1. Turn to a Medical Team
Women who receive the diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy are faced with a series of difficult decisions that can only be made on an individual basis with a support team. A decision to delay treatment rests on the stage of pregnancy, the stage of cancer, age, family input and personal beliefs. When this diagnosis occurs, you will get information from a team of doctors and professionals. This team could include your obstetrician, cancer specialist, surgeon and pathologist. An experienced counselor can help you with the emotional aspects of your treatment. A social worker can organize your course of treatment. The emotional turmoil of this diagnosis means you will probably want a loved one or cancer advocate beside you at times. Some hospitals will help you connect with an advocate.
2. Review Early Stage Options
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains that if a cervical cancer diagnosis is made, then a series of tests are done to discover if the cancer has spread and to determine the disease stage. Certain diagnostic tests may be chosen because they are safer for the fetus. If cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, a "cone" of cancerous tissue can be removed from the cervix through a surgical procedure called a cone biopsy. This procedure does carry a risk of miscarriage though. The Institute explains that treatment is often delayed until birth for cervical cancer found in its early stages. It might also be delayed if the cancer is diagnosed during the last trimester. If a diagnosis occurs when delivery is near, a Cesarean section may be recommended. Then, early stage cancerous tissue can be destroyed with techniques, such as laser therapy, that do not harm uterus or cervix.
3. Weigh Actions for Advanced Stages
If advanced cancer is diagnosed during the first trimester, a woman must be prepared for a medical recommendation of ending the pregnancy so treatment can begin quickly. This is an extremely difficult decision to be discussed with loved ones. If you receive an advanced diagnosis in the second or third trimester, your doctor may recommend an early Cesarean section, in conjunction with a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. If a radical hysterectomy is performed, the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina will be removed. Internal radiation therapy is another form of treatment for cervical cancer. According to the NCI, this therapy places sealed radioactive material into or near a tumor. A combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is sometimes required to battle this disease.
4. Understand Precancerous Conditions
Remember, an abnormal pap smear does not mean a cancer diagnosis. A doctor may delay treatment for "precancerous" conditions until your baby is born, since cervical cancer can be a slow-growing disease. Any abnormalities can be monitored until delivery. For women of child-bearing age, even a potential diagnosis of cervical cancer is overwhelming. Should the diagnosis be confirmed, turn to your local, non-profit cancer organization for additional support.
