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The choice of the appropriate treatment method should always depend on the decision of the woman and her attending physician. In the pre-invasive stage of the disease, the procedures are much less extensive and are not associated with loss of fertility.
When the cancer is in the so-called in the pre-invasive stage, when the neoplastic process is limited to the epithelium only, the following methods of treatment are possible
- conization, which is not only a method of in-depth diagnostics, but also a therapeutic method, especially in women of childbearing age
- removal of lesions with an electric loop (LEEP) or with a laser
In the invasive stages of the disease, when cancer crosses the basal epithelium and infiltrates deeper tissues of the cervix and even organs adjacent to the uterus, treatment options are much more painful for patients and, unfortunately, also much less effective. That is why it is so important to detect the disease early in order to fully cure it. In advanced cervical cancer, three treatments are possible:
- surgical method,
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
The surgical method is used most often. The procedure usually involves the removal of the uterus with the appendages (ovaries and fallopian tubes) and surrounding adjacent lymph nodes. In selected cases, e.g. in very young women and in the early stages of clinical advancement of the disease, the extent of the surgery can be limited by leaving the ovaries (often moving them beyond the area of possible irradiation). Radiotherapy is as effective as surgery in the early stages of the disease. However, due to serious side effects, including loss of ovarian function, it is used in cases where surgery turns out to be insufficient, e.g. due to metastases to the lymph nodes.
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In patients with cervical cancer, irradiation through external fields or local application of radioactive agents into the vagina (brachytherapy) is used. Nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea can be troublesome side effects of irradiation. The doctor can then prescribe the appropriate medications to alleviate these discomforts.
Chemotherapy is used primarily in patients in very advanced stages. This method is based on the treatment of the so-called cytostatics, i.e. substances that are toxic to cancer cells and are rapidly dividing. Unfortunately, these drugs also damage other rapidly dividing, healthy cells, including bone marrow or mucous membranes. During chemotherapy, side effects such as temporary bone marrow damage, nausea and vomiting, or alopecia are possible.
Prof. dr hab. Jerzy Stelmachów, National Consultant in the field of Oncological Gynecology
| The Polish Coalition to Fight Cervical Cancer has developed a comprehensive project of preventive measures. The introduction of the proposed solutions will make it possible to significantly reduce the dramatically high number of deaths due to cervical cancer in Poland. Each vote of support will increase the chances of a serious social discussion on this topic. Support the RSM Coalition. Accelerate the changes. |