Cervix connects the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus. Uncontrolled growth of malicious cells in the cervix triggers cervical cancer. Women above the age of 30 may contract an infection triggered by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent infection results in the development of cervical cancer. It is quite possible to treat cancer in its early stages and improve quality of life to a significant extent.

Read on to know the preferred treatment options for cervical cancer.

1. Radiation therapy
Targeted radiation is used to kill malicious cells in the affected area. This possibly curbs the growth and spread of cancer to vital lymph nodes. In fact, concurrent chemoradiation is first suggested for most cases of cervical cancer. Two primary approaches include External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation). EBRT involves the use of machines that produce targeted beams of radiation concentrated in the affected area to destroy cancer cells.

Brachytherapy is often used for early-stage cervical cancer treatment and most often as a part of EBRT techniques. There are two types, mainly Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy and High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy. LDR requires the patient to remain hospitalized for the entire duration of the treatment with low dose radiation. HDR is a quicker process and only requires in-patient care when the radiation is administered, generally for a few minutes.

2. Surgery recommended in early stages
Cryosurgery is one of the popular options in the very early stages of cervical cancer. If abnormal cell growth is detected right on the surface of the cervix, Cryosurgery can be done to clinically destroy the cells using liquid nitrogen. The gas is super cool and forms an ice ball around the affected cells to render them inactive. It is a simple procedure, and patients can go home immediately after treatment. Alternatively, laser surgery is another viable option in the earliest stages of cancer, where the malicious cells are destroyed using a targeted laser.

3. Surgery performed in advanced stages
Surgical options in the advanced stages usually result in the removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues. Doctors ask women if they plan on having a child before performing the procedure. Women who plan to remain fertile for childbirth can be treated by performing a cone biopsy and a follow-up Radical Trachelectomy. The procedure mostly results in the removal of the cervix, the top opening of the uterus, and lymph nodes around the region. The odds of getting pregnant are slightly higher with this procedure over time.

Otherwise, a simple hysterectomy is performed for women who don’t want to have children. However, if cancer spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the pelvis, a Radical Hysterectomy is done to remove both the uterus and the pelvic lymph nodes. In some cases, where cancer spreads aggressively, surgeons may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Note that chemotherapy and immunotherapy may form part of Radiation treatments and surgeries, depending on the case.