The cervix is at the lower, narrow end of the uterus. It leads from the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly over a period of time. Prior to the cervical cells becoming cancerous, they go through changes known as dysplasia. If left untreated, the cells may grow more deeply into cervical tissue and become cancerous. Treatment of cervical cancer may differ between patients, depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the individual.
Surgery
There are several different types of surgery available to treat cervical cancer. A cone biopsy is the removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix to look more specifically for cancer cells. This may be done to help diagnose or stage cervical cancer.
Some patients may undergo a surgical hysterectomy, where the uterus and cervix are removed. This may be done vaginally, laparoscopically or through an incision in the lower abdomen.
Lymph nodes or surrounding tissue may also be removed, depending on the stage of cancer. In more advanced cases, the ovaries may also be removed. Cryosurgery, laser surgery, or a LEEP procedure are surgeries in which cervical cancer cells are killed by laser beam, electric current or freezing. Your physician will help you to decide which type of surgery is recommended for your specific type and stage of cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing, reports the National Cancer Institute. There are two different types of radiation being used for cervical cancer.
External radiation is when a machine on the outside of your body sends beams of radiation toward your cervix to kill cancer cells.
Internal radiation may also be used to treat cervical cancer. Doctors may implant seeds, wires or rods into the cervix to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to kill cancer cells and stop them from dividing. These medications are usually given through intravenous access. The chemotherapy drug called cisplatin is often combined with radiation therapy to enhance overall treatment effectiveness in cervical cancer, states The Mayo Clinic.
