Cervical cancer is characterized by cancerous cell growth in the cervix. It connects the uterus to the vagina. The cervix starts to grow abnormal cells and then invades the remaining tissues subsequently.
Let’s take a look at some of the treatment options for cervical cancer:
Surgery options
One of the most common treatment options for cervical cancer includes different surgery options, such as:
- Simple Hysterectomy
- Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection
- Radical Hysterectomy
- Cryosurgery
- Conization
- Para-aortic Lymph Node Sampling
- Laser Surgery
- Trachelectomy
- Pelvic Exenteration
Depending on the severity of cancer, the doctor will decide which type of surgery would help.
Radiation therapy
As for any form of cancer, one of the most common treatment options for cervical cancer is radiation therapy. In this therapy, radioactive particles or high energy x-rays are utilized to destroy the cancer cells present in the affected area; in this case, the cervix. It is typically used as an additional treatment measure. It may be adopted as the primary course of treatment if cancer returns or spreads further in the body.
Chemotherapy
In most cases and for advanced stages, your health expert would need to combine chemotherapy with radiation. This process is referred to as concurrent chemoradiation. Much like radiation, chemotherapy is also used when cancer comes back or spreads in the body. Some common examples of chemotherapy medications include cisplatin, Gemzar, and carboplatin.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is not one of the most common treatment options for cervical cancer. Instead, it is advised for patients who suffer through recurrent episodes of this type of cancer. This therapy entails the usage of medicines that make the immune system stronger. These can kill cancer cells over time. Different immune checkpoint inhibitors in the body are used in immunotherapy. Depending on your case and severity, your doctor will prescribe immunotherapy for you. You should always learn about the side effects so that you are prepared for the course of the treatment.
Targeted therapy
Another option for cervical cancer treatment is targeted therapy. In this case, cancer cells are monitored, and the changes are targeted to stop the spread of cancer. However, this may be one of the primary causes behind your high blood pressure. Some of the side effects of targeted therapy are constant fatigue as well as high blood pressure. Hence, your doctor would go for this therapy only in essential cases.
For people who are prone to cervical cancer, opting for prevention with HPV vaccines is important. It would help if you asked your doctor about Gardasil-9, a popular vaccine available. All of the aforementioned treatment options for cervical cancer are suggested by oncologists to combat cervical cancer.
