Treating Cervical Cancer

Three treatments methods are commonly used to treat cervical cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Sometimes they are used alone, and there are times when they are used in conjunction with one another.

The treatment method(s) chosen depend on several factors like type of cervical cancer, stage of the disease, general health of the patient, and if other treatments have been utilized.

Surgical Methods Used to Treat Cervical Cancer

Surgery is a common method used to treat cervical cancer. Many times, surgery is combined with other treatment methods, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The type of surgery chosen to treat cervical cancer depends on the stage and other factors.

Surgical treatments for cervical cancer include:

Lymphadenectomy Surgical removal of the lymph nodes. It is common in treating women with cervical cancer.

Radical Trachelectomy Removal of the cervix and its surrounding tissue while leaving the body of the uterus intact. A radical trachelectomy with lymphadenectomy is an option for young women with early stage disease who wish to maintain fertility.

Radical Hysterectomy Surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. In some cases, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes are removed. A radical hysterectomy may be combine with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy Surgical removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. This type of surgery accompanies a hysterectomy is some cases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is prescribed to treat cervical cancer and also to help radiation therapy be more effective. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells or preventing them from multiplying. Several chemotherapy drugs are available to treat cervical cancer and will be prescribed according to the stage of cancer, type of cervical cancer, and other health factors.

• Chemotherapy]Chemotherapy and Cervical Cancer
  
• FAQ: Is Chemotherapy Painful?

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to reduce the size of a tumor or to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment can be done internally with radioactive materials that are implanted in the uterus or externally with the use of a radiation therapy machines.

Often prescribed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy is an effective method of treating cervical cancer. It can however, be prescribed alone or before or after chemotherapy. Radiation treatment plans depend on stage of cervical cancer, other treatment methods used, and the general health of the patient.

• Radiation Therapy 101