Confirm the indication for surgery
Confirm whether surgery is the best option compared with chemoradiotherapy.
Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Surgery for cervical cancer
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat cancer of the cervix with oncological surgery, fertility-sparing techniques and a multidisciplinary approach adapted to each case.
CONTACT SPECIALIST
Clinical summary
Cervical cancer is treated with Wertheim-Meigs radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in early stages, or pelvic exenteration for central recurrences. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Barcelona · Madrid), Prof. Luis González Bayón performs these procedures together with Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, with fertility preservation when feasible.
EXPLANATORY VIDEO
What is cervical cancer?
Our specialists explain what cancer of the cervix is, its main causes related to HPV and the treatment options available.
- The link between HPV and cervical cancer
- Why screening and early detection matter
- Surgical options according to stage
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix, is a malignant tumor that arises in the cells of the neck of the uterus. It is closely related to persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Risk factors include high-risk HPV infection, early start of sexual activity, multiple partners, immunosuppression, smoking and lack of cervical screening. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.
Early detection with cytology and HPV testing makes it possible to identify premalignant lesions. In early stages, surgery is the treatment of choice.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
In its early stages, cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms and is detected through screening with cytology or an HPV test. When symptoms appear, the most common are abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause or after sex), abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
In more advanced stages there may be lower back pain, urinary discomfort or bowel changes that indicate local spread of the tumor. With any of these signs, especially irregular vaginal bleeding, it is advisable to see a specialist soon, since early detection significantly improves the prognosis and widens the treatment options available.
Causes and risk factors of cervical cancer
The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), present in virtually all cases. However, not all infected women develop the disease, so other factors modify the risk: smoking, immunosuppression (including HIV infection), an early start of sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners.
Not having been vaccinated against HPV and not taking part in population screening programs, which allow premalignant lesions to be detected and treated before they progress, also increase the risk. Routine HPV vaccination, combined with regular cytology or HPV testing, is the most effective preventive strategy to reduce the incidence of and mortality from this tumor.
Why ask for a second opinion on cervical cancer?
A second opinion helps choose the most suitable treatment.
Assess fertility preservation
Assess the possibility of radical trachelectomy in young women.
Evaluate the extent of surgery
Evaluate the most suitable type of radical hysterectomy according to stage.
Consider a minimally invasive approach
In very selected cases, assess whether laparoscopy or robotics is feasible.
It is mainly useful to confirm whether surgery is the right option and how extensive it should be.
How do we treat cervical cancer?
Surgery is the treatment of choice in early stages of cervical cancer.
Conization
For premalignant or microinvasive lesions in women who wish to preserve fertility.
Radical trachelectomy
Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, in early stages and when pregnancy is desired.
Radical hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus, parametria and vaginal cuff with lymphadenectomy.
Pelvic exenteration
In advanced or recurrent cases with involvement of adjacent organs.
The choice of procedure depends on the stage, tumor size and wish to preserve fertility.
Our technology
Technology to treat cervical cancer
These are the tests and techniques we use for staging and surgery.
Robotic surgery
Only in very selected cases.
3D laparoscopy
Minimally invasive approach with three-dimensional vision.
Sentinel lymph node
With indocyanine green for precise staging.
High-resolution pelvic MRI
To assess local spread and plan surgery.
PET-CT
To rule out distant disease in advanced stages.
WHY CHOOSE US?
A team committed to each patient
At Quenet-Torrent Institute the same surgical team stays with the patient from assessment to follow-up.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex cases, with techniques such as radical trachelectomy or pelvic exenteration, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have 3D laparoscopy, robotic surgery, sentinel lymph node with indocyanine green, pelvic MRI and PET-CT to stage and operate with precision.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Our team
Cervical cancer specialists
Surgeons on the team who treat cervical cancer.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Frequently asked questions about cervical cancer
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can cervical cancer be cured?
Yes, especially in early stages, where surgery alone can be curative. In locally advanced stages the main treatment is chemoradiotherapy, also with curative intent, and surgery is reserved for tumors that persist or come back afterwards.
Is it possible to preserve fertility?
In selected cases of early stage disease, yes. Trachelectomy removes the neck of the uterus while preserving the body of the uterus, so the ability to carry a pregnancy is kept. It requires a small tumor and a joint assessment with oncology and the fertility unit before surgery.
When is surgery indicated rather than radiotherapy?
Surgery is the treatment of choice in early stages, when the tumor is confined to the cervix. In locally advanced stages the main treatment is chemoradiotherapy, because combining both would increase after-effects without improving control of the disease. The stage decides, not the team's preference.
Can it be operated on laparoscopically?
In very selected cases. For radical hysterectomy, open surgery is currently preferred, because trials showed worse oncological results with the minimally invasive approach in this particular tumor. It is one of the few indications in oncology where open surgery remains the standard.
How long does recovery take?
The hospital stay is usually 3 to 5 days and full recovery takes between 6 and 8 weeks. If a lymphadenectomy has been performed, it is important to watch for lymphedema in the legs and to start preventive measures early. The return to usual activity is gradual.
What is pelvic exenteration?
It is a major operation, indicated for advanced tumors or pelvic recurrences, that may include removal of the bladder, rectum and reproductive organs. It is only considered when it can remove all the disease and the patient's general condition allows it, and it requires a team experienced in complex reconstruction.
Does the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer?
Yes. Vaccination against human papillomavirus is the best primary prevention for this cancer. It acts on the cause of most cases, but it does not replace screening: check-ups with cytology or HPV testing are still necessary in vaccinated women too.
Is a second opinion necessary?
It is advisable whenever there are doubts about the best approach, especially if you have been offered surgery at an advanced stage or if the recurrence has been considered inoperable. The criteria for operability vary between centers, and that difference changes the treatment you are offered.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in gynecological oncological surgery and enough case volume. In cervical surgery, the quality of the resection and the lymph node dissection affects the prognosis and the after-effects. It is worth asking how many operations the team performs each year and whether it has a multidisciplinary board.
Where to treat cervical cancer?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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