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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Cervical Cancer: Introduction > Cervical Cancer: Treatment

Cervical Cancer: Treatment

Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, several different treatments are used for cervical cancer. Common treatment methods are listed below. ^(1)(2)(3)

Surgery:

Cryosurgery - used for pre-invasive cancer; kills cancer cells by freezing them with a metal probe that has been cooled by liquid nitrogen.

Laser Surgery - used for pre-invasive cancer; laser beams are used to burn off abnormal cells or remove tissue for further study.

Cone Biopsy - used to preserve fertility in women with early stage cancer or to obtain a sample for further study; a cone-shaped section of tissue is taken from the cervix.

Simple Hysterectomy - the uterus and cervix are removed either through the vagina or the abdominal wall; results in infertility.

Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection - the uterus, upper vagina and lymph nodes are removed through the vagina or the abdominal wall; results in infertility.

Pelvic Externation - for recurrent cancer; radical hysterectomy is accompanied by removal of the bladder, vagina, rectum and part of the colon; results in infertility.For details on surgical treatment view the section on Surgery.

Radiation:
Either internal (also called brachytherapy) or external radiation may be used to treat cervical cancer. For details on these treatments view the section on Radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy:
Several different drugs may also be used to treat primary or recurrent cervical cancer. For details on specific chemotherapy treatments view the section on Chemotherapy.

NOTE: Sometimes radiation and chemotherapy are given at the same time. The rationale is that the low levels of chemotherapy given make the cancer cells more sensitive to the radiation. The technique is called chemoradiotherapy or radiosensitization.⁽⁴⁾

If a woman is pregnant at the time of diagnosis, a decision must be made, based on the stage of the cancer, whether to continue the pregnancy to term. Treatment for cervical cancer cannot be administered during pregnancy, and aggressive cancers often require immediate treatment.

Learn more about cervical cancer treatment at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Watch the entire interview with Lori and DeWayne Grice.

Information about clinical trials:

• General clinical trial information from CancerQuest
• Click here for information about clinical trials at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
• Click here for information about clinical trials from Georgia Clinical Trials Online.
• Click here for information about clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute.

References for this page:

1. Petignat P, Roy M. "Diagnosis and management of cervical cancer." BMJ. 2007 Oct 13;335(7623):765-8 [PUBMED]
2. NCCN Practical Guidelines in Oncology v.1.2008 10/26/2007 Copyright National Comprehensive Cancer Network Website accessed 12/04/07 [http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/cervical.pdf]
3. American Cancer Society Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer. Accessed 08/03/2010 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=8]
4. PJ Eifel "Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy as the standard of care for cervical cancer." Nat Clin Pract Oncol. 2006 May;3(5):248-55. [PUBMED]