Treatments Cervical Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is confined to the outermost layer of the cervix (carcinoma in situ), often can be removed completely removing the cancer of the cervix with a scalpel or electrosurgical excision. This treatment has the advantage of not altering the ability to bear children. But since cancer may recur, doctors advise women to have checks and Pap every 3 months during the first year and every 6 months from now. If a woman has a carcinoma in situ and do not want children, we recommend the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
If the cancer is in a more advanced stage, it is necessary to perform a hysterectomy plus removal of adjacent structures (radical hysterectomy) and lymph nodes. The ovaries, if they are normal and functioning properly, are not removed when women are young. Radiation therapy is very effective for the treatment of advanced cervical cancer has not spread beyond the pelvic region. Although it causes little or no immediate problem, it can cause irritation in the rectum and vagina. Injuries to the bladder and rectum can occur even later, and ovaries, in general, cease to function.
When cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, sometimes one must resort to the chemotherapy. However, only effective in 25 to 30 percent of cases treated and the effects are usually temporary.