Cervical Cancer
Other Treatment
Radiation therapy is the standard treatment for certain stages of cervical cancer and often is used in combination with surgery.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from radiation material (radioisotopes) in thin plastic tubes inserted through the vagina into the cervical area where the cancer cells are found (intracavitary brachytherapy).
The two forms of brachytherapy used to treat cervical cancer include low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. LDR brachytherapy has been used the most in the past, but HDR brachytherapy takes less time and can be done on an outpatient basis. Both LDR and HDR appear to work about the same.16
Studies show that chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation treatment (chemoradiation) improves survival rates in stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IVA cervical cancer without significantly increasing the side effects of either treatment. Chemoradiation may also improve survival rates in stages IB and IIA for women with large tumors.8, 3 Compared with radiation alone, chemoradiation improves survival.9 It is usually used as the primary therapy or after a hysterectomy.
What to think about
Radiation may cause many side effects, including diarrhea and irritation of the bladder (radiation cystitis). Your ability to have or enjoy sexual intercourse may also be affected because radiation may cause changes to the cells lining the vagina (mucosa), making intercourse difficult or painful. A series of vaginal dilators, starting with a small one and progressing to a larger size, may be used after radiation therapy. Using the dilators can make the vaginal opening larger and help make sex less difficult or painful.
Radiation to treat cervical cancer may thin the bone and increase the risk of fractures in the pelvic area, including hip fractures. You can take steps to prevent thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Also, try to prevent falls, which can lead to fractures.17 For more information, see the topic Osteoporosis.
Radiation therapy may also be used to manage the symptoms that occur with incurable cervical cancer: this is called palliative care.
Other Treatment Choices
In addition to conventional medical treatment for cervical cancer, you may wish to try complementary therapies, such as:
- Acupuncture.
- Herbs.
- Biofeedback.
- Meditation.
- Yoga.
- Guided imagery.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements.
Complementary therapies are not a substitute for the standard treatment recommended for cervical cancer. Before you try any of these therapies, discuss their possible benefits and side effects with your doctor. Let him or her know if you are already using any such therapies. For more information, see the topic Complementary Medicine.
What To Think About
The combination of conventional medical treatment and complementary medicine is an approach sometimes termed integrative medicine, in which conventional and complementary therapies work together for the best outcome. Complementary therapies are not a substitute for the standard treatment recommended for cervical cancer.
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| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA | Last Updated: September 5, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kevin Holcomb, MD - Gynecologic Oncology | |
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