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.7
Chemotherapy may be given at the same time as radiation treatment (chemoradiation) to improve survival rates. Chemoradiation may be used as 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. 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
People sometimes use complementary therapies along with medical treatment to help relieve symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments. Some of the therapies that may be helpful include:
- Acupuncture. It can relieve pain and may help you deal with nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.
- Meditation or yoga. These mind-body treatments relieve stress. They may help you feel better and cope with treatment.
- Light massage (not deep tissue or intense pressure) or biofeedback. These can ease tension.
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Breathing exercises or aromatherapy. They can help you relax and feel less anxious.
These types of therapies also may reduce chronic low back pain, joint pain, headaches, and pain from treatments.
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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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