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RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
Cervical Cancer Treatment at RGCIRC
Cervical cancer treatment is planned according to the stage of the cancer, tumour size and spread, lymph-node involvement, overall health and individual treatment needs. At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), patients with cervical cancer receive care from a multidisciplinary team that includes gynaecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, allowing different aspects of treatment to be planned together.
Depending on the diagnosis and stage, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other systemic treatments, either alone or in combination. For selected patients, the Gynaecologic Oncology team also considers fertility-preserving approaches where medically appropriate, while keeping effective cancer control at the centre of treatment planning.
Understanding Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It begins when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. In most cases, these changes develop gradually over time, often after a persistent infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV).
The two main types of cervical cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of cervical cancer. It begins in the thin, flat cells covering the outer part of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: This develops in the glandular cells lining the inner part of the cervix. It is less common than squamous cell carcinoma.
Less common forms of cervical cancer may also occur, but treatment is planned according to the exact cancer type, stage and other findings from the diagnostic evaluation.
Cervical cancer often develops from precancerous changes in cervical cells rather than appearing suddenly. Screening helps identify these abnormal changes before they progress to invasive cancer, which is why regular cervical screening remains an important part of prevention and early detection.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most common warning signs.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Periods that become heavier or last longer than usual
- Unusual vaginal discharge, particularly if it is persistent, watery, foul-smelling or blood-stained
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
As cervical cancer becomes more advanced, some patients may also develop persistent back or pelvic pain, leg swelling, urinary or bowel symptoms, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, depending on where the disease has spread.
When Should Abnormal Bleeding or Discharge Be Checked?
Abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge does not always mean cervical cancer. Infections, hormonal changes, fibroids and other gynaecological conditions may cause similar symptoms. Still, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause or any persistent unexplained bleeding or discharge should be assessed by a doctor. RGCIRC also advises medical evaluation when these symptoms persist.
Timely evaluation helps identify the cause and ensures that any further tests or treatment are started without unnecessary delay.
Why Does Cervical Cancer Develop and Who is at Higher Risk?
Unlike many cancers where an exact cause is difficult to identify, cervical cancer has a well-established link with persistent infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus, and most infections clear naturally without causing cancer. The concern arises when a high-risk HPV infection remains in the cervix for a long time and gradually causes abnormal cell changes that may progress to cancer.
Having HPV does not mean that a person will develop cervical cancer. Certain factors make persistent HPV infection or progression to cervical cancer more likely.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
The risk may be higher in:
- Women with persistent high-risk HPV infection, particularly infection that does not clear over time.
- Women living with HIV or those with a weakened immune system, as the body may find it harder to clear HPV infection. WHO reports that women living with HIV have a substantially higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Women taking long-term medicines that suppress the immune system, such as after an organ transplant or for certain medical conditions.
- Women who smoke, as tobacco exposure is associated with a greater risk of cervical precancer and cancer among those infected with HPV.
These risk factors do not mean that cervical cancer will definitely develop. Since persistent HPV infection is central to most cervical cancers, HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening play an important role in reducing the risk and identifying abnormal cervical changes before they progress.
Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening
Cervical cancer is one of the cancers where prevention and screening make a significant difference. HPV vaccination helps reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, while screening helps detect high-risk HPV infection or abnormal cervical cells before they progress to cancer.
HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccination protects against high-risk types of human papillomavirus responsible for most cervical cancers. Vaccination works best before exposure to HPV, which is why it is generally recommended at a younger age. Even after vaccination, cervical screening remains important later in life because the vaccine does not protect against every HPV type associated with cervical cancer.
In February 2026, the Government of India launched a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 14 years. A single dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is available through designated government health facilities across the country.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Screening is intended for women who do not have symptoms and helps identify HPV infection or precancerous changes before invasive cancer develops. Common screening approaches include:
- HPV testing to detect high-risk HPV infection
- Pap smear or cervical cytology to look for abnormal cervical cells
- Co-testing, which combines HPV testing and a Pap test in appropriate settings
At RGCIRC, cervical screening and evaluation services include Pap smear, high-risk HPV testing, colposcopy and directed cervical biopsy when further assessment is required.
An abnormal HPV or Pap test, however, does not automatically mean cervical cancer. It indicates that further evaluation may be needed to determine whether precancerous or cancerous changes are present.
How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed at RGCIRC?
An abnormal HPV or Pap test does not by itself confirm cervical cancer. If screening results are concerning or symptoms suggest a problem, further tests help doctors examine the cervix closely, confirm whether cancer is present and understand its extent.
Gynaecological Examination and Colposcopy
A gynaecologic oncologist first reviews the symptoms and examines the cervix and surrounding areas. A colposcopy may be performed using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope, which allows the doctor to examine abnormal areas of the cervix more closely.
If a suspicious area is seen, a tissue sample is usually taken for further examination.
Cervical Biopsy to Confirm the Diagnosis
A biopsy is required to confirm cervical cancer. During the procedure, tissue from the abnormal area is removed and examined by a pathologist under a microscope.
Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend:
- Punch biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue from a suspicious area
- Endocervical sampling, which collects cells or tissue from inside the cervical canal
- Cone biopsy, which removes a cone-shaped section of cervical tissue and may be used when a larger sample is required or very early invasive cancer is suspected
RGCIRC provides colposcopy and cervical biopsy as part of its Gynaecologic Oncology services.
Imaging to Assess the Extent of Cervical Cancer
Once cancer is confirmed, imaging may be recommended to understand how far it has spread and help determine the stage. Depending on the individual case, this may include:
- MRI to assess the tumour and nearby pelvic tissues
- CT scan to evaluate lymph nodes and other areas
- PET-CT in selected patients when further assessment of lymph-node or distant spread is required
Not every patient requires every imaging test. The investigations are selected according to the clinical examination, biopsy findings and suspected stage.
Once the pathology and imaging results are available, the multidisciplinary team determines the stage of the cancer and plans the most appropriate treatment approach.
Understanding Cervical Cancer Stages
Once cervical cancer is confirmed, doctors determine how far it has grown or spread. This process is called staging. Cervical cancer is commonly staged using the FIGO system, which considers how far the tumour has extended beyond the cervix, whether lymph nodes are involved and whether the disease has spread to distant organs.
In simple terms:
- Stage I: Cancer is limited to the cervix. The stage is further divided according to how deeply the tumour has grown and its size.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but has not reached the pelvic wall or the lower third of the vagina.
- Stage III: Cancer may involve the lower third of the vagina, pelvic wall, pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes, or may cause kidney problems because of urinary obstruction.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to nearby organs such as the bladder or rectum, or to distant parts of the body.
There is no Stage 0 in the current FIGO staging system for invasive cervical cancer. Precancerous changes such as CIN are classified separately and should not be described as Stage 0 cervical cancer.
Knowing the stage helps the care team decide whether surgery, chemoradiation, systemic therapy or another treatment approach is most appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Treatment Options at RGCIRC
Cervical cancer treatment depends mainly on the stage, tumour size, lymph-node involvement, overall health and whether preserving fertility is medically possible. Some early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery, while locally advanced cervical cancer commonly requires chemotherapy and radiation therapy together.
At RGCIRC, cervical cancer care brings together Gynaecologic Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology so that surgery, radiation and systemic treatment can be coordinated according to the individual diagnosis.
Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Surgery is mainly considered for selected early-stage cervical cancers. The extent of surgery depends on how deeply the cancer has grown, its size, lymph-node involvement and whether fertility preservation is an option.
Possible procedures include:
- Conisation: A cone-shaped portion of the cervix containing the abnormal tissue is removed. It may be used for selected very small cancers and may preserve the ability to become pregnant.
- Radical trachelectomy: The cervix and nearby tissues are removed while the uterus is preserved. This fertility-sparing operation may be considered for carefully selected patients with early-stage disease.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and cervix may be recommended for certain early cancers.
- Radical hysterectomy with lymph-node assessment: This removes the uterus, cervix and surrounding tissues along with selected pelvic lymph nodes when required.
RGCIRC’s Gynaecologic Oncology programme performs procedures including radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph-node dissection for cervical cancer. The surgical approach is selected according to the individual tumour and current clinical considerations rather than using the same technique for every patient.
Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy
Radiation therapy plays a central role in cervical cancer treatment, particularly when the disease is locally advanced or when additional treatment is required after surgery.
Two forms of radiation may be used:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body to treat the cervix, surrounding pelvic tissues and lymph-node areas where required.
- Brachytherapy: A radiation source is placed inside or close to the cervix or tumour. This allows a high radiation dose to be delivered directly to the cancer while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
For most patients with Stage IIB, III or IVA cervical cancer, treatment includes a combination of external-beam radiation and brachytherapy.
RGCIRC provides specialised radiation-oncology care for gynaecological cancers, including intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
Chemotherapy and Concurrent Chemoradiation
For locally advanced cervical cancer, chemotherapy is commonly given at the same time as radiation therapy. This is known as concurrent chemoradiation.
Chemotherapy, commonly with a platinum-based medicine such as cisplatin, helps make cervical cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Concurrent chemoradiation is a standard treatment approach for many patients with Stage IIB, III and IVA cervical cancer and may also be recommended in selected earlier-stage cases with high-risk features.
Chemotherapy may also be used as systemic treatment when cervical cancer has returned or spread to distant parts of the body.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Some patients with recurrent, metastatic or other selected cervical cancers may benefit from medicines that work differently from conventional chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy acts on particular processes that cancer cells use to grow or develop a blood supply. Bevacizumab is one targeted medicine used in selected recurrent or metastatic cervical cancers, often in combination with chemotherapy. Other targeted treatments may also be considered according to the treatment setting and previous therapy.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is used in selected cervical cancer settings, with factors such as disease stage, previous treatment and biomarker findings helping guide its use. Immunotherapy may be considered for some locally advanced cancers as well as recurrent or metastatic disease.
These treatments are not suitable for every patient. The medical oncology team reviews the clinical situation and relevant biomarker findings before recommending them.
Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer
If cervical cancer returns after treatment or spreads to distant organs, the treatment plan depends on where the disease is present, previous treatment and overall health.
Options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy for selected areas or symptom relief
- Surgery for carefully selected local recurrences
In a small group of patients with cancer confined to the pelvis after previous treatment, an extensive operation called pelvic exenteration may be considered when there is a realistic possibility of removing all visible disease.
Clinical Trials at RGCIRC
RGCIRC has a dedicated clinical research programme evaluating newer cancer medicines, treatment combinations and therapeutic approaches. Patients with cervical cancer may be considered for a suitable clinical trial when one is available and matches the stage of the disease, biomarker findings, previous treatment and overall health.
Participation is voluntary. Before enrolment, the treating and research teams explain the purpose of the trial, the proposed treatment, possible benefits and risks, and the standard treatment options available.
Fertility, Recovery and Follow-Up After Cervical Cancer Treatment
Recovery from cervical cancer treatment is different for every patient. Along with controlling the cancer, the care team considers fertility, sexual health, bladder and bowel function, and any long-term effects of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Fertility Before Treatment
Cervical cancer treatment may affect the ability to become pregnant. Hysterectomy removes the uterus, while pelvic radiation and some systemic treatments may affect the ovaries and fertility. For younger patients who may wish to have children in the future, fertility should be discussed before treatment begins.
Selected patients with very early cervical cancer may be suitable for fertility-preserving procedures such as conisation or radical trachelectomy. Eligibility depends on the stage, tumour size and other clinical findings, so these options are not appropriate for every patient.
Managing Changes After Treatment
Some treatment-related effects improve as the body recovers, while others may require longer-term support. Depending on the treatment received, patients may experience:
- Early menopausal symptoms if ovarian function is affected
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort or narrowing after pelvic radiation
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
- Swelling of the legs due to lymphoedema after pelvic lymph-node treatment
- Fatigue or reduced physical strength
- Changes in sexual health, body image or emotional well-being
Pelvic radiation may affect fertility, sexual health, the bladder and bowel, while vaginal dryness or narrowing may also occur. RGCIRC’s Gynae & Uro-Oncology rehabilitation programme includes pelvic-floor exercises, management of incontinence, lower-limb strengthening and lymphoedema care for patients who require this support.
