What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?

Cerivcal cancer treatments

Treatment is dependent on the stage of cervical cancer.

Treatment for early stage cervical cancer

Treatment for early stage (stages 0,1,2) cervical cancer usually involves surgery and/or radiotherapy. Surgery for early stage cervical cancer usually involves removing the entire cervix. In very early stage cancers, some of the uterus may be saved to preserve fertility.

Cone Biopsy / Laser Surgery / Cryosurgery - In very early stage cancer, if only a small portion of the outer cervical layers are cancerous, then the treatment may be limited to surgical removal of that lesion using a scalp, laser, or cryosurgery.

Radical Trachelectomy - For a small percentage of women with stage 1 cervical cancer, a trachelectomy is a surgical option that partially removes the cervix and increases the chance of future pregnancy. About 70% of women are able to get pregnant after a trachelectomy, although the risk for premature delivery is increased.

Hysterectomy - Most women will unfortunately require a hysterectomy, which removes the entire cervix and uterus. If cancer cells are found in the surrounding lymph nodes, then the lymph nodes will also require surgical removal. After surgery, radiotherapy is recommended to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Hysterectomy surgery and radiotherapy are treatments that do not preserve fertility.

Treatment for advanced stage cervical cancer

Advanced stage cervical cancer refers to cancers that invade deeper layers of tissue. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Radical hysterectomy – surgery that removes the entire cervix, uterus, a portion of the vagina, and lymph nodes.

Radiotherapy – radiation therapy applies high-energy radiation to the cervix to kill cancer cells. Radiation can be applied either externally or internally. The level of radiation required to kill cancer cells will induce permanent ovarian failure that will cause infertility and premature menopause. Advanced stage cervical cancer often requires radiotherapy in addition to chemotherapy drugs.

Chemotherapy – cisplatin based chemotherapy drugs enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy and reduce rates of cancer reoccurrence. Chemotherapy drugs will kill cancer cells, as well as other rapidly growing cells such as hair follicles and cells that line the intestinal wall. Side effects are usually hair loss, diarrhea, and fatigue.