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U.S. News & World Report recognition for gynecological cancer surgery

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 oncologists deliver expert, comprehensive, innovative care to women with cervical cancer.

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.

Dr. Jayanthi Lea with patient

What Is Cervical Cancer?

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). Cervical cancer can also arise independent of HPV.  Our gynecologic oncologists are experts in the diagnosis and individualized treatment of all types of cervical cancers. 

What Are Common Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancers may present with symptoms, but can exist even without symptoms. Pap smears and HPV testing are ways to screen for cervical cancer. All women with a diagnosis of cervical cancer should be seen and treated by a gynecologic oncologist. Some common symptoms of cervical cancer are:

  • 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

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

We offer individualized, comprehensive treatment for all types of cervical cancers. Treatment depends on its characteristics and stage, a woman’s overall health, and her preferences and goals.

Options include:

  • Surgery: Surgical options for cervical cancer most commonly include a hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node removal for precise and individualized treatment planning.
  • We offer fertility preserving surgery in select situations. Fertility preserving surgery in cervical cancer includes a cervical cone or a radical trachelectomy, sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node removal for precise and individualized treatment planning.
  • Our gynecologic oncologists are experts at treating cervical cancer.  Each patient will undergo a thorough evaluation and treatment will be individualized for each patient.
  • 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.
  • Clinical trials: UT Southwestern offers an array of clinical trials that can provide access to treatments that aren’t available elsewhere (more details below).

What Support Services for Cervical Cancer Does UT Southwestern Offer?

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:

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:

Participation in clinical trials can qualify a patient to access new treatments and help further research of the disease.

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.