Does radical hysterectomy treat cervical cancer?

A radical hysterectomy is a cancer operation that removes the cervix and womb together with a margin of nearby tissue. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to help assess or treat spread. The operation is considered only after the diagnosis, tumour features and imaging have been reviewed by the specialist team.

Other treatments may be more appropriate when the cancer is larger, has spread beyond the area that surgery can remove, or when health conditions make a major operation unsuitable. Options can include radiotherapy, medicines, or combined treatment. The plan is individual to the cancer findings.

Ask your gynaecological oncology team to explain the stage, location and size of the cancer, what the operation would remove, and why it is recommended. Discuss fertility, sexual function, bladder or bowel changes, menopause effects, lymph-node surgery and recovery. Bring a support person and a written list of medicines and questions if that helps you remember the conversation.

Before treatment, contact the team promptly about worsening bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever or new urinary or bowel problems. After surgery, follow the discharge instructions and seek urgent advice for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, chest pain, sudden breathlessness or a swollen painful leg. These symptoms need clinical review.

Is my cervical cancer suitable for radical hysterectomy? What other treatments should I compare? Will lymph nodes be removed? How might treatment affect fertility, menopause, sexual function and bladder or bowel function?