Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment of cervical cancer

by Theodore Lynch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Cervical cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
radiation therapy
KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine that can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury. The thyroid gland is the part of the body that is most sensitive to radioactive iodine.
https://www.cdc.gov › nceh › radiation › emergencies
. If your doctor says that you have cervical cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist
gynecologic oncologist
Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts. Gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman's pelvis, which is the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones.
https://www.cdc.gov › basic_info › what-is-gynecologic-cancer
—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.

Medication

Sep 05, 2019 · Treatment options Chemoradiation: The chemo may be cisplatin, carboplatin, or cisplatin plus fluorouracil. The radiation therapy includes... Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and para-aortic lymph node sampling: If cancer cells are found in... Chemoradiation followed by a ...

Procedures

External and internal radiation therapy are used to treat cervical cancer, and may also be used as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Chemotherapy . Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth

Therapy

Recommended treatment for cervical cancer is based on many factors including the stage of the disease, your age and general health, and if you want children in the future. The treatments for cervical cancer are radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and …

Nutrition

2 rows · Feb 22, 2022 · Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. Comprehensive ...

How do you cure cervical cancer?

Jun 17, 2021 · To reduce your risk of cervical cancer: Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV -related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you. Have routine Pap tests.

What are some common methods of cervical cancer treatment?

What is the natural diet for cervical cancer?

What is cervical cancer and how is it treated?

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What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?

For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, either surgery or radiation combined with chemo may be used. For later stages, radiation combined with chemo is usually the main treatment. Chemo (by itself) is often used to treat advanced cervical cancer.

What is the first treatment for cervical cancer?

Most early-stage cervical cancers are treated with a radical hysterectomy operation, which involves removing the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and nearby lymph nodes. A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and prevent recurrence.Jun 17, 2021

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.

How long do you have to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer?

The prognosis for invasive cervical cancer depends on the stage. More than 90% of women with stage 0 survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. Stage I cervical cancer patients have a 5-year survival rate of 80% to 93%. Women with stage II cervical cancer have a 5-year survival rate of 58% to 63%.Sep 30, 2021

What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex.

What age does cervical cancer affect?

Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age.Jan 12, 2022

What are the warning signs of cervical cancer?

Early Warning Signs of Cervical CancerVaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odor)Pain during intercourse.Pelvic pain.Lower back pain.Pain and swelling in legs.Unexplained weight loss.Decreased appetite.Jan 10, 2020

What are the symptoms of Stage 1 cervical cancer?

Signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer can include:Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul odor.Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause.Menstrual periods may be heavier and last longer than normal.Feb 17, 2022

Does cervical cancer spread quickly?

Usually, cervical cancer grows slowly, but sometimes it can develop and spread quickly. Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can occur in young women.

Can a woman survive cervical cancer?

The 5-year survival rate for all people with cervical cancer is 66%. However, survival rates can vary by factors such as race, ethnicity, and age. For White women, the 5-year survival rate is 71%. For Black women, the 5-year survival rate is 58%.

Can a woman spread cervical cancer to a man?

Husbands who cheat on their wives risk infecting them with cervical cancer, a team of international researchers reported last week. The cancer is linked to a virus that is spread during sexual intercourse.Aug 13, 1996

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 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 a punch biopsy?

Punch biopsy, which involves using a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue. Endocervical curettage, which uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curet) or a thin brush to scrape a tissue sample from the cervix.

What is a wire loop?

Electrical wire loop, which uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire to obtain a small tissue sample. Generally this is done under local anesthesia in the office. Cone biopsy (conization), which is a procedure that allows your doctor to obtain deeper layers of cervical cells for laboratory testing.

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 is the instrument used to check for abnormal cells?

A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for laboratory testing. To obtain tissue, your doctor may use:

What is cone shaped?

Typically, the cone-shaped piece includes tissue from both the upper and lower part of the cervix. If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, ...

How to treat cervical cancer?

Stage IVB cervical cancer is not usually considered curable. Treatment options include radiation therapy with or without chemo to try to slow the growth of the cancer or help relieve symptoms . Most standard chemo regimens include a platinum drug (cisplatin or carboplatin) along with another drug such as paclitaxel (Taxol), gemcitabine (Gemzar), or topotecan. The targeted drug bevacizumab (Avastin) may be added to chemo or immunotherapy alone with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may also be an option.

What is the best treatment for pelvic cancer?

If the cancer has recurred in the center of the pelvis only, extensive surgery (s uch as pelvic exenteration) may be an option for some patients, and offers the best chance for possibly curing the cancer (although it can have major side effects). Radiation therapy (sometimes along with chemo) might be another option.

