Cancer of the cervix is among the more common forms of cancer affecting the reproductive organs. It is locally invasive into neighboring tissues, blood vessels, lymph channels and lymph nodes. In its advanced stages it can be difficult to treat and may prove fatal.

Prior to developing cancer of the cervix, there is usually a period of pre-cancerous (and reversible) change, known as dysplasia. This can be detected by Pap smears, and is the basis for periodic screening with Pap smears.

Depending on the stage or degree of invasion, invasive cancer of the cervix may be treated with local excision, hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy.