If youve been diagnosed withcervical cancer, your first concern may be about cure and survival.
Theuterus(womb) andvaginaconnect through a hollow tube called thecervix.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells that line the cervix.
FatCamera / Getty Images
It will also discuss treatment options, and what you should do if cervical cancer returns.
The amount of cancer in the cervix and the extent of spread are significant determinants for survival rates.
Other factors that influence prognosis include response to treatment and overall health.
The National Cancer Institute maintains the SEER database.
Relative survival rates are estimates.
They’re based on the experience of cervical cancer patients who were diagnosed more than five years ago.
Relative survival rate numbers don’t take new, improved treatments or individual factors into account.
They’re not set in stone and don’t indicate what will happen in your case.
Stage of Cervical Cancer
Cancer stage is determined by the amount of spread that has occurred.
The lower the stage, the less the cancer has spread.
Cervical cancer is broken down into stages, ranging in severity from 1 to 4.
This stage is typically asymptomatic (has no symptoms).
Stage 1 cervical cancer often responds very well to treatment.
Many treatments for stage 1 disease do not affect fertility.
Stage 2: This is regional cancer that has spread outside of the cervix and uterus.
It has not reached nearbylymph nodesor organs.
You may have symptoms such as pelvic pain or bleeding from vaginal sex.
You may also notice abnormal menstrual bleeding, such as spotting between periods or heavier bleeding during menstruation.
It may also have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
The tumors may be large enough to adversely affect kidney function.
Recurrent cervical cancer (cancer that has returned) is included in this stage.
Your symptoms during stage 4 will be influenced by the location of metastasis (spread).
They may include fatigue, weakness, and trouble breathing.
bang out of Cervical Cancer
The cervix is made up of two parts.
Response to Treatment
Cervical cancer treatment is designed to stop cancer from growing or spreading.
Sometimes, treatments may not be as effective as you and your healthcare team had hoped they would be.
In some instances, cancer cells may be unresponsive to cancer medications before they’ve even been tried.
Treatments that were effective at first can also stop working.
This can cause a recurrence or relapse.
Doctors often combat this phenomenon by using new treatments.
These include combining and coadministering various combinations of cancer drugs.
That’s one of the reasons why self-care and good nutrition are so important after getting a cancer diagnosis.
You may also have chronic health conditions that complicate your treatment choices or impact recovery.
If you havediabetes, cancer treatments may make it harder for you to manage blood glucose levels.
This may lead to poor wound healing.
It may also mean delaying cancer treatments such as surgery.
Managing multiple conditions can be challenging but isn’t uncommon or impossible.
Treatment Options
Cervical cancer treatment is determined in large part by stage and spread.
Your age and overall health will also be determinant factors.
Based on your response to treatment, you may have one or more treatment types.
Surgery
Surgery may be done to diagnose or treat cervical cancer.
Cone biopsies are outpatient procedures.
Radical trachelectomy: This is another fertility-saving procedure.
Nearby lymph nodes will also be removed to check for spread.
Simple hysterectomy: More invasive cervical cancer may be treated with a simple hysterectomy.
Radical hysterectomy: Cancer that has spread outside the cervix and uterus may be treated with a radical hysterectomy.
In addition to the cervix and uterus, the parametria and uterosacral ligaments will be removed.
The upper part of the vagina, located next to the cervix, will also be removed.
Lymph nodes will be excised as well to check for cancer spread.
Pelvic exenteration: This extensive surgical procedure may be done in people whose cervical cancer has returned after treatment.
Your surgeon will remove all of the tissues taken out during a radical hysterectomy.
The bladder, vagina, rectum, and part of the colon will also be removed.
Lymph node removal: Several procedures may be recommended to remove nearby lymph nodes.
These procedures are typically done during surgeries such as a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapyuses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy is also used when cervical cancer returns.
Chemo medications may be given via intravenous infusion or orally.
You may be given one or several types of drugs.
Chemotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with radiation.
This treatment is referred to as concurrent chemoradiation.
Radiotherapy (Radiation)
Radiation may be used to treat cervical cancer at various stages.
In some instances, it may be used as a sole treatment.
It may also be done before or after surgery, or in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy drugs help your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Immunotherapy may be used alone or with chemotherapy to treat recurrent cancer.
Can Cancer Come Back?
Cervical cancer can come back months or years after treatment and remission.
Remission refers to the decrease or complete disappearance of cancer signs and symptoms.
Remission can be partial or complete.
Cancer that returns is known asrecurrence.
Cervical cancer recurrence may be resulting from cancer cells that were undetected at the time of treatment.
It can also be resulting from new cancer cell growth.
How Common Is Cervical Cancer Recurrence?
Recurrent cervical cancer can be challenging to treat.
However, treatments may be used to prolong life and keep you comfortable, active, and thriving.
What If Your Cancer Cannot Be Treated?
Stage 4 cervical cancer is usually considered incurable.
Its up to you how long you wish to continue with aggressive treatments at this stage.
Cancer treatments can also stop working.
Choose the ones you trust and feel most comfortable with.
This may be your oncologist, therapist, or hospital social worker.
Ask for their opinion on your options, including whether you should continue treatment or stop.
Finding out about clinical trials you may be eligible for can also be an option.
If it feels comfortable, talk to your loved ones and family members.
Your decisions will affect the people who love you.
Take advantage ofpalliative care optionsthat lessen your symptoms.
This will be a challenging time for you.
It may help to know that whatever decision you make for yourself will be the right one.
Summary
Cervical cancer is treatable and curable if it is caught early.
Cervical cancer is identified in stages, from 1 to 4.
The stage your cancer is in when you are first diagnosed can have an impact on your prognosis.
The higher the stage, the more spread that has occurred.
There are treatments for cervical cancer at every stage.
Stage 4 cervical cancer is usually incurable.
However, hope is always possible.
At this time, its vitally important to remain up-to-date and informed about your options.
Its also important to stay healthy and well-nourished.
Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and reducing stress as best you’re able to.
Whether or not your cancer is deemed curable, do your best to keep hope and serenity alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cervical cancer develops slowly.
It may be many years before cervical cells go from having abnormal changes to turning into invasive cancer cells.
You may also see blood in vaginal discharge.
Stage 4 cervical cancer is often not curable.
However, there may be clinical trials available that can provide options and hope.
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