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.

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.