Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women, so what are the ways to treat cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is the formation of cancer cells in the tissues of the cervix, and these cells may spread to other areas of the body. How is cervical cancer treated? What are the side effects of treatment? There are ways to treat cervical cancer
There are different ways to treat cervical cancer, namely
1. Surgery
Sometimes surgery is the only treatment for cervical cancer and it is done in two ways, either open surgery that means opening the abdomen or through laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
There are different forms of surgery used to treat cervical cancer, which are as follows
Cone biopsy
The surgeon removes a cone of tissue around the cancer, including a portion of the healthy tissue, and it is used to treat early cervical cancer, especially in women who want to have children.
Cervicectomy
Removing part or all of the cervix plus the upper part of the vagina, an uncommon procedure used for young women with early-stage cancer who want to become pregnant.
Complete hysterectomy
It is the removal of the uterus and cervix, and this surgery is suitable for the treatment of most early-stage cervical cancers.
Radical hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus, cervix, and tissue around the cervix and upper vagina, which is a standard procedure for treating most cervical cancers.
Bilateral salpingectomy
The surgeon removes the fallopian tubes. This treatment is used for women who undergo an open hysterectomy.
Salpingectomy and ovaries
Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and it is performed when there is a possibility of cancer spreading to the ovaries or if the women are of an advanced age.
2. Radiotherapy
One of the methods of treating cervical cancer is radiation, where high-energy rays such as X-rays are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing, and this treatment depends on the type and stage of cervical cancer, and there are two types of radiation therapy: internal radiation therapy, and external radiation therapy .
3. Chemotherapy
It is used to stop the growth of cancer cells, and it is used either by taking it in the form of oral medications or injected into a vein or muscle, and it may be added as another treatment for women who have been treated with radiotherapy. Among its common side effects in patients are the following:
Nausea and vomiting.
hair loss
mouth ulcers
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy depends on the patient''s immune system to fight cancer, as developed drugs are manufactured to stimulate and strengthen the immune system and target cancer cells.
5. Targeted therapy
The principle of its action depends on the effect of drugs on certain molecules in cancer cells to prevent their growth.
It is used to treat cervical cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or if the cancer has come back and cannot be treated with surgery or radiotherapy.
Factors for ing a modality for cervical cancer treatment
To choose the appropriate treatment for cervical cancer, there are a number of factors that the doctor relies on, which are as follows:
The size and shape of the cancerous tumor.
stage of cancer.
The age and health of the woman.
A woman''s desire to have children in the future.
Methods of detecting cervical cancer
There are usually no signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, but regular and periodic examinations contribute to its detection.
Among the tests that contribute to the detection of cervical cancer
Pap smear. This test does not give a definitive diagnosis.
HPV DNA test.
Colposcopy, it is done if abnormal changes are found in the cervix, and biopsies may be taken when it is done for examination under a microscope.
Side effects of cervical cancer treatment
After treatment for cervical cancer, women are exposed to a set of side effects, which vary according to the type and duration of treatment and depending on the patient''s health. These side effects include:
Abdominal changes. Women may experience diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
Feeling tired, especially in radiation and chemotherapy.
Bladder problems, women may suffer from urinary incontinence.
Lymphedema and swollen legs are the result of an accumulation of lymph fluid that is not drained.
Menopause and the accompanying hot flashes, mood swings and a feeling of fatigue.
Osteoporosis and heart disease.
