Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment in Antalya, Turkey
Cervical cancer can be detected at the precancerous stage with regular screening. I confirm the diagnosis with smear and HPV tests, colposcopy and biopsy, and then build a treatment plan that matches the stage of the disease.
- 13 years of experience
- Private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya
- English · Deutsch · Türkçe · Русский
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What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina — grow uncontrollably. The disease usually does not appear suddenly; it progresses over years, first as precancerous cell changes. This makes cervical cancer one of the cancers that can be caught early through screening.
Closely linked to HPV
The great majority of cervical cancers are associated with long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Precancerous changes
Precancerous lesions, called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), are not yet cancer and can be treated at this stage.
A preventable cancer
HPV vaccination and regular screening are the two key steps that work together to prevent and detect cervical cancer early.
What to know before your appointment
These are the practical tips I give my patients most often. I explain your personal instructions at the consultation.
Before a smear
Avoid vaginal douching, medicines or creams and intercourse on the day before your visit.
Previous results
Bring previous smear and HPV results; I plan your screening interval based on them.
HPV vaccine
You can ask me about the HPV vaccine; suitability depends on your age and history.
No symptoms needed
Keep up regular screening even without symptoms; the aim is to catch changes before cancer develops.
Years of possible development
According to the World Health Organization, in women with a normal immune system it can take 15–20 years for persistent HPV infection to develop into cervical cancer. This window shows why regular screening matters.
HPV and cervical cancer risk factors
HPV is a common, sexually transmitted virus that a large proportion of sexually active people encounter at some point in their lives. Most infections clear on their own. The risk increases when high-risk HPV types — especially HPV 16 and 18 — persist in the body for a long time.
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types
- Smoking
- HIV infection or medicines and conditions that suppress the immune system
- Early first sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners
- Long-term use of hormonal birth control pills
- Not having regular screening, or not following up abnormal results
Important: Having risk factors does not mean cancer will develop, and people without risk factors still need regular screening. You can ask me for a personal risk assessment at your visit.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Precancerous changes and early-stage cervical cancer usually cause no symptoms. Symptoms tend to appear as the disease progresses. The symptoms below can also have many other causes, but they should be assessed.
Symptoms to watch for
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Bloody, watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Persistent pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Periods that become unusually long or heavy
See a doctor without delay if you have
- Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Repeated bleeding after intercourse
- Unexplained swelling of the legs
- Bleeding or straining when passing urine or stool
- Unexplained weight loss and marked fatigue
- An abnormal smear or HPV result that has not been followed up
Note: Having no symptoms does not mean screening is unnecessary. The purpose of cervical screening is to catch the disease at the precancerous stage, before any symptoms appear.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with screening tests. If a screening test shows an abnormality, I examine the cervix in detail with colposcopy and take biopsies from any areas of concern. The definitive diagnosis comes from the pathological examination of the biopsy.
Smear (Pap) test
A sample of cells from the cervix is examined under a microscope. It helps detect abnormal changes in the cells.
HPV test
Checks whether high-risk HPV types are present in cervical cells. Identifying types such as HPV 16 and 18 separately can influence follow-up decisions.
Colposcopy
A detailed examination of the cervix with a special magnifying instrument, using stains when needed. Abnormal-looking areas are identified.
Biopsy and staging
Tissue from suspicious areas is examined by a pathologist. If cancer is diagnosed, its spread is assessed with imaging such as MRI and PET-CT.
National screening programme: In Türkiye, the national screening programme recommends an HPV test and smear every 5 years for women aged 30–65. Screening can be done through family physicians, Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers (KETEM) or an obstetrician and gynecologist. If you live abroad, follow the screening schedule recommended in your country; the right interval for you may also depend on your previous results.
How does cervical cancer treatment work in Antalya?
I tailor the process to your screening result and diagnosis; it usually follows these steps.
Screening
I review your smear and HPV test results and plan further investigation if needed.
Colposcopy
At colposcopy I examine the cervix under magnification and identify any abnormal-looking areas.
Biopsy & diagnosis
The pathology result of the sample I take clarifies the grade of the lesion.
Treatment & follow-up
Depending on the diagnosis, I plan monitoring, LEEP, conization or oncological treatment, followed by regular check-ups.
Treatment of precancerous lesions
The grade of precancerous changes (CIN) found on biopsy determines the treatment decision. Mild changes often regress on their own and can be monitored, while moderate and severe changes are usually treated by removing the abnormal tissue. Treatment at this stage aims to prevent progression to cancer.
Close monitoring
A significant proportion of low-grade (CIN 1) changes regress on their own. In this case, follow-up with smear, HPV testing and colposcopy at set intervals may be chosen.
LEEP (LLETZ)
The abnormal tissue is removed with a thin electrical wire loop. It can usually be done under local anesthesia, and the removed tissue is examined by a pathologist.
Conization
A cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix. It can be used for both diagnosis and treatment; the method and anesthesia plan are chosen individually.
Follow-up after treatment: Regular check-ups are needed after treatment to monitor whether abnormal cells return. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, there may be an increased risk of preterm birth in future pregnancies, so it is advisable to share your pregnancy plans with me beforehand.
The key factor in treatment
In cervical cancer, the treatment plan is based on the stage determined by the international FIGO staging system, the size and spread of the tumor and the person’s general health.
Cervical cancer treatment methods
When cancer is diagnosed, treatment is planned through a multidisciplinary approach with gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology specialists. Running the diagnostic process correctly, completing staging and referring the patient to the right center in time are important parts of treatment.
Surgical treatment
At early stages, surgical options such as conization, simple or radical hysterectomy and lymph node assessment may be considered.
