Cervical cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the cervix. Cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of cancer death in women before the increase in use of the Pap test. According to the American Cancer Society, the death rate has decreased by 74 percent because of to earlier detection and treatment.
Treatments
Cervical cancer is curable if it is detected and treated in the early stages. Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, age of the patient, and if the patient still wants children. Like many cancers, there are three main ways to treat cervical cancer: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, these treatments may be used in conjunction with one another. Surgery options are decided by the stage of the cervical cancer. Stage 0 options include cryosurgery, laser surgery, LEEP and cold knife colonization. These procedures are for when the cancer is only in the surface layer of the cervix. Surgical options progress to more radical procedures if the stages of the cancer advance. Hysterectomy will remove the uterus and the cervix. A radical hysterectomy will remove the uterus, cervix, tissues next to the uterus, upper portion of the vagina that is next to the cervix and pelvic lymph nodes. If a young woman is diagnosed and wants to still have children, physicians can perform a trachelectomy, this removes the cervix and upper portion of the vagina. The surgeon will uses a stitch to act as an opening to the cervix. The most serious and invasive surgery if needed is a pelvic exenteration. This surgery may remove the uterus, cervix, bladder, vagina, rectum, and portions of the colon. Radiation is a treatment option that can be used alone. It is usually used along with chemotherapy and often used after surgery.
Medications
Chemotherapy is used to treat cervical cancer at certain stages. The medications cisplatin and fluorouracil are the commonly used medications. Chemotherapy is generally used along with radiation therapy. The chemotherapy medication can be administered via IV or in a pill form. The side effects of the chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, low white blood count, and diarrhea. Physicians can also prescribe medications to help deal with the unpleasant side effects and make the patient more comfortable.
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