How is cervical cancer usually treated?

Cervical cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If your doctor says that you have cervical cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.

What are the primary treatment of cervical cancer?

Treatment of stage IB and stage IIA cervical cancer may include the following: Radiation therapy with chemotherapy given at the same time. Radical hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without radiation therapy to the pelvis, plus chemotherapy. Radical trachelectomy.

How long is cervical cancer treatment?

The surgery generally takes approximately three hours. Most women stay in the hospital for one to two days after surgery. Some women with early-stage cervical cancer need “adjuvant” (additional) treatment in addition to surgery. This may include radiation and possibly chemotherapy.

How do people get cervical cancer?

Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.

How successful is cervical cancer treatment?

Cervical cancer is often curable if it’s diagnosed at an early stage. When cervical cancer is not curable, it’s often possible to slow its progression, prolong lifespan and relieve any associated symptoms, such as pain and vaginal bleeding. This is known as palliative care.

How can you protect yourself from cervical cancer?

4 ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer

• Get an HPV vaccine. Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.
• Get regular pap tests. Regular pap tests help your doctor find and treat any changing cells prior to turning into cancer.
• Be monogamous.
• Use condoms.

What is the life expectancy of someone with cervical cancer?

The prognosis for cervical cancer is usually very good. 5-year survival rate ranges from 5 to 95%, depending on the stage of the disease. Over the past 10 years, the life expectancy of patients with I and II stages of cervical cancer has increased.

What are some common methods of cervical cancer treatment?

Chemotherapy. An individual affected by cervical cancer may require chemotherapy if their cancer has metastasized or other methods are unsuccessful at the elimination of cancerous cells.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed and treated?

Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment options than cancer that begins in other parts of the uterus.

Can cervical cancer be completely cured?

ANSWER. Many women with cervical cancer recover completely. But doctors sometimes use the term “remission” instead of “cured” because the cancer can return. From: Cervical Cancer WebMD Medical Reference.