Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatments

Cervical cancer develops when cervical cells grow out of control. Early detection by regular screening with Pap smears and HPV testing greatly enhances the likelihood of successful treatment. After diagnosis, treatment is based on the stage, type, and general health of the patient.The main treatments of cervical cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgical procedures such as a cone biopsy or hysterectomy (uterus removal) can be advised in early-stage cervical cancer Treatments to eliminate the tumor. In advanced stages, radiation therapy, either external or internal (brachytherapy), is utilized to destroy and kill cancer cells within the cervix.Chemotherapy can be combined with radiation for more extensive or advanced stages of cancer, particularly when cancer has extended past the cervix. For some instances, targeted drug therapy or immunotherapy can be utilized to treat the body\'s immune system in attacking the cancer cells.