Cervical cancer is a disease where malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread in the cervix.The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows), according to the National Cancer Institute. One cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of cervical infection contracted through unprotected intercourse. Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge and pain during intercourse. The type of treatment that you may receive depends on the stage and severity of your cancer, as well as your overall health.
Surgery
Several types of surgery are available to treat cervical cancer. You and your physician will choose a treatment based on how far your cancer has spread. A cone biopsy removes a small piece of the cervix for diagnosis and treatment. Laser surgery uses laser beams directed toward cancer cells to kill them and keep them from dividing. Cryosurgery is used to freeze and destroy cancer cells of the cervix. When cervical cancer is more advanced, a hysterectomy may be performed. A hysterectomy is the removal of the cervix and uterus.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-beam X-rays to kill cancer cells and stop them from dividing. Radiation can be given externally from a machine outside of the body or internally through the implantation of radioactive seeds, wires or rods at the affected area. Radiation is as effective as surgery for early-stage cervical cancer, but in treating advanced cervical cancer, radiation may be combined with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of radiation include fatigue, skin burns, nausea, diarrhea and the absence of menstrual periods.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medications to kill cancer cells and prevent the spread of these cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or in pill form. In some cases, chemotherapy can be given directly at or near the affected organ inside the body. This is known as regional chemotherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs but generally include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and hair loss. Early infertility may occur after chemotherapy. You can ask your physician about retrieving and storing eggs prior to starting treatment if you plan on having children in the future.
