Treatment FAQ

what are treatment options for cervical cancer

by Dillon Schinner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

  • For surgery to remove precancerous growths, a portion of the cervix is generally enough. ...
  • For more locally advanced cervical tumors where surgery can not achieve cure alone, radiation therapy is preferred. ...
  • Chemotherapy is a cancer-fighting medication that not only sensitizes the cervical cancer cells to radiation and makes radiation work better. ...

Procedures

“This study provides a proof of concept of immunotherapeutic checkpoint inhibition in cervical cancer. If cemiplimab is approved, it will provide a second-line treatment option for women with recurrent cervical cancer,” Tewari said.

Therapy

Herbs For Cervical Cancer. Some herbs used in the treatment of cervical cancer include: #1. Tumeric. Tumeric is a member of the ginger family and has been used in the herbal medicine traditions and foods of India, China, Korea, and Japan for centuries. Tumeric is found in many anti-cancer formulas in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine.

Nutrition

Can cervical cancer be cured completely? Cervical cancer is generally viewed as treatable and curable, particularly if it is diagnosed when the cancer is in an early stage. This disease occurs in the cervix, or the passageway that joins the lower section of the uterus to the vagina.

What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?

How do you cure cervical cancer?

What herbs are good for cervical cancer?

Can cervical cancer be completely cured?

See more

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What are the treatments for cervical cancer?

Common types of treatments for cervical cancer include: Surgery for Cervical Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer. Targeted Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What are the best doctors for cancer?

Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: 1 A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system 2 A gynecologic oncologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines 3 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer 4 A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

What kind of doctor treats cancer?

Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system. A gynecologic on cologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines. A radiation on cologist: a doctor who uses radiation ...

Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?

Making treatment decisions. It's important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisions that best fit your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there’s anything you’re not sure about.

What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.

How to treat cervical cancer during pregnancy?

Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and how long the patient has been pregnant. A biopsy and imaging tests may be done to determine the stage of the disease. To avoid exposing the fetus to radiation, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is used.

Where does cervical cancer form?

Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Anatomy of the female reproductive system.

How big is stage 2 cervical cancer?

Stage II cervical cancer. In stages IIA1 and IIA2, cancer has spread from the cervix to the upper two-thirds of the vagina but has not spread to the tissue around the uterus. In stage IIA1, the cancer is 4 centimeters or smaller. In stage IIA2, the cancer is larger than 4 centimeters.

What is the purpose of DNA and RNA in a cervical Pap test?

Cells are collected from the cervix and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if an infection is caused by a type of HPV that is linked to cervical cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test.

What is the risk factor for cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer. Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer.

What is the procedure to remove abnormal cells from a Pap test?

Biopsy: If abnormal cells are found in a Pap test, the doctor may do a biopsy. A sample of tissue is cut from the cervix and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy that removes only a small amount of tissue is usually done in the doctor’s office.

How does chemo work?

When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle , the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body ( systemic chemotherapy ). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas ( regional chemotherapy ). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

What tests are done to determine if you have cervical cancer?

Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment. Staging exams include: Imaging tests.

What is the test for cervical cancer?

A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV DNA test.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.

What tests can be done to check if you have cancer?

Tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix. Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum.

Can you remove cancer from a small cervix?

Surgery to cut away the cancer only. For a very small cervical cancer, it might be possible to remove the cancer entirely with a cone biopsy. This procedure involves cutting away a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue, but leaving the rest of the cervix intact.

Can you use chemotherapy for cervical cancer?

Sometimes both methods are used. For locally advanced cervical cancer, low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation . Higher doses of chemotherapy might be recommended to help control symptoms of very advanced cancer.

Can you be prepared for cancer?

No one can be prepared for a cancer diagnosis. You can, however, try to manage the shock and fear you're feeling by taking steps to control what you can about your situation.

What is the treatment for cervical cancer?

Surgery. Patients who have a small, early-stage cancer may be treated surgically with a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix). Different types of hysterectomy might be recommended based on the extent of the cervical cancer.

What is the most common surgery for cervical cancer?

Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix and some of the tissue surrounding the sides of the cervix (parametrium). A small portion of the top of the vagina will also be removed. This is the most common surgery for cervical cancer that can be done in patients whose tumor is generally less than 4 cm.

What is radical trachelectomy?

Radical trachelectomy: This surgery removes the cervix and surrounding tissues but leaves the uterus in place to preserve the possibility of a future pregnancy for patients who have an early stage of cancer.

What is cervical conization?

Cervical conization: This surgery removes a cone-shaped section of the cervix. It can be used to diagnose how far a cancer has progressed or to treat precancerous cervical changes or very early cancers.

What is the procedure to remove the uterus and cervix?

Simple hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus and cervix without removal of additional tissue on the side of the cervix or any vaginal tissue. This procedure is reserved for patients with a very early cancer that can only be seen microscopically.

How does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, in which case they travel through the bloodstream and can affect cancer anywhere in the body.

Can surgery on the cervix prevent pregnancy?

Surgical Options that Preserve Fertility. Any surgery on the cervix carries specific risks for future pregnancies, which your doctor will review in detail. In addition, preserving part of the cervix or uterus can be associated with an increased risk for cancer recurrence.

How to give a systemic treatment for cervical cancer?

Common ways to give systemic therapies include an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle or in a pill or capsule that is swallowed (orally). The types of systemic therapies used for cervical cancer include: Chemotherapy. Targeted therapy.

What is standard of care for cervical cancer?

