Cervical cancer is a common form of cancer amongst women. This type of cancer affects the cervix in a woman’s reproductive system. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening but if addressed early enough, it can be treated and cured. Thus, the earlier a diagnosis is made in the case of cervical cancer, the higher the chances of it being cured. In order to diagnose cervical cancer, the doctor may ask for an HPV or Pap test which helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix. If these tests are positive, the doctor may ask for a colposcopy test or advice you to undergo a biopsy.
There are many different ways in which cervical cancer may be treated. The ideal type of treatment depends on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed, the patient’s age and overall health, finances etc.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer in its Early Stages
Treatment of early-stage cervical cancer has a very high success rate. At this stage, the cancer is confined to the cervix and has not spread to other organs of the body. Surgery is the most preferred form of treatment. Typically, this involves removing the cancerous tumor along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be performed where the uterus is removed. A woman cannot conceive after this surgery. Radiotherapy is often followed after the surgery. This reduces the risk of recurring cancer. In some cases, surgery may be preceded by chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. This is a rare occurrence.
Treatment for cervical cancer in advanced stages
If the tumors have spread beyond the cervix, surgery is no longer an option. At this stage, the cancer is also said to be invasive. This is because it may have affected a number of other organs in the pelvic area. Cervical cancer in its advanced stages is usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of both.
- Radiotherapy
Almost 40% of cancer patients undergo radiation as part of their treatment. This involves directing high energy X-Rays or radiation particles towards the pelvic area. These radiations help destroy cancer cells and keep them from multiplying. Radiation may have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, irritation of the bladder, interrupted menstrual cycle, narrowing of the vagina and early onset of menopause. - Chemotherapy
This treatment involves the use of medication to destroy the cancer cells. There are many different types of medications that may be used. The radiation helps to destroy the cancer cells that could not be removed or destroyed by the surgeries or radiation. Chemotherapy typically follows a cyclic schedule. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the medication being used. Some of the common side effects experienced include nausea and diarrhea, loss of hair, tiredness, early onset of menopause and infertility in some cases.
Treatment for cervical cancer in advanced stages
Treatment is usually successful if the cervical cancer is diagnosed before it reaches stage 4. If cancer has been detected after it has metastasized, curing it is very difficult. In such cases, the aim of the treatment is to make the patient comfortable and relieve pain and symptoms associated with cancer. This is known as palliative therapy.
