Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is located at the lower and narrow end of the uterus in females. Treatment of this type of cancer depends on the stage of the disease, and this is why there are multiple treatment approaches to cervical cancer. Another factor that contributes to the type of treatment involves the location of the cancer within the cervix and also the type.
Treatment or management options for early-stage cervical cancer
Here are some of the common treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer:
Hysterectomy
This is a procedure for women who do not wish to have any children after the cancer is treated. In this procedure, which is called a simple hysterectomy, the uterus is removed, while the structures that are next to the uterus are left intact. Generally, the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes are also not removed. Similarly, the ovaries are also usually not removed during the procedure unless they are infected and require surgical removal.
Radical trachelectomy
This procedure is performed through the vagina or the abdomen and is sometimes done using a laparoscopy. It is generally used for younger patients who want to preserve their fertility. During this procedure, the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed, but not the entire uterus. A purse-string is stitched inside the uterine cavity to close it like it would originally.
Cervical pre-cancer surgeries
When the diagnosis shows changes to cervical cells, which can make them more likely to develop into cancer at a later stage, a doctor may suggest these procedures:
Cone biopsy or conization
This type of treatment is usually preferred for females who want to have children once the cancer is treated. In this method, the doctor removes cone-shaped tissue from the cervix. If the edges of the cone do not contain any cancer cells, it indicates that further treatment is unnecessary. However, if the edges of the cone contain cancer cells, this means that the cancer can be treated with another cone biopsy or a radical trachelectomy.
If the doctor notices that the cancer has spread to the blood or the lymph vessels, they may recommend a cone biopsy or even the removal of the pelvic lymph nodes. Another option could be radical trachelectomy along with the removal of pelvic lymph nodes instead of a cone biopsy.
Cryosurgery
This is a type of ablation in which a very cold metal probe is placed directly on the cervix. The process kills the abnormal cells by freezing them to death, and it is used to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Laser ablation
This procedure uses a focused laser beam which is directed through the vagina to burn off or vaporize abnormal cells. This procedure can be done in a doctor’s office or under local anesthesia.