This section explains the types of treatments that are the standard of care for cervical cancer. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. Clinical trials may also be an option for you, which is something you can discuss with your doctor.

What is the procedure to remove the uterus after hysterectomy?

This procedure has become an acceptable alternative to a hysterectomy for some patients. Exenteration. The removal of the uterus, vagina, lower colon, rectum, or bladder if cervical cancer has spread to these organs after radiation therapy (see below). Exenteration is rarely recommended.

What is the procedure for removing a tumor?

For cervical cancer that has not spread beyond the cervix, these procedures are often used: Conization.

What is the goal of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy?

The goal of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy is to increase the effectiveness of the radiation treatment. This combination is given to control the cancer in the pelvis with the goal of curing the cancer without surgery. It may also be given to destroy microscopic cancer that might remain after surgery.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limits damage to healthy cells.#N#Not all tumors have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor. This helps doctors better match each patient with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, research studies continue to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them. Learn more about the basics of targeted treatments.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Radiation therapy . Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. Radiation therapy may be given alone, before surgery, or instead of surgery to shrink the tumor.

What is the treatment for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If your doctor says that you have cervical cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist —a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system.

What is the treatment for a swollen vein?

Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation. Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.

What is the difference between a gynecologic oncologist and a radiation oncologist

Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on your medical team. Gynecologic oncologists are doctors who have been trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations. Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine. Radi ation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer ...

What is the purpose of information about cancer?

Doctors use this information to plan treatment and to monitor progress.

What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?

Surgery for Cervical Cancer. Many women with cervical cancer will have some type of surgery. Surgery can be used to: Help diagnose cervical cancer. Help determine how far the cancer has spread. Help treat the cancer (especially for early-stage cancers)

What is the procedure to remove pre-cancer cervix?

Two types of procedures can be used to treat pre-cancers of the cervix: Ablation destroys cervical tissue with cold temperatures or with a laser rather than removing it. Excisional surgery (conization) cuts out and removes the pre-cancer.

What is cryosurgery used for?

Cryosurgery is a type of ablation where a very cold metal probe is placed directly on the cervix. This kills the abnormal cells by freezing them. It is used to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. After cryosurgery, you may have a watery brown discharge for a few weeks.

How to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?

Another way to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is with excisional surgery called conization. The doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. The tissue removed in the cone includes the transformation zone where cervical pre-cancers and cancers are most likely to start.

Does hysterectomy help with sex?

When cancer has caused pain or bleeding with intercourse, the hysterectomy may actually improve a woman's sex life by stopping these symptoms. More information about managing the sexual side effects of cervical cancer treatment can be found in Sex and the Woman with Cancer.

What is the most important factor in choosing a cervical cancer treatment?

Butother factors can also affect your treatment options, including the exact location of thecancer within the cervix , the type of cancer (squamous cell or adenocarcinoma), yourage and overall health, and whether you want to have children.

How to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?

The doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.The tissue removed in the cone includes the transformation zone where cervical pre-cancers and cancers are most likely to start. A cone biopsy is not only used to diagnosepre-cancers and cancers. It can also be used as a treatment since it can sometimescompletely remove pre-cancers and some very early cancers.

What is cryosurgery used for?

Cryosurgery is a type of ablation where a very cold metal probe is placed directly on thecervix. This kills the abnormal cells by freezing them. It is used to treat cervicalintraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Aftercryosurgery, you may have a watery brown discharge for a few weeks.

What is the use of medicines to stimulate a person's own immune system torecognize and destroy cancer

Immunotherapy is the use of medicines to stimulate a person’s own immune system torecognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy can be used totreat cervical cancer that has spread or come back (recurred).

What is chemo used for?

Chemo may be used to treat cervical cancer that hasspread to other organs andtissues (advanced cervical cancer). It can also be helpful when cervical cancer comesback after treatment with chemoradiation (recurrent cervical cancer).

What is chemo therapy?

Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that are injected into a vein or given bymouth. These drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach almost all areas of the body,making this treatment useful for killing cancer cells in most parts of the body.

What is the procedure called when lymph nodes are removed?

Usually during surgery for a radical hysterectomy , the lymph nodes next to the aorta(the large artery in the abdomen) are removed. This is called para-aortic lymph nodesampling. The lymph nodes may be sent to the lab during the operation for quicktesting. If the para-aortic lymph nodes show cancer, the surgery may be stopped, andradiation and chemotherapy given instead. If the lymph nodes do not show cancer,then pelvic lymph nodes (see below) are usually removed and the radical hysterectomycompleted. Any tissue removed during surgery will be tested to see if the cancer hasspread there. If so, radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy might berecommended.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Khutaija Bano
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Uses medications usually injected into a vein to kill cancer cells. Sometimes used in combination with radiation.

Bevacizumab . Carboplatin . Cisplatin . Docetaxel . Fluorouracil (5-FU) . Gemcitabine

Procedures

Simple hysterectomy: The cervix and uterus are removed along with the cancerous tumor. This is done in a very early-stage of cervical cancer.

Radical hysterectomy: The cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and lymph nodes are removed along with the cancerous tumor.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:Utilizes high-powered energy beams like X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Beta-carotene rich foods like carrots, cantaloupe, peaches, squash
  • Folic acid rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and asparagus
  • Citrus fruit such as orange, lemon
  • Whole-grain cereals and breads
  • Lycopene containing products such as tomato, watermelon

Foods to avoid:

  • Food rich in sugar

Specialist to consult

Gynecologist
Specializes in the health of the female reproductive systems and breasts.
Gynecologic oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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