Effective Treatments For Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer forms in the cervix, located at the bottom of the uterus. Experts say this cancer is linked to certain strains of HPV. The environment also plays a role. Signs of cervical cancer include unusual bleeding after menopause, intercourse, or between periods. Women also experience a reduced appetite, weight loss, painful peeing, back pain, and swollen legs. They should also watch for unusual discharge, menstrual cycle changes, and severe cramping.

Thankfully, there are cervical cancer treatment options. Cervical cancer natural treatment can help with the side effects of traditional options. These options include chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy for cervical cancer.

Immunotherapy

The immune system is intended to keep the body healthy. It fights against infections and other invaders. But sometimes the immune system needs some help to do so. This is the case with cervical cancer. Thus, the use of immunotherapy as a treatment. Immunotherapy uses medication to help a woman’s immune system to destroy cervical cancer cells more effectively. These drugs target cells and boost the immune response to cancerous cells. Immunotherapy is given to patients through an IV. Cervical cancer patients receive immunotherapy every 3 weeks. It can be used in cases where the cancer has spread or returned.

Chemotherapy

Women with cervical cancer often need chemotherapy as part of treatment. Chemo uses strong drugs to kill cancerous cells in the body. These drugs are usually given through an IV in the hospital. However, chemo can also be given orally. It is usually used when cervical cancer has spread beyond a woman’s cervix and into nearby lymph nodes and tissues. Chemo is often avoided in the early stages, as it causes nasty side effects. Women will often also have surgery following chemo to remove the remaining cancerous cells. Chemo also helps radiation work better. Thus, the two are often used in rounds.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high energy beams or x-rays to kill cancerous cells in the body. External beam radiation uses a machine placed over the woman’s pelvis where the cervix is located. This targets the cancer better. Internal radiation places radioactive substances in the woman’s cervix to kill cancerous tissue. Both forms of radiation can be used in cycles to effectively treat cervical cancer. Radiation is often used to treat early-stage cervical cancer. This is because it has fewer side effects than chemo. Like with chemo, surgery is often paired with radiation. Radiation used after surgery ensures no cancerous cells are left behind. Doctors don't normally use radiation with both chemo and surgery. Just one or the other.