When a cancer of the cervix is in its earliest stage, affecting only the outer surface layer of the cervix, then the usual treatment is a cone biopsy, which removes the affected area.

For all other stages of cervical cancer the normal treatment is either a hysterectomy (removal of the cervix and womb) or radiotherapy (or both). Although these two treatments are very effective they will always lead to infertility.
In recent years it has been suggested that for some cervical cancers which are affecting slightly deeper layers of the cervix, but which are still at a relatively early stage, an operation called a radical trachelectomy might be an alternative to a hysterectomy.

A radical trachelectomy involves removal of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, together with a cuff of surrounding tissue which includes some of the nearby lymph nodes (lymph glands). This means that the womb (and the ovaries) are left behind and that it is still possible to have children.

This operation is still a very new way of treating cervical cancer and it is not known whether, in the long-term, cure rates will be as successful as more established surgical approaches. Early reports are encouraging but these results should be viewed with caution for the time being.

At the moment a radical trachelectomy is only offered to women who have a suitable, early cervical cancer and a very strong desire for future pregnancy. This operation is also only being performed by a small number of surgeons in specialist centres where proper counselling and support can be given.