Cervical Cancer Treatment Information

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus and vagina. This type of cancer can be difficult to diagnose and treat early, but pap tests can often detect early signs of cervical cancer.

Hysterectomy

• During a hysterectomy, a woman's entire uterus is removed, either through the abdomen or vagina. Women who are in later stages of cervical cancer may need to have their pelvic lymph nodes and other structures, such as their fallopian tubes, removed as well.

Pelvic Exenteration

• A pelvic exenteration is a procedure in which the uterus, pelvic lymph nodes, bladder, vagina, rectum and a portion of the colon are removed. During this procedure, a new vagina is created out of grafts, and the intestine is restructured so that it can eliminate waste and urine from the body.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to kill or stop the growth of cancerous cells. For this procedure, radioactive material is either inserted into the body through the vagina or external X-rays are used as treatment.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy uses drugs, such as cisplan, paclitaxel or fluorouracil, to kill cancerous cells or stop their division. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally or given intravenously.

Other Surgeries

• Laser surgery uses a beam of light to kill cancerous cells. During cryosurgery, cancerous cells and tissues are frozen and killed.