What Are the Treatments for Early Stage Cervical Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009, there were 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer reported in the United States, and a total of 4,070 women lost their battle with the disease. Cervical cancer is slow-growing and often is detected through regular pap tests. Risk factors known to cause cervical cancer are HPV infection, lack of getting pap tests and sexual history. Getting the HPV vaccine can help protect a woman against two types of the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer. If you are diagnosed with early stages of cervical cancer, it is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure

• Loop electrosurgical excision is a procedure performed during the early stages of cervical cancer. Abnormal tissue is removed by an electric current that passes through a thin, wire loop. The procedure often is performed in a doctor's office and takes a few minutes. A woman is required to lie on her back, placing her legs in stirrups. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and local anesthesia is given. The doctor then inserts the loop into the the vagina and up to the cervix. Some women feel faint during the procedure and should tell their doctor if they do. Following surgery, nothing should be placed into the vagina such as tampons or douches. This also means no sexual intercourse. Contact your physician immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, clots or severe abdominal pain.

Laser Surgery

• Laser surgery is a procedure that involves using a narrow beam of light that creates heat. The heat burns and cuts away abnormal cells and lesions from the cervix without destroying surrounding tissue. Laser surgery is performed in your doctors office. Pain and soreness occur after surgery. Rest for the first two days and take medications such as ibuprofen every six to 12 hours for pain. Vaginal bleeding, cramps and a watery discharge are common and go away within a few days. Consult with your doctor to find out when you can resume normal activities.

Cryotherapy

• Cryotherapy is used to freeze abnormal cells within the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. The procedure is performed at your doctor's office or clinic and is done as an outpatient procedure. You will be instructed to undress from the waist down and lie on a table where a paper cloth is placed over your waist. Your legs are placed in stirrups, and your doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina. A metal probe is inserted into the vagina, where the cervix is frozen with carbon dioxide for two to three minutes. Cramping and a cold sensation is felt during the procedure. After the procedure, cramping and a watery discharge are common but go away by the end of the day. Rest and take pain medication to relieve cramps. Most women are able to return to their normal activities the day after the procedure.

Internal Radiation

• Internal radiation is another option for treating cervical cancer that involves placing radioactive materials such as seeds, needles, wires or catheters near a tumor or abnormal cells within the cervix. This procedure is done on women who cannot have surgery or in conjunction with surgery and is performed as an outpatient procedure. The length of treatment depends on the kind of internal radiation you choose. Low-dose radiation takes two to three days, while high-dose radiation takes a matter of minutes. Spotting and bleeding from the vagina may occur, as well as vaginal and abdominal cramping. Wear a sanitary pad during the first and second day after the procedure. Take ibuprofen to relieve cramping, however, cramping will diminish by the end of the day. Consult your physician immediately if a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher occurs or if you notice a smelly, greenish discharge coming from the vagina.