Women with cervical cancer have many treatment options. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatment methods.
The choice of treatment for cervical cancer depends mainly on the size of the tumor and its stage, or whether the cancer has spread. Treatment options may also depend on whether the patient would like to become pregnant someday. Our gynecologic oncologists work with patients collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that meets medical and personal needs.
Surgery to Remove Cervical Cancer
Surgery is an option for women with Stage I or II cervical cancer. The gynecologic cancer surgeon removes tissue that may contain cancer cells:
- Radical trachelectomy: The surgeon removes the cervix, part of the vagina, and the lymph nodes in the pelvis. This option is for a small number of women with small tumors who want to try to get pregnant later on.
- Total hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the cervix and uterus.
- Radical hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the cervix, some tissue around the cervix, the uterus, and part of the vagina.
With either total or radical hysterectomy, the surgeon may remove other tissues:
- Fallopian tubes and ovaries: The surgeon may remove both fallopian tubes and ovaries. This surgery is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.
- Lymph nodes: The surgeon may remove the lymph nodes near the tumor to see if they contain cancer. If cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes, it means the disease may have spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is an option for women with any stage of cervical cancer. Women with early-stage cervical cancer may choose radiation therapy instead of surgery. It also may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain in the area. Women with cancer that extends beyond the cervix may have radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cells only in the treated area.
Doctors use two types of radiation therapy to treat cervical cancer. Some women receive both types:
- External radiation therapy: A large machine directs radiation at your pelvis or other tissues where the cancer has spread. The treatment usually is given in a hospital or clinic. You may receive external radiation 5 days a week for several weeks. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.
- Internal radiation therapy: A thin tube is placed inside the vagina. A radioactive substance is loaded into the tube. You may need to stay in the hospital while the radioactive source is in place (up to 3 days). Or the treatment session may last a few minutes, and you can go home afterward. Once the radioactive substance is removed, no radioactivity is left in your body. Internal radiation may be repeated two or more times over several weeks.
Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer Treatment
For the treatment of cervical cancer, chemotherapy is usually combined with radiation therapy. For cancer that has spread to distant organs, chemotherapy alone may be used.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs for cervical cancer are usually given through a vein (intravenous). You may receive chemotherapy in a clinic, at the doctor’s office, or at home. Some women need to stay in the hospital during treatment.
The Latest Cervical Cancer Treatments at Willamette Valley
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer or another type of gynecologic cancer, make an appointment with one of our oncologists. WVCI has a team of experts conveniently located in Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, and Lincoln City, ready to talk to you about cervical cancer and personalized treatment options. We know it’s important for you to get good information and choose a treatment that’s best for you, so we are here for you every step of the way.
