Detected early, cervical cancer is very treatable. Surgery is the cornerstone — and in some cases, it is possible to preserve fertility.
Being told you have cancer is a shock. But cervical cancer, especially when discovered early, is one of the most treatable cancers — with more than 9 out of 10 cases cured at early stages.
Cervical cancer develops from the cells lining the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In 99% of cases, it is caused by a very common virus: human papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is that there is a vaccine against this virus, and a smear test that can detect it before it even becomes a true cancer.
Cervical cancer is often silent at very early stages — which is why screening exists. But certain signs should prompt you to consult without delay.
Do you have one of these signs, or have you received an abnormal smear result? Don't face this uncertainty alone — a consultation will quickly clarify what you are dealing with.
From the moment you consult to recovery, here is what happens in practice. You are never alone in making decisions.
The type of operation depends on tumour size, your wish to have children, and the multidisciplinary team's decision. Here is what each procedure involves in practice.
What it is. Conisation removes a cone-shaped portion of the cervix containing the abnormal lesion. It is performed under general or local anaesthesia, often as day surgery. It is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
When it is proposed. For high-grade precancerous lesions (CIN 2-3) and very early invasive cancers (stage IA1 without lymphovascular invasion).
Fertility. Conisation preserves the uterus. Pregnancy remains possible afterwards. Multiple high conisations may increase the risk of premature delivery — this is discussed before the procedure.
Recovery. Day surgery, you go home the same evening. Some spotting is normal for 2 to 3 weeks. Return to work in 1 to 2 weeks.
What it is. Trachelectomy removes the cervix and upper vagina, while preserving the body of the uterus. A cerclage (stitch around the uterine isthmus) is placed to maintain future pregnancies. It is performed laparoscopically or by vaginal route.
When it is proposed. For early-stage cancers (IA2-IB1) in women wishing to have children. It is a conservative but rigorous operation — the decision is made at the MDT.
Pregnancies after trachelectomy. Pregnancies are possible and have occurred after this operation. They are monitored as high-risk pregnancies with early delivery planned. If you want to have children, say so from the first consultation — it changes the surgical strategy.
Hospitalisation. 3 to 5 days at Clinique Hartmann. Return to work in 4 to 6 weeks.
What it is. Total colpo-hysterectomy (Wertheim-type) removes the uterus, cervix, upper vagina and the supporting ligaments. It is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) in most cases.
When it is proposed. For more advanced early-stage cancers (IB2-IIA) or when fertility preservation is not desired. It provides complete local control.
And my ovaries? In most cases, especially in women under 50, the ovaries are preserved. Cervical cancer does not spread to the ovaries at the stages where surgery is the main treatment. Keeping the ovaries protects against sudden menopause.
Hospitalisation. 3 to 5 days at Clinique Hartmann. Return to work in 4 to 6 weeks for office work.
What it is. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node that would receive cancer cells if the cancer spread. Before or during the operation, a coloured or radioactive tracer is injected which migrates to this node. If the sentinel node is clear on analysis, complete lymph node dissection can be avoided — thereby reducing the risk of lymphoedema (lower limb swelling).
When it is used. An increasingly used technique in early-stage cervical cancer. Its use depends on tumour characteristics and is decided at the MDT.
A question about the type of operation that applies to you? I explain everything during a consultation.
If you are diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer and wish to have children, say so from the very first consultation. It changes everything about the surgical strategy.
Trachelectomy — which removes only the cervix while preserving the uterus — allows pregnancies. These pregnancies are possible and monitored as high-risk pregnancies. Babies have been born after this operation.
This option is not available for all stages or all tumours. The decision depends on tumour size, depth of invasion, and lymph node involvement. It is discussed at the MDT and then with you.
Would you like to know if you are a candidate for conservative surgery? Don't wait — say so at the first consultation, or contact us.
Surgery is not the end of the journey — it is the beginning of recovery. Here is what you can concretely expect in the weeks and months that follow.
1 to 5 days depending on the operation
1 to 6 weeks
Gradual resumption
Possible after 6 weeks
Every 4 months for the first 2 years
Generally preserved before age 50
Do you have questions about recovery after an operation? I answer practical questions during the consultation — not just medical ones.
Would you like a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan?
Send me your MRI and your report. I respond within 48 hours.
The most common questions asked in consultation. Ask yours at your appointment.
Cervical cancer requires expert surgical management in a centre with specific experience in gynaecological oncology. In Paris, Dr Jérémie Zeitoun manages cervical cancers at Clinique Hartmann (Neuilly-sur-Seine) and consults at 241 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th. Every case is presented at a multidisciplinary meeting before any surgical decision.
In cervical cancer, hysterectomy takes a specific form: radical hysterectomy (Wertheim type). It removes the uterus, a vaginal cuff and parametrium, with pelvic lymphadenectomy. It's not always indicated — it depends on stage and workup.
Come with your questions, your results, your concerns. We take the time to discuss everything together.
Dr Zeitoun practises as a private specialist (Sector 2) and charges fees above the standard national rate. French national health insurance reimburses on the basis of the standard rate — this is improved for cancer patients (ALD 30). Your complementary health insurance may cover additional fees depending on your policy.