Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix present in the lower part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell cancers. The fourth most common type of cancer for women is cervical cancer, it develops over time. But cervical cancer can be cured if detected at the initial stage.

Cervical cancer is divided into two main types:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Adenocarcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas take place in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix. This type of cervical cancer makes up about 80 per cent of cervical cancers.

Adenocarcinomas take place in the glandular cells that line the upper portion of the cervix. This cancer accounts for about 20 per cent of cervical cancers. In some cases, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer:

Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Bleeding after douching
Bleeding after a pelvic exam
Bleeding after menopause
Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle
Increased urinary frequency
Pain during urination

Here are some of the treatment options for cervical cancer:

Cryosurgery

A very cold metal is placed directly on the cervix. This kills the abnormal cells by freezing them. After cryosurgery, patients may experience a lot of watery brown discharge for a few weeks.

Laser surgery

A focused laser beam which is directed through the vagina is used to vaporize abnormal cells or to remove a small piece of tissue.


Conization:

A cone-shaped piece of tissue is detached from the cervix. It is performed through a surgical laser knife or by using a thin wire heated by electricity.


Radiation therapy for cervical cancer

Radiation therapy makes use of high energy x-rays or radioactive particles to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a part of the main treatment. The two types of radiation therapy are often used to treat cervical cancer.

External beam radiation

In external beam radiation therapy, radiation is given externally. Each radiation treatment lasts for a minute.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is also called internal radiation therapy. In this, the radiation source is placed in a device.

Chemotherapy for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy makes use of anti-cancer drugs that are injected into a vein or given by mouth. These drugs can reach all areas of the body, making this treatment useful for killing cancer cells in most parts of the body.


Immunotherapy therapy for cervical cancer

Immunotherapy makes use of medicines to stimulate a person’s immune system in order to recognize and destroy cancer cells effectively. This process can be used to treat cervical cancer that has spread or recurred.



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