Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix, the lowest part of a woman’s uterus, grow abnormally and invade other parts of the body. The good news is that cervical cancer is slow-growing, which means that there are opportunities for early detection and treatment. Cervical cancer is diagnosed through various tests that determine the stage of cancer. Along with this, one’s age and the decision regarding the treatment become the guidelines for cervical cancer treatments.
Pap tests
Pap tests detect precancerous cells that may develop into cervical cancer. Screening can begin at the age of 21. The doctor brushes and scrapes the cells from the cervix and examines it for any abnormalities. HPV DNA test involves collecting the cells from the cervix that are then tested for infection which may lead to cancer.
Cone biopsy
If the doctor suspects cancer, he will begin with a complete examination of the cervix. The expert will conduct a biopsy, wherein the tissue is examined to discover the presence of a disease. Endocervical curettage, electrical wire loop, cone biopsy are some methods to detect cancer.
Staging
The doctor then takes some more tests to determine the stage of cancer. It also explains how much cancer is in the body. This further sheds light on the extent of cancer, the organs and tissues that it has spread to, and the size of the tumor.
Treatment
Surgery options include to remove the cancerous cells, to remove the cervix-trachelectomy, to remove both cervix and uterus-hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is minimally invasive and people tend to recover faster but may be less effective compared to traditional hysterectomy.
Radiation
This therapy uses x-rays, protons, and high energy beams to kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy will be used after surgery if there is a risk of the cancer returning. Based on the condition, radiation therapy can be administered internally and externally or both. This therapy may lead to menopause. One can ask their consult their doctor and preserve their eggs if they wish to get pregnant again.
Chemotherapy
Cervical cancer treatments include chemotherapy, an intensive medication-based therapy that kill rapidly growing cancerous cells. It can also be taken in the form of a pill. Locally advanced cervix cancer will require doses of chemotherapy which can also be combined with radiation. Chemotherapy enhances the effects of radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy
Like chemotherapy, targeted therapy is also a medication-based therapy. However, unlike chemotherapy, it focuses on the cancer’s specific proteins, genes, and the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth.Immunotherapy
This type of cervical cancer treatment relies on one’s immune system. The disease-fighting system in one’s body does not attack the cancer cells as the protein produced by them makes them undetectable. This therapy interferes with the process. This treatment is considered when other treatments are not working. Immunotherapy suppresses or activates the immune system.
Supportive or palliative care
Palliative care means specialized medical care. It provides pain relief from the symptoms of cancer. The care specialist provide an extra layer of care. It is used with other treatments to help them live longer and better.
