More than 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer are estimated to be diagnosed in women this year. Part of a woman’s reproductive system, the cervix is responsible for keeping a baby inside of the uterus during pregnancy. It then opens during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through the vagina.
While cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer, it can be easily detected through regular Pap smears that women typically are given during an annual gynecological exam. Most cases of cervical cancer result from the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Now, cervical cancer can be prevented through the use of two new vaccines approved to prevent HPV infections that cause cervical cancer. However, if cervical cancer does develop, it can be treated by one or more of the following treatment options:
Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
- Surgery
- There are three types of surgical options for women with stage I or II cervical cancer:
- Radical trachelectomy, where the cervix, part of the vagina and surrounding lymph nodes are removed;
- Total hysterectomy, where the cervix and uterus are removed; and,
- Radical hysterectomy, where the cervix, the uterus, and a part of the vagina are removed. During a total or radical hysterectomy surgery, the fallopian tubes and ovaries also may be removed.
- Radiation Therapy
- If cervical cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, radiation therapy, which is the use of high energy rays to kill cancer cells, may be given instead of surgery. Radiation therapy also can be used following surgery to destroy any cancer cells left remaining in the surrounding area.
- Chemotherapy
- When cervical cancer has spread beyond the cervix, chemotherapy may be used alone or along with radiation therapy.
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