Treatment for Small Cell Cancer of the Cervix

Small cell cervical cancer is a rare type of cancer where cells located on the opening of the bottom of your uterus begin to multiply rapidly and appear in rounded shapes with large nuclei. Because small cell cervical cancer spreads more quickly than other types of cancerous tumors on your cervix, prompt treatment is necessary to overcome the disease, reports Cancer Research UK.

Purpose

• The purpose of treatment for small cell cancer of the cervix is to eliminate or destroy the cancer cells.

Stages of Treatment

• Doctors typically begin treatment for small cell cancer of the cervix with chemotherapy or the use of intravenous drugs to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is often followed by radiation. If cancer cells still remain, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and cervix) may be necessary.

Types

• Chemotherapy typically uses a combination of the drugs called etoposide, paclitaxel and either cisplatin or carboplatin for the treatment of small cell cervical cancer. Radiation can either be given internally using a device that is inserted into the vagina or externally where beams of energy are focused on the skin above your cervix.

Time Frame

• A typical course of chemotherapy for small cell cervical cancer is 4 to 6 months. Radiation treatment is usually administered over a 4- to 5-week time frame after that, according to Cancer Research UK.

Side Effects

• Chemotherapy side effects include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting and decreased platelets or red and white blood cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. Radiation therapy for cervical cancer has the potential to cause frequent urination, diarrhea, fatigue and skin irritation for external therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.