If the cancer is only on the surface of the cervix, the doctor may destroy the cancerous cells in ways similar to the methods used to treat precancerous lesions. If the disease has invaded deeper layers of the cervix but has not spread beyond the cervix, the doctor may perform an operation to remove the tumor but leave the uterus and the ovaries. The gynecologic oncologist is specially trained to perform this complicated surgical procedure. In this procedure, the gynecologic oncologist removes the entire uterus and cervix as well as tissues in the immediate area. Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed as well.
Most patients receive both types of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is most often used when cervical cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The doctor may use just one drug or a combination of drugs. Anticancer drugs used to treat cervical cancer may be given by injection into a vein or by mouth. Either way, chemotherapy is systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream.