Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan offers options for screening and treatment of cervical cancer with top notch medical professionals that can help you deal with this serious issue in your life in a pro-active, positive way. Not only will you receive quality care and treatment, but it's treatment you will be able to afford.

About Cervical Cancer

Last year nearly 13,000 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Women who do not have regular gynecological care are up to 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. HPV (a sexually transmitted infection) also puts you at a higher risk for cervical cancer.

The survival rate for women who detect their cancers early is 76-98 percent, depending on how early. The survival rate is only 16-56 percent for women with advanced cancers that have spread to other parts of their bodies.

Don't let it happen to you…
Whether you're young or old, married or single, sexually active or not, or whether you're lesbian, straight, or bisexual — good gynecological care can keep you healthy and may save your life.

Cancer Screening

Colposcopy is a painless examination of the cervix and vagina with a colposcope. This exam usually is done between menstrual periods and generally takes less than ten minutes. A woman lies down in the position used to take a Pap smear and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to give a view of the cervix and vagina. After cleansing the cervix with a special solution, the clinician uses the colposcope from outside the vagina, like binoculars. Most of the time is spent just looking at the cervix and vagina through the colposcope. When abnormal areas are found, colpo-scopy helps to determine the areas where biopsies should be taken.

Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the cervix using a specially designed instrument. One or more biopsies may be necessary during your colposcopy. This tissue then is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope by a doctor.

Cancer Treatment Options at PPSCM

Cryotherapy is used to treat an area of abnormal tissue on the cervix. It is performed after the colposcopy visit, once the result of the cervical biopsies is known.

Cryotherapy is done with the patient in the same position used for taking a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted and the cervix is touched with an instrument, called a cryoprobe, that rapidly freezes the abnormal tissue of the surface of the cervix. The procedure takes several minutes.

Electrosurgical Loop Excision, is a treatment in which an electrical wire loop is used to remove an abnormal piece of tissue on the cervix.

To Learn more about our cancer treatment and screening services, download any of the pdf files on the right, or email your question to our nurse.