Treating Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs in women, particularly in women over the age of 40 years. It is caused due to HPV or Human Papilloma Virus that is transmitted by sexual contact. Over a particular time period, it turns into cancerous cervix cells.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Common symptoms of cervical cancer are pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, increase in urination and its frequency. However, occurrence of any of these symptoms does not always mean that you are suffering from cervical cancer. It simply means that cervical cancer could be a possibility and you should get yourself tested for cancer.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
HPV is transmitted due to sexual contact. Therefore, multiple sex partners usually increase the risk of cervical cancer. Since the best guard for our body against HPV is the anti-bodies present in our body, therefore any other condition that leads to weakening of our immune system can be considered to be responsible for the occurrence of cervical cancer.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
The main methods of treating cervical cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. The choice of the treatment depends of certain factors such as the patient’s general health, stage of cancer and other method of treatments used earlier.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy involves using high energy beams for reducing the size of tumor or for killing cancer cells. This can be carried out by implanting radioactive material in the uterus or by using machines for radiation therapy. It is quite effective in treating cervical cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually used along with radiation therapy. It kills the cancer cells and prevents their multiplication.
Surgical Techniques
It is commonly used for treating cervical cancer and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Some common surgical methods undertaken for treatment of cervical cancer include:
• Radical Hysterectomy: It involves removal of cervix, uterus and some parts of vagina.
• Radical Trachelectomy: It involves removing the cervix and the tissues surrounding it.
• Lymphadenectomy: It involves removal of lymph nodes.
• Bilateral Salpingo: It involves removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries.
