Treatment for Cervical cancer
Based on the diagnosis and stage of the cancer, the physician may suggest a single therapy or combination of therapies.
If cervical cancer is detected in the early stages, there are different surgical methods to cure it without removing the uterus or damaging the cervix like:
Loop electro-surgical excision procedure—This surgical procedure uses electricity to remove the cancer cells.
Cryotherapy—This technique involves freezing the cancer cells.
Laser therapy—Here, high frequency light is used to destroy the cancer cells.
If the cervical cancer has progressed in an advanced stage, then following methods can be opted.
Surgery"
Hysterectomy is done to remove the uterus and the cervix. If the disease condition is in an advanced stage, then radical hysterectomy can be considered. Radical hysterectomy removes the uterus and the surrounding tissues including the internal lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina. In most severe conditions, pelvic exenteration is considered where the organs of the pelvic including the bladder and the rectum are removed.
Radiation Therapy:
This therapy is considered if the cancer has spread beyond pelvis. Radiation therapy may be external or internal. External radiation therapy involves exposing to high frequency radiation emitted by radioactive substances. Internal radiation therapy involves using a device filled with radioactive substances and placing it inside the woman’s vagina adjacent to the cervical cancer.
Chemotherapy
In this therapy, drugs are used to kill the cancer cells. Some of the chemotherapic drugs used are, 5-FU, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cyclophosphamide.1
Side-Effects of Treatment
Treatments used to cure cervical cancer cause side-effects and this depends on the type of treatment considered, age and overall health.
Side-effects of surgery depend upon the stage of the cancer and the type of surgery.
Side-effects of radiation therapy include:
- Changes in bowel and urinary habits.
Side-effects of chemotherapy include:
To prevent recurrence of the disease condition, frequent follow-up test like CT scan of abdomen and pelvic may be suggested.2
Next page: Types of cervical cancer
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2012