Carcinoma of the cervix is another term for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and multiply within the tissue of the cervix. Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse. The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the patient's age, overall health, and stage of disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the stage of a cancer describes its size, depth of invasion (how far it has grown into the cervix), and how far it has spread. There are some treatment options of which women should be aware.
Surgery
In early stages of cervical cancer, treatment modalities may include removal of the cells of the affected area. These cells may be removed during a cone biopsy, a procedure in which a physician removes a cone shaped piece of cervical tissue. Additional surgical procedures intended to remove cancer cells from the cervix are laser surgery (using laser beams to kill cancer), loop electrosurgical excision procedure (using electric current to kill cancer), and cryosurgery (the freezing of cancer cells). In more severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended. During a simple hysterectomy, only the cervix and uterus are removed. According to Mayo Clinic, a radical hysterectomy---removal of the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the area---is the standard surgical treatment when there's an invasion of greater than 3 mm into the cervix and no evidence of tumor on the walls of the pelvis.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells and keep them from spreading. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (through an IV or medi-port), or in the form of a pill taken by mouth. These medications may be given in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be preformed prior to surgery to shrink existing tumors. According to Mayo Clinic, side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs, but generally include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and hair loss. Women of child bearing age who want children may want to consult a fertility specialist prior to initiating treatment. Some cancer drugs may cause infertility. Women may consider egg retrieval to preserve eggs for future insemination.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high frequency x-ray beams to kill cancer cells. It may be given externally from a machine outside of the body, or internally through the use of radioactive rods, seeds, or wires surgically implanted at the affected area. Radiation may be given in conjunction with both surgery and chemotherapy. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and skin burns similar to sunburn.