What is the treatment for a tumor that has grown into blood vessels?

If the cancer has grown into blood or lymph vessels, one treatment option is a cone biopsy (with negative margins) with removal of pelvic lymph nodes. Another option is a radical trachelectomy along with removal of the pelvic lymph nodes.

What is stage IA1?

Stage IA1. Treatment for this stage depends on whether or not you want to be able to have children (maintain fertility) and whether or not the cancer has grown into blood or lymph vessels (called lymphova scular invasion).

What is the best treatment for cancer after birth?

Surgery options after birth for early-stage cancers include a hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, or a cone biopsy. If the cancer is stage IB or higher, then you and your doctor must decide whether to continue the pregnancy. If not, treatment would be radical hysterectomy and/or radiation. Sometimes chemotherapy can be given during ...

What is the goal of cancer treatment?

No matter which type of treatment your doctor recommends, it's important that you understand the goal of treatment (to try to cure the cancer, control its growth, or relieve symptoms ), as well as its possible side effects and limitations.

What is the procedure for a woman who wants to have children after cancer?

A cone biopsy is the preferred procedure for women who want to have children after the cancer is treated. If the edges of the cone don’t contain cancer cells (called negative margins), the woman can be watched closely without further treatment as long as the cancer doesn’t come back. If the edges of the cone biopsy have cancer cells (called ...

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 are the organs of the female reproductive system?

Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in the female reproductive system include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the endometrium. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time.

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.

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 purpose of information about cancer?

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

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 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 are the treatments for cervical cancer?

The three main treatments for cervical cancer are radiation , chemotherapy and surgery. Some people may have a combination of treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis (Stage IV) or cancer that has recurred. There are two kinds of radiation treatment:

What is the cancer of the cervix?

Cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix, begins on the surface of the cervix. There are two main types of cancer of the cervix — squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. About 80% to 90% are squamous cell carcinomas, while 10%-20% are adenocarcinomas. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What type of surgery is used to remove a small piece of tissue from the cervix?

Some of the most common kinds of surgery for cervical cancer include: Laser surgery: This surgery uses a laser beam burn off cells or to remove a small piece of tissue for study. Cone biopsy: A surgery in which a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus). The uterus has two parts — the upper part (body) where a baby grows, and the lower part (cervix). The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).

What is radiation treatment?

There are two kinds of radiation treatment: A device loaded with radioactive pellets which is placed into the vagina near the cancer and kept in place for a certain period of time. An external device which beams radiation into the target areas during visits to the radiotherapist.

What tests are done to determine if a cancer diagnosis has spread?

These tests might include liver and kidney function studies; blood and urine tests; and X-rays of the bladder, rectum, bowels, and abdominal cavity. This process is called staging.

What does it mean when you have a vaginal bleed?

Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or exercise, between menstrual periods, or after menopause. Menstrual periods that may be heavier and last longer than normal. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues, symptoms may include: Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood in urine.

Key facts

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries (1).

Overview

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women with an estimated 604 000 new cases in 2020. Of the estimated 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2020, about 90% of these occur in low- and middle-income countries.

HPV and cervical Cancer

A large majority of cervical cancer (more than 95%) is due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical cancer control: A comprehensive approach

The Global strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem , adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2020, recommends a comprehensive approach to cervical cancer prevention and control. The recommended actions include interventions across the life course.

Treatment of cervical pre-cancer

If treatment of pre-cancer is needed and eligibility criteria are met, ablative treatment with cryotherapy or thermal ablation are recommended. Both treatments are equally effective and safe and can be performed in an outpatient clinic.

WHO response

The World Health Assembly adopted the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. The definition of elimination of cervical cancer has been set up as a country reaching the threshold of less than 4 cases of cervical cancer per 100 000 women per year.

How to reduce cervical cancer risk?

Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have. Don 't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents ...

What type of cancer is squamous cell carcinoma?

Types of cervical cancer. The type of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are: Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina.

What are the parts of the reproductive system?

Female reproductive system. Female reproductive system. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina (vaginal canal) make up the female reproductive system. Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:

What type of cancer is found in the cervix?

Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal. Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

Risk factors for cervical cancer include: Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV. Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.

What are the two types of cells that line the surface of the cervix?

Two types of cells line the surface of the cervix, and both can become cancerous. One type (glandular cells) has a column-shaped appearance. The other type (squamous cells) is thin and flat. The boundary between the two types of cells is where cervical cancer most commonly occurs.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

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

  • Screening
    Screening tests can help detect cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may one day develop into cervical cancer. Most guidelines suggest beginning screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21. Screening tests include: 1. Pap test. During a Pap test, your do…
  • Diagnosis
    If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for l…
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