Treatment for Invasive Cervical Cancer
Radiation therapy and surgery are about equally effective as a single option for treating very small cervical cancers in their earliest stages, with survival rates of up to 85% to 90% in appropriate patients. Factors influencing the choice between radiation therapy and surgery in women with invasive cancer include the patient's age and health and the extent of the disease. Both surgery and radiation therapy eliminate the possibility of having children in premenopausal women.
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Although treatments for cervical cancer have several potentially severe side effects, they are usually well-tolerated. Women undergoing any of these treatments should feel free to seek support groups and counseling, which can be as important for their outlook as medical therapies.
Choosing Between Surgery or Radiation in Early -Stage Cancer
Surgery. Surgery almost always involves a hysterectomy, an operation that removes the uterus and sometimes other areas in the pelvic region as well. It does not, however, usually impair sexual activity.
In general, surgery is the better choice when small cancers are confined to the cervix in women who wish to remain sexually active.
Radiation. Radiation treatments to the pelvis often inhibit ovarian function. Early menopause often occurs. Radiation also may cause vaginal scarring. Treatments are available that may reduce these problems and women should not be shy about discussing them with their doctor. Radiation therapy is usually the choice under the following circumstances:
- Cancers have spread beyond the cervix to the pelvis, lower vagina, and urinary tract.
- When certain tumor features indicate a high risk for recurrence after surgery.
Note: Important studies now strongly suggest that when radiation is used along with chemotherapy survival rates improve patients with stages IB to IVA compared to radiation alone. The benefits are greatest in stages I and II.
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