One needs to understand that treatment options for cervical cancer largely depend on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is in. For instance, radiation and surgery are best suited when cancer is at an early stage but for advanced cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation works better. However, you must discuss all treatment options with your doctor including their aims and possible side-effects.

Different treatment options for cervical cancer

1. Surgery
   This entails the removal of the cancerous tumor as well as some of the healthy tissues around it through an operation. The surgical procedure is typically performed by a gynecologist and oncologist. There are different kinds of procedures, depending on the stage of cancer. For small tumors, one can remove it entirely through a cone bioscopy. This ensures that the woman can become pregnant later on. There can also be a trachelectomy surgery for early stages of cervical cancer where the cervix and surrounding tissues are taken out. Since the uterus remains, the woman can conceive if she wants to. Hysterectomy is where the uterus and cervix are removed. This is done for treating early-stage cervical cancers. However, since the uterus is taken out here, the woman cannot become pregnant.
2. Radiation
   This is one of the treatment options for cervical cancer that uses high-energy X-rays for destroying cancerous cells. It is done by a radiation oncologist and radiation can be given alone or even prior to surgery to shrink the tumor. External beam radiation is most commonly used where radiation is given by devices outside the body. Implants are used to administer the beams internally. A combined approach seeks to prevent the recurrence of this cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are used together for the treatment of early-stage cancers. But there may be side-effects like mild skin reactions, fatigue, stomach disorder, etc. Internal radiation may cause bowel obstruction and abdominal pains. These typically disappear after the treatment is over.
3. Systemic therapy
   This uses medications for destroying cancer cells. Medicines are administered through blood and reach cancerous cells everywhere in the body. This is typically done by a medical oncologist. The procedure is carried out either through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. In chemotherapy, medicinal drugs are given for destroying cancer cells and it keeps these from dividing further and producing new cells. It is done over many cycles within a set time period. It can be given orally but for cervical cancer, medications are usually given through IV. Side-effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc. In targeted therapy, the idea is to block weaknesses inside cancer cells and cause these to die. This is usually alongside chemotherapy to handle more advanced cases. In immunotherapy, medications are given to make the immune system stronger to fight back. For cervical cancer, this is recommended for advanced cases or where no other treatment works.
4. Supportive (palliative) care
   This focuses on offering relief from pains or symptoms of any disease and the specialists will work with the family of the patient and the patient to give extra support for the ongoing treatment. This care is provided by a team of nurses and doctors and even some trained professionals to improve the individual’s quality of life.

To find the best treatment options, your doctor will have to do many tests to identify proteins, genes, and other factors that affect the tumor. Once this is done, it is best to not delay anymore to maximize the chances of a complete cure.