cancer Treatment of cervical cancer

     CategoryAbout cancer Treatment of cervical cancer

General information about treatments

The options for treating each patient with cervical cancer depend on the stage of the disease. The stage of a cervical cancer describes its size, the depth of invasion (how deeply it has grown to the cervix) and how far it has spread.

 After the stage of your cervical cancer has been established, your medical team will recommend your treatment options. Consider your alternatives without haste. If there is something you do not understand, ask to be explained. Although the choice of treatment depends largely on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, other factors that may influence your options are your age, general health, individual circumstances and preferences. Cervical cancer can affect your sex life and your ability to have children. These concerns should also be taken into account as you make decisions about the treatment. (Read the document Sexuality for women with cancer to learn more about these issues). Make sure you understand all the risks and side effects of the different treatments before making a decision.

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, you may need more than one type of treatment. Doctors on your cancer care team may include: 

  A gynecologist: doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system.

     An onco-gynecologist: a doctor specialized in cancers of the female reproductive system.

    An oncologist who specializes in radiation therapy: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer.    

A doctor oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer. Many other specialists may also be involved in your care, including nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other health professionals. The types of common cervical cancer treatments include:  

  Surgery     Radiotherapy   

 Chemotherapy (chemo)   

 Targeted therapy For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, surgery or radiation combined with chemotherapy can be used. For the more advanced stages, radiation combined with chemotherapy is usually used as the main treatment. Often, chemotherapy is used (alone) to treat advanced cervical cancer.

 It is almost always a good idea to seek a second opinion, especially with doctors experienced in the treatment of cervical cancer. A second opinion can give you more information and help you feel more confident when selecting a treatment plan. Some health insurance companies require a second opinion before approving the payment of certain treatments. Almost all will pay for a second opinion. Even so, you may first want to check your coverage so you know if you have to pay for the consultation.

It is important to talk with your doctor about all of your treatment options, including your goals and possible side effects, to help you make the decisions that best suit your needs. It is also important that you ask questions if there is something you do not understand well. You can find some good questions in the section, "What should you ask your doctor about cervical cancer?"

 The cancer specialists who care for him have their goal of recovery. If a cure is not possible, the goal may be to remove or destroy as much cancer as possible to help you live longer and feel better. Sometimes the treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. This is known as palliative treatment. If you are considering participating in a clinical trial

Clinical studies consist of carefully controlled investigations that are carried out to study in greater depth new treatments or promising procedures. Clinical trials are a way to access the most advanced care for cancer. In some cases, they may be the only way to access more recent treatments. It is also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Even so, they are not suitable for all people.




 If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials that may be right for you, start by asking your doctor if clinical studies are done at the clinic or hospital where you work. You can also contact our Clinical Studies Compatibility Service at 1-800-303-5691 for a list of studies that meet your medical needs, or you can read the article Clinical Studies: What You Need to Know for more information.
If you are considering complementary and alternative methods

You may hear about complementary and alternative methods that your doctor has not mentioned to treat your cancer or relieve symptoms. These methods can include vitamins, herbs and special diets, or other methods, such as acupuncture or massage.

Complementary methods consist of treatments that are used in conjunction with your usual medical care. On the other hand, alternative treatments are those that are used instead of the treatment indicated by the doctor. Although some of these methods may be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many of them have not proven effective. Some could even be dangerous.

Be sure to consult with members of your cancer care team about any method you are considering using. They can help you learn about what is known (or not known) of the method, which can help you make a decision based on information. Read the article Complementary and alternative medicine to learn more.
Help to get cancer treatment

Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, although there are other resources to help you when you need it. Hospital support services or those offered at clinics are an important aspect of your medical care, and these may include nursing or social work services, financial assistance, nutritional counseling, rehabilitation, or spiritual counseling.

The American Cancer Society also has programs and services, including transportation to receive treatment, housing, support groups and more, to help with treatment. Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and discuss any other of the day with one of our trained specialists.
The information on treatments included in this article does not constitute an official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended to offer medical advice that replaces the experience and judgment of your cancer care team. Its goal is to help you and your family be informed to make decisions together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reason to suggest a treatment plan other than these general treatment options. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor questions about your treatment options