- 1. Cryotherapy
- 2. Laser surgery
- 3. Conization
- 4. Hysterectomy
- Total Hysterectomy
- Radical Hysterectomy
- 5. Radical thoracicectomy
- 6. Pelvic exenteration
- 7. Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage the tumor is in, whether there are metastases of the disease, the age and the general health of the patient.
However, in most cases it is recommended to have a hysterectomy, and it may also be necessary to remove the tubes, ovaries and ganglia from the region.
Uterine cancer is curable, especially when it is identified and treated early. According to INCA, the Cancer Institute in Brazil, when these 2 factors are present, the chances of a cure for uterine cancer can reach 100%.
See below each treatment option:
1. Cryotherapy
During this procedure, the doctor places a device through the woman's vagina that promises to freeze the sick region, killing the cancer cells. There are still no benefits validated by controlled studies, that this technique is efficient.
It is particularly indicated to treat invasive cancer, but not precancerous lesions.
2. Laser surgery
The cells with changes are burned using a laser, which can also be used to collect samples for biopsy. It is used only in cases of precancerous lesions of cervical cancer, but not in cases of invasive cancer.
3. Conization
It consists of removing a small part of the cervix in the shape of a cone to perform a biopsy before the doctor recommends another complementary treatment.
It is also considered the standard treatment for HSIL, which is a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, which is not yet considered cancer, but may evolve to do so. See how the uterus is conized.
4. Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgery that can be used in the early or more advanced stages of cancer, divided into 2 forms:
Total Hysterectomy
The surgery removes only the uterus and cervix and can be done through a cut in the abdomen or through the vaginal canal, without leaving surgical marks on the woman. In addition, it can also be done by laparoscopy, when only small cuts are made in the abdomen region.
It is used to treat cervical cancer in stage IA1 and in some cases of stage 0, and can also be used to treat other problems in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids.
Radical Hysterectomy
In radical hysterectomy, in addition to the uterus and cervix, the upper part of the vagina and tissues near the uterus, which may also be affected by cancer, are also removed. In general, this surgery is recommended for cancer cases in stages IA2 and IB, and is done through an abdominal incision.
In addition, it is important to remember that in both types of hysterectomy the ovaries and tubes are only removed if they have also been affected by cancer or if they have other problems. See types of hysterectomy and care after surgery.
5. Radical thoracicectomy
This procedure removes only the cervix and the lower third of the vagina, leaving the body of the uterus intact, which allows the woman to still be able to conceive.
This surgery can be performed through the abdominal cut or through the vaginal canal, when it leaves no scars. Then, if the woman becomes pregnant, the pregnancy must be closely monitored by the obstetrician as there is a risk of prematurity and accelerated delivery.
6. Pelvic exenteration
It is a more extensive surgery, used in cases of recurrence and affects other regions. In this surgery, the uterus, the cervix, the pelvis nodes are removed, and it may also be necessary to remove other organs such as ovaries, tubes, vagina, bladder and part of the end of the intestine.
7. Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be used both before and after surgical treatments to help fight cancer, especially when it is in advanced stages or when there are tumor metastases.
See the types of cervical cancer and know the difference between them.