Fertility-sparing surgery
In selected people with suitable early-stage disease who wish to become pregnant, methods such as trachelectomy that preserve the uterus may be considered.
Chemoradiotherapy
For locally advanced disease, external beam radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, plus brachytherapy delivered from inside the uterus, is a common approach.
Systemic treatments
For advanced or recurrent disease, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies may be planned by medical oncology.
After treatment: Once treatment is complete, regular check-ups remain important to watch for recurrence and to manage possible side effects. How often you need check-ups depends on the stage and the treatment received.
How to protect yourself from cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the cancers with well-established methods of prevention and early diagnosis. HPV vaccination, regular screening and timely follow-up of abnormal results work together to reduce risk.
Steps that help protect you
- Get the HPV vaccine at the recommended age; discuss suitability with me at older ages.
- Have smear and HPV tests at the recommended intervals.
- Use condoms; they can reduce the risk of HPV transmission but do not prevent it completely.
- If you smoke, get support to quit.
- If you have a condition affecting your immunity, agree your screening plan with me.
What to keep in mind for follow-up
- Do not leave an abnormal smear or HPV result without follow-up.
- Do not postpone recommended colposcopy and follow-up appointments.
- Attend regular check-ups after LEEP or conization.
- Do not wait until your next check-up to report new symptoms such as bleeding after menopause.
- Continue screening even if you have been vaccinated.
Myths and facts about cervical cancer
Below are the misconceptions I hear most often in my consultations, and what the medical evidence actually says.
“If I have no symptoms, I don’t need a smear test.”
Precancerous changes usually cause no symptoms. The purpose of screening is to find these changes before any symptoms appear.
“If HPV is positive, cancer will definitely develop.”
Most HPV infections clear on their own. Persistent infections are monitored regularly and, if needed, treated at an early stage.
“Vaccinated women don’t need screening.”
The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk HPV types, but not all types. Regular screening is still recommended for vaccinated women.
“Cervical cancer only affects older women.”
Cervical cancer can also occur in young adults. Screening should therefore continue regularly, in line with your age.
English-speaking gynecologist in Antalya
Whether you live in Antalya or are here on holiday, you can see me at my clinic in Muratpaşa.
Appointments in English
I speak English, German, Russian and Turkish, so you can explain your symptoms in your own language.
Quick first contact
Send a short message via WhatsApp and we will arrange a suitable appointment time.
Central location
My clinic is in Fener, Muratpaşa, close to the Lara hotel area.
Clear next steps
After the examination I explain the findings and the next steps clearly, so you know exactly what happens next.
Related information pages
I cover related topics on the pages below.
Ovarian Cyst
Symptoms of ovarian cysts, the monitoring approach and treatment options.
Vaginal Infection
Symptoms, the assessment process and general health information on prevention.
Pregnancy Care and Delivery
Check-ups, monitoring and birth planning during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about cervical cancer treatment in Antalya
These are the questions my patients ask me most often. We clarify the answer for your own situation together after an examination and the necessary tests.
Can cervical cancer be treated?
When cervical cancer is found at an early stage, or at the precancerous stage before it has become cancer, there are more treatment options. The treatment approach and expected course depend on the stage of the disease, the features of the tumor and the person’s general health. This is why regular screening and early consultation are so important.
Does a positive HPV test mean I have cancer?
No. HPV is a very common infection and is usually cleared by the immune system on its own. Long-lasting infection with high-risk HPV types can, however, lead to precancerous changes. After a positive HPV result, follow-up or colposcopy is planned according to the smear result and the HPV type.
How often should I have a smear test?
Screening frequency depends on age, previous results and the type of test used. In Türkiye, the national screening programme recommends an HPV test and smear every 5 years for women aged 30–65. If you live in another country, follow your national screening schedule. After an abnormal result, I plan separate follow-up intervals.
Is colposcopy painful?
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix with a special magnifying instrument and is usually performed in a normal examination setting. Most people feel only mild discomfort. If a biopsy is taken, brief cramping or light bleeding may occur.
Can I get pregnant after LEEP or conization?
These procedures preserve the uterus, and pregnancy is possible for most people afterwards. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, however, there may be an increased risk of preterm birth in future pregnancies. Please share your pregnancy plans with me before the procedure.
If I have had the HPV vaccine, do I still need smear tests?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV types that cause cervical cancer, but not against all types. Vaccinated women are therefore still advised to continue regular screening.
Is cervical cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy?
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Surgery may be the main option at early stages, while radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is commonly used for locally advanced disease. The final treatment plan is made after staging, with input from gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology specialists.
Is bleeding after intercourse a sign of cervical cancer?
Bleeding after intercourse can be one of the symptoms of cervical cancer, but it can also have many other causes, such as infection, polyps or benign changes of the cervix. Seeing an obstetrician and gynecologist is recommended to find the cause.
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Graduated from Afyon Kocatepe University Faculty of Medicine and completed specialist training at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. 13 years of experience; speaks English, German, Russian and Turkish. Last updated: 29 September 2026.
Get in touch for a personal assessment
Whether the procedure suits you, which technique to use and when can only be decided together after an examination. Send me your questions on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book your appointment.
The content on this page is for general information only and does not replace a diagnosis, personal medical advice or a treatment plan. The interpretation of screening results and decisions on diagnosis and treatment can only be made by a physician.
This content has been prepared solely for general health information purposes, in accordance with the Turkish Regulation on Promotion and Information Activities in Health Services published in Official Gazette No. 33075 on 12 November 2025. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and no outcome is guaranteed. It contains no prices, campaigns, discounts, patient reviews or before-and-after images. In an emergency, please contact the nearest healthcare facility.
