Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix cells. The cervix is a small, narrow part of the uterus. In most cases, cervical cancer has no symptoms until it has already spread to other body parts. Some risk factors for developing cervical cancer are history of persistent infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection; diabetes mellitus, tobacco use; history of benign and malignant sessile (non-metastatic) disease in peripheral nerves or the central nervous system. There are many treatment options and prevention for cervical cancer, each offering a different advantage. The decision of which treatment is best for you comes down to the type of cancer diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. The following explains some of the most common treatments:
1. Regular screenings
The purpose of screening is to detect abnormal cells and tumors to prevent them from becoming invasive cervical cancer through early detection and treatment. Women who have been regularly screened for cervical cancer are much more likely to survive when the disease is discovered in its earlier stages. The pap test is the most common method for screening and diagnosing cervical cancer. The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology recommends that women aged 21 to 29 get pap tests every 3 years, while women 30 to 65-years old and older should begin getting them every 5 years.
2. Get the HPV Vaccine
HPV causes cervical cancer and other gynecological cancers, precancers, and genital warts. You can protect yourself and your family against cervical cancer by vaccinating children and teenagers against human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can lead to the disease – cervical, vulvar and anal cancers. The HPV vaccine protects against the main strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Although this vaccine is not 100% effective, it prevents new HPV infections in most people who have been vaccinated.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemo may be used to treat certain types of cervical cancer. This treatment uses various substances injected into the cervix to treat the cancerous tissue. You will receive the procedure for several weeks or months. If you get regular doctor’s visits during this time, you can follow what’s happening with your body through your healthcare provider’s assessments.
4. Radiation therapy or laser surgery
Radiation therapy, also known as laser surgery, uses a high-powered laser beam to cut away the cervix in pieces, and then the pieces are removed through the vagina. Before the procedure, you will usually be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent discomfort. A radiation oncologist is a doctor specializing in radiation treatments for cancer patients.
5. Radical hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, upper vagina, and some of the top layers of surrounding tissue is called a radical hysterectomy. It is the most commonly used radical treatment for cervical cancer. It has been shown that this type of treatment is the most effective when combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
6. Radical trachelectomy
A radical trachelectomy is the surgical removal of the cervix and upper parts of the vagina. The uterus and cervix are removed in the procedure, but a woman’s vagina and ovaries remain. It is mostly done for women with stage 1 cervical cancer. In operation, the womb is left in place, meaning it’s possible to have a baby afterward.
The goal of prevention and treatments for cervical cancer is to stop the spread of the disease so that it does not harm any vital organs, including the lungs and liver. While you may not be in immediate danger from cervical cancer, your risk will increase if you do not start a course of action for this disease. If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, follow up with your healthcare provider regularly. Follow-up appointments after surgery allow your doctor to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed.
