Treatment

For Stage 0 (80% of all cervical cancers), treatment options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, conization, or hysterectomy.

The survival rates for radiation therapy and radical surgery are virtually equal for Stage I and IIA cervical cancer. Depending on the mutual decision of the physician and patient, surgical treatment permits preservation of ovarian function, takes less time, maintains the function of the vagina, decreases the possibility of recurrence locally, allows more accurate staging by assessing pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, and eliminates the possibility of radiation-induced injury to other pelvic organs.

Radiation therapy is the preferred treatment for higher stage cervical cancers, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

Cancer Directed Surgery—See the Surgery Chart.