UT Southwestern’s Simmons Cancer Center offers an array of support services to people undergoing treatment for cervical cancer – and for those in post- treatment surveillance. These services range from individual consultations with a specific service to seminars and support groups.
The following supportive services are available for all our patients with cervical cancer:
- Oncology nurse navigation
- Oncology social work
- Nutritional counseling
- Psycho-oncology
- Sex therapy
- Integrative oncology
- Spiritual care providers
Learn more about supportive care at Simmons Cancer Center.
What Clinical Trials Are Available for Cervical Cancer?
In addition to UT Southwestern-specific clinical trials, we offer studies conducted nationally, through the:
Patients may also be eligible for industry-led trials. Participating in clinical trials can give a patient access to new treatments and help advance research of the disease.
We have a wide range of clinical trials open to patients with all types and stages of cancer. Search for opportunities to participate in a cancer study.
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
MedBlog
Results: 4 Locations
UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute
400 W. Magnolia AvenueFort Worth, Texas 76104 817-288-9800 Directions to UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute, Fort Worth Parking Info for UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute
2 Clinics at this location
Gynecologic Oncology Clinic
at Cancer Care Outpatient Building 6202 Harry Hines Blvd., 4th FloorDallas, Texas 75235 (214) 645-4673 Directions to Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at Cancer Care Outpatient Building, Dallas Parking Info for Gynecologic Oncology Clinic
Simmons Cancer Center
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano 3030 Waterview Parkway, 2nd FloorRichardson, Texas 75080 972-669-7077 Directions to Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano, Richardson