Effective Treatments For Cervical Cancer

Conization

Conization involves the removal of a woman’s cervical tissue with cancerous cells in cone-shaped sections. This targeted surgery is reserved for cases isolated to the cervix. It is also used as a diagnostic method as the tissue removed is examined under a microscope. This confirms the presence of cancerous cells. It also helps doctors determine the extent of a woman’s cervical cancer. Surgeons will use a scalpel, laser beam, or a wire heated with electricity to remove the tissue. The choice depends on the patient's needs. The scalpel is usually used for diagnosis and is called a cold knife cone biopsy in this case.

Hysterectomy And Pelvic Exenteration

If cervical cancer spreads to other tissues inside or on a woman’s uterus, a hysterectomy may be required. This is a surgery where the cervix and uterus are removed to get rid of the cancer. If cervical cancer has also spread to nearby lymph nodes and vaginal tissue, a radical hysterectomy is recommended. This also removes pelvic lymph nodes, the upper vagina, and tissue around the cervix. Most women finished having children opt for a hysterectomy. This is because the chances of cervical cancer returning are lower than with tumor excision surgery.

Pelvic exenteration is typically only used for severe cases where the cancer has spread or when cervical cancer has returned. Previous cases would have likely been treated with radiation. This surgery involves the removal of a woman’s uterus and cervix, much like a hysterectomy. However, a pelvic exenteration also removes the bladder, vagina, lower colon, and rectum. Following this, a woman will undergo reconstructive surgery. This ensures waste and urine have other ways to leave her body. Urinary diversion is one common procedure used for this.