Information on Cancer Cervical Information Treatment
The cervix is part of a woman’s reproductive system, and is located between the vaginal canal and the uterus. Cells in the cervix may undergo certain changes due to several factors. When these abnormal cells grow out of control, cervical cancer usually develops. This is the reason why women are encouraged to have a Pap Test or a screening test regularly to detect the early stages of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is caught in its early stages, there is often a good chance that it can be treated. Methods of cancer cervical information treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a typical treatment for cervical cancer that has spread to neighboring sites such as the urinary tract and lower parts of the vagina. It involves the use of high doses of X-rays to destroy cancer cells and to decrease the size any tumors. This treatment can be implemented in two ways, namely external beam radiation and brachytherapy. The first is by using a machine much like an x-ray machine, while the second is through the placement of radiation-infused thin plastic tubes into the affected area of the body. This treatment is usually done side by side with other treatments like hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and also with surgery. Side-effects include diarrhea, urinary discomfort, vaginal dryness and fatigue.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used in a cervical cancer which has spread to a distant location or one that has returned after radiation therapy or surgery. In this treatment, medicines are introduced into the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells. These medicines are either administered orally or through a vein. These medicines can also be introduced directly into the affected area. In this case, the treatment is called intravesical chemotherapy. Side-effects of the treatment include changes in appetite, development of sores in the mouth, vomiting and nausea, bruising, anemia and infertility.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of the uterus and the cervix. There is, however, a partial hysterectomy procedure that only removes the uterus and leaves the cervix alone. A radical hysterectomy, however, is the one often used in patients with cervical cancer. In this type of hysterectomy, the uterus, the cervix, the ovaries, the lymph nodes and other structures that perform support functions to the uterus are all removed.
Biological Therapy
Biological agents, such as interferons, are also utilized in cervical cancer which has metastasized to other distant body sites. Interferons are proteins usually given to protect the immune system from various virus infections. Side-effects include fever, weakness, rash, diarrhea and easy bruising.
These are most of the cancer cervical information treatment being given to women diagnosed with the said condition. In advanced cancer cases, combination of these therapies are frequently performed. Some patients are also enrolling themselves in clinical trials which tests for the effects of new drugs as possible treatment for cervical cancer.
References
WebMD: Cervical Cancer
National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Treatment
eHealthMD: How is Cervical Cancer Treated?
