Clear cell cancer is a rare, but aggressive, form of cancer that typically affects the female genital tract, according to the National Cancer Institute. Clear cell cancer gets its name from the appearance of the cancer cells--the cells are filled with nutrient-containing fluid that appears clear under a microscope. Patients with clear cell cancer suffer from abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge and pain. Following diagnosis, patients with clear cell cancer have a number of treatment options to remove or kill cancer cells.
Surgery
The most common treatment for clear cell cancer is surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health. Clear cell cancer surgery involves removal of the uterus, cervix and all or part of the vagina. The surgeon will also remove a number of lymph nodes surrounding the female reproductive organs, since cancer cells often migrate into lymph nodes during cancer progression. Often, the surgeon can leave one or both ovaries to prevent hormonal imbalances following surgery. In some cases, patients receiving surgery for clear cell cancer may also undergo vaginal reconstructive surgery after the cancer has been removed.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, the use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells, may serve as a treatment for clear cell cancer. Radiation may be used alone or in combination with surgery to kill clear cell cancer cells. Patients with inoperable forms of clear cell cancer may receive radiation therapy as a first-line treatment against clear cell cancer. Alternatively, radiation of remaining tissue following surgery can effectively kill remaining clear cell cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. During radiation therapy, the ovaries may receive a dose of radiation along with cancer cells, leading to ovarian damage possibly sterility. Patients receiving radiation therapy for clear cell cancer should discuss with a physician the possibility of infertility following cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy
In rare cases, patients may receive chemotherapy as part of treatment for clear cell cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. Chemotherapy drugs are almost universally toxic drugs that target rapidly dividing cells, such as cells in clear cell cancer. Chemotherapy targets essential cellular pathways used for cell growth, metabolism and survival, so that when the cells are exposed to chemotherapy drugs they become damaged and die. Treatment with chemotherapy may supplement surgery or radiation to help kill remaining cancer cells after treatment. Patients receiving chemotherapy often experience adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or low blood cell counts that can cause anemia and other blood disorders.
