The pros and cons of treatment for cervical cancer depend largely on the type of cancer present and the appropriate treatment. For noninvasive cancers found on the surface of the cervix, treatment generally involves targeting only the cancerous cells and no long-lasting ill effects are experienced, with the benefit of curing the cancer. However, for invasive cancers, treatment may make a woman unable to conceive. Other side effects may be experienced if radiation and chemotherapy are also used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Noninvasive Cancers
The methods of treatment for noninvasive cancers--those that have only affected some cells of the cervix--focus only on removing these abnormal cells. A number of treatment options are available, including biopsy; laser surgery; a procedure called LEEP, which uses a wire to produce an electrical current that removes abnormal cells; and cryosurgery to freeze and kill cervical cancer cells. Hysterectomy--removal of the cervix, uterus and possibly other organs--is only rarely used to treat noninvasive cervical cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. A woman treated in one of these ways for cervical cancer does not normally require further treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may be used in some cases of noninvasive cervical cancer as well as to treat early invasive cervical cancer. A hysterectomy may involve the removal of the cervix and the uterus, as well as the possible removal of a portion of the vagina and the lymph nodes in the area--this treatment is used when cancer has invaded deeper into the cervix, according to the Mayo Clinic. If the uterus is removed, recovery time is about six weeks and women may also temporarily experience pain in the pelvis as well as problems with urination and defecation. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that hysterectomy usually both cures cervical cancer and prevents recurrence.
Radiation
Radiation may be used in the treatment of early and more advanced cases of cervical cancer; it may be combined with chemotherapy in advanced cancer. Radiation may lead to digestive problems as well as irritation of the bladder. It may cause the vagina to become more narrow; radiation may also trigger menopause in women of perimenopausal age.
Chemotherapy
The chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin and radiation are used to treat more advanced cases of cervical cancer. Both chemotherapy and radiation kill cancer cells. Side effects of chemotherapy include diarrhea and nausea, fatigue and the loss of hair. Like radiation, chemo may lead to early menopause in perimenopausal women. Chemotherapy may also sometimes lead to infertility.
Considerations
Treatment for invasive cervical cancer may restrict a woman's reproductive choices. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women diagnosed with cervical cancer discuss their concerns about fertility with their doctors before treatment is initiated. Some women may be able to undergo a form of treatment that removes only the cervix while maintaining the rest of the uterus. However, women who become pregnant after having their cervix removed may experience an increased risk of both miscarriage and giving birth prematurely.
Tags: cervical cancer, Mayo Clinic, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, abnormal cells