What happens if you get cervical cancer?

answer serousliy

The most common cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to know the type (squamous cell carcinoma, or other less common types such as adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, etc.). It is equally important to know the extent of the cancer (such as size, depth, whether it has spread beyond the cervix to adjacent organs or lymph nodes). These kinds of information require at least a biopsy. The cancer can be limited to the surface of the cervical lining without deep invasion which has better prognosis than the invasive cancer. The treatment is surgery such as conization (or LEEP) or hyterectomy which is the removal of uterus and other organs such as fallopian tubes, ovaries and lymph nodes). Freezing and laser surgery may be appropriate for early stage in some patients. Chemo and radiation therapy are utilized in advanced stage.
For cervical cancer found early or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.
Estimated new cases and deaths from cervical (uterine cervix) cancer in the United States in 2007:
New cases: 11,150
Deaths: 3,670
It is well-known that sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Routine visit to a gynecologist or family doctor with frequent pap smear should allow early diagnosis and preventing cervical cancer. People with abnormal pap smear, pre-cancer or cancer, should see their doctor for evaluation and further diagnostic procedure and surgical treatment with or without chemotherapy and radiation depending on the stage of the cancer.
Good luck. Source(s): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/tre...
http://cancer.about.com/od/cervicalcance...
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types...

It depends on how early they catch it, which depends upon how often you go in for preventative check-ups. It can range from just watching and waiting (for pre-cancer), a very minor procedure (for actual cervical cancer), or could be serious if you let it go and it spreads (which is VERY rare, especially in this country).

In sum, preventative care is THE best approach. Get your pap smears regularly and, if you are eligible for HPV vaccine, get that too.