Follow-Up After Cervical Cancer Treatment
Regular follow-up continues after treatment ends. The schedule depends on the stage, treatment received and individual recovery. Visits may include a gynaecological examination, review of symptoms and imaging or other tests when clinically indicated. Follow-up also gives patients an opportunity to discuss treatment-related concerns affecting fertility, sexual health, bladder or bowel function and emotional well-being.
Patients should inform their care team about new or unexplained symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or discharge, persistent pelvic or back pain, leg swelling, urinary problems or changes in bowel habits rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Why Choose RGCIRC for Cervical Cancer Treatment in Delhi?
At RGCIRC, we understand that cervical cancer treatment may involve decisions about surgery, radiation therapy, fertility and long-term health. Our dedicated Gynaecologic Oncology team works closely with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists to plan care according to the stage of the cancer and individual patient needs.
Here’s why patients and families trust RGCIRC for cervical cancer treatment in Delhi:
Dedicated Gynaecologic Oncology Expertise
Our Gynaecologic Oncology team provides specialised care for cervical cancer, from screening and diagnosis to surgery and follow-up. Services include Pap smear and HPV testing, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, staging investigations and surgical treatment for appropriate patients.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
Cervical cancer often requires more than one form of treatment. Our gynaecologic oncologists work with specialists in Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, pathology and imaging to review the diagnosis, stage and treatment needs. Complex cases may also be discussed through multidisciplinary tumour boards to help coordinate the sequence of surgery, chemoradiation or systemic therapy.
Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Treatment
RGCIRC provides access to surgery for suitable early-stage cancers, external-beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, concurrent chemoradiation and systemic treatments when required. This allows treatment to be coordinated within a specialised cancer-care setting according to the stage and individual clinical findings.
Expertise in Gynaecological Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is an important part of treatment for many locally advanced cervical cancers. At RGCIRC, cervical cancer radiation treatment is supported by expertise in intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy, allowing radiation to be delivered close to the tumour as part of an individualised radiation plan.
Accreditation, Recognition and Accessible Cancer Care
RGCIRC holds NABH and NABL accreditations, along with Green OT and Nursing Excellence certifications. The Institute was recognised among Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialised Hospitals in 2024 and 2025, ranked No. 1 in North India among single-specialty hospitals in The Times of India’s 2025 critical-care hospital survey, and received the Best Oncology Hospital of the Year award at the Cancer Summit & Awards 2026.
Established in 1996 as a not-for-profit cancer centre, RGCIRC also works to make specialist cancer care more accessible. Its Patient Welfare and Philanthropy initiatives support eligible patients who require financial assistance. Over the years, RGCIRC has cared for more than 3.5 lakh patients from India and neighbouring regions.
Consult a Cervical Cancer Specialist at RGCIRC
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, has an abnormal screening result, or needs a second opinion on the recommended treatment, our Gynaecologic Oncology team can review the findings, explain the available options and guide the next steps based on the stage and individual treatment needs.
To book a consultation, schedule an appointment online or download the RGCI Care app on iOS or Android devices.
For appointments:
Rohini: +91-11-4702 2222
Niti Bagh, South Delhi: +91-11-4582 2222
OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Services: Available 24×7 at both campuses
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer
Many cases can be prevented through HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening and timely treatment of precancerous changes. Vaccination lowers the risk of infection with cancer-causing HPV types, while screening helps identify abnormal cervical cells before they develop into invasive cancer.
Screening may include an HPV test, which looks for high-risk HPV infection, or a Pap test, which checks cervical cells for abnormal changes. HPV/Pap co-testing may also be used in appropriate settings. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean cancer and may require further evaluation with colposcopy or biopsy.
Yes. India launched a nationwide HPV vaccination programme on 28 February 2026 for eligible girls aged 14 years. A single-dose quadrivalent HPV vaccine is provided free of cost at government health facilities under the programme.
RGCIRC is a specialised cancer centre in Delhi with a dedicated Gynaecologic Oncology programme for cervical cancer. Our multidisciplinary care brings together gynaecologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and imaging, with access to cervical cancer surgery, chemoradiation, brachytherapy and systemic treatments according to the stage and individual needs.