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Removing the cervix, uterus, and upper part of the vagina " � This is called a "radical hysterectomy " � (figure 2).Removing all or part of the cervix but leaving the uterus in place " � This type of surgery is done only in special situations.Radiation therapy " � Radiation kills cancer cells.Chemotherapy " � Chemotherapy is the term doctors use to describe a group of medicines that kill cancer cells. Women with cervical cancer usually receive chemotherapy at the same time as radiation therapy.
What if I want to get pregnant one day? " � If you want to have a baby one day, talk with your doctor before having treatment. Some women can still get pregnant after being treated for cervical cancer. But, a woman cannot get pregnant after some types of treatment, such as a hysterectomy, radiation therapy, or some types of chemotherapy. � �
Women are often able to get pregnant after other types of treatment. But they usually need to wait 6 to 12 months before they start trying to get pregnant, because their body needs time to heal. � �
What happens after treatment? " � After treatment, you will be checked every so often to see if the cancer comes back. Follow up tests can include exams, Pap tests, and X-rays. � �
What happens if the cancer comes back or spreads? " � If the cancer comes back or spreads, you might have more surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. � �
What else should I do? " � It is important to follow all your doctors instructions about visits and tests. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you have during treatment. � �
Getting treated for cervical cancer involves making many choices, such as which type of surgery to have. � �
Always let your doctors and nurses know how you feel about a treatment. Any time you are offered a treatment, ask: � �
- What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? Will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
- What are the downsides to this treatment?
- Are there other options besides this treatment?
- What happens if I do not have this treatment?
Can cervical cancer be prevented? " � In many cases, yes. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus) that is spread through skin-to-skin contact and sex. Vaccines that prevent people from getting infected with HPV are now available. Ask your doctor if and when you should get an HPV vaccine. This vaccine is available for men and women, and works best if a person receives it before he or she starts having sex. Also, treating precancer cells can keep them from turning into cervical cancer. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15414 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Female reproductive anatomy
These are the internal organs that make up a womans reproductive system.
Graphic 80271 Version 5.0
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Female reproductive anatomy
These are the internal organs that make up a woman's reproductive system.
Graphic 80271 Version 5.0
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figure 2
Radical hysterectomy
During a radical hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus and cervix, some of the tissue around the uterus and cervix, and a part of the vagina. It is not always necessary to remove the ovaries. The surgery is usually done through an opening in the belly. But it can also be done "laparoscopically". To do a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and tools through small openings in the belly. Then he or she removes the uterus and other tissues through the vagina.
Graphic 78941 Version 5.0
View Originalfigure 2
Radical hysterectomy
During a radical hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus and cervix, some of the tissue around the uterus and cervix, and a part of the vagina. It is not always necessary to remove the ovaries. The surgery is usually done through an opening in the belly. But it can also be done "laparoscopically". To do a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and tools through small openings in the belly. Then he or she removes the uterus and other tissues through the vagina.
Graphic 78941 Version 5.0
View Original
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