Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix and can lead to unusual bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual cycles, or after menopause; bloody and foul-smelling vaginal discharge; pelvic pain; or painful intercourse. Several traditional treatment options for cervical cancer help shrink a tumor or stop disease progression, but treatment varies based on the symptoms and severity.

This article discusses some of the common treatment options for cervical cancer.

1. Surgery
Surgery is one of the traditional treatment options for cervical cancer and is performed to remove the cancerous tumor from the cervix. The surgical procedures used to treat the disease include the following:

• Conization
  In the case of an early diagnosis, the tumor is removed using cone biopsy. The procedure derives its name from the cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue removed during surgery, leaving the rest of the cervix as it is. Cone biopsy can be used to remove microinvasive cancer.
• Radical trachelectomy
  This surgical procedure is used to treat cervical cancer in the early stages. This procedure involves the removal of the cervix, but the uterus is left intact. It is used for patients who want to preserve their fertility.
• Hysterectomy
  This surgical procedure is performed in advanced cases of cervical cancer, and it can be simple or radical. Simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the cervix and uterus, while radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, cervix and the tissue around it, upper vagina, and pelvic lymph nodes.

2. Chemotherapy
This treatment option uses strong medications to kill cancer cells and works by stopping or slowing their growth. Chemotherapy is used to treat all forms of cancer, ease the symptoms, and shrink a tumor before surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be administered intravenously or orally through pills, capsules, or oral liquids. The dosage depends on the symptoms and their severity.

3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells using high-powered energy beams like X-rays or protons. The most common type of this traditional treatment option for cervical cancer is external-beam radiation therapy, which involves radiation being given from an external machine. On the other hand, internal radiation therapy is given through implants. This therapy may be given alone for treatment, or it may be given before or instead of surgery to shrink the tumor.

4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, boosts the immune system to fight the disease. It is used to treat cervical cancer that has recurred or spread during or after chemotherapy treatment. Different types of this immunotherapy can cause varying side effects, including skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, fluctuations in weight, and diarrhea.

These traditional treatment options for cervical cancer can help fight the disease and improve patients’ quality of life. One can consult their doctor about the side effects and weigh the pros and cons of each method to formulate a suitable treatment plan.