Is cervical cancer fatal if undiagnosed until symptoms show?

[rayon]

if it is not diagnosed until symptoms such as abnormal bleeding/heavy periods occur? Anyone know what the odds are of surviving if it is left undiagnosed until the symptoms show?

[Jennifer]

Was it just an abnormal pap, or true cancer? There are many treatments for cell changes on the cervix, such as freezing (cryosurgery) and scraping. This kills/ removes the cells and causes the body to generate new (healthy) cells. The treatment depends upon how severe it is. Please provide more info - do you have a diagnosis from a doctor, if so what is the exact wording of the diagnosis?

[Sal*UK]

There's a very good success rate with this type of cancer, BUT the importantance of smear tests cannot be overdone here - every three years is vital - and more often in cases of abnormal smear results. Also heavy bleeding is not always a result of caner - there are a lot of other factors. Good luck.

[Natasha U]

I don't know the odds but it depends on how aggressive the doctors decide to treat the cancer.