External & Internal Radiation for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is characterized by uncontrolled multiplication of the cells lining the cervix. As per the National Cancer Institute (NCI) nearly 12,000 individuals are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in the US. Even though no complete cure is yet available for the condition, treatments like radiation therapy are often administered to control the proliferation of the cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy involves exposing the malignant cells of the cervix to high energy light radiation in order to destroy them and prevent their metastasis.

External Radiation Therapy

• In external therapy the cancer cells of the cervix are exposed to light using an external source of radiation.

Internal Radiation Therapy

• In internal therapy, also called brachytherapy, radioactive seeds are positioned close to the cancerous cells lining the cervix. Brachytherapy is useful in treating the patients who's cancer cells remain localized within the cervix and haven't spread to the nearby organs.

Time Frame

• The time frame for radiation therapy varies depending on the rate at which the cancer cells spread. In most cases two to three sessions of radiation therapy are held weekly for nearly a month.

Effects

• Vaginal bleeding, soreness near the vulva and diarrhea are common complications experienced as a result of radiation therapy.

Warnings

• Over overexposure to the sun, as well as exposure to environmental pollutants while undergoing radiation therapy (both internal and external) for cervical cancer.