Treating Cervical Cancer

Your treatment options will depend on the stage of your disease. Initial (first-line) treatment may include [11]:

• Surgery — There are several kinds of surgery for cervical cancer. Some involve removing the uterus (hysterectomy), others do not. If the cancer has spread beyond the uterus, other organs such as the colon or rectum may have to be removed as well.
• Radiation therapy — Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside the body (external radiation) or from radioactive materials placed near or directly into the tumor (internal radiation).
• Chemotherapy — Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are given into a vein or by mouth, enter the bloodstream, and spread throughout the body. Sometimes several drugs are given at one time.

Often, a combination of therapeutic choices is utilized. While most women will respond to this initial therapy, disease recurrence is possible. If the cancer should recur, other therapeutic options will be considered.

Treatment for recurrent cervical cancer

For some women, recurrence is more disheartening and frightening than the initial diagnosis. But there are still many treatment options to explore.

For more information about treatment options, visit the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site and the National Cancer Institute Web site.

Disclaimer

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