Did You Know? About 4,000 women die from cervical cancer a year
Cervical Cancer is Predominately a Slow Developing Cancer, Leading to it Being Very Treatable with Regular Pap Tests for Diagnosis
When a patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancerous cells there are several different surgical options that a patient may be presented with. It is important to be informed about all options in order to make the best decision for your health.
Please use this guide as a resource for knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer and the various treatment options available to you.
01│Precancerous Procedures
When you have dangerous precancerous cells the following options may be available:
Cryosurgery- An instrument called a cryoprobe is inserted vaginally to access the cervix. Minus 50 degree cold nitrogen gas is expelled to chill the metal and forms ice on the cervix. The instrument is held in place for intervals of time which allows the ice to kill the abnormal cells.
Laser Surgery- A carbon dioxide laser is used on the on the cervix. The laser is used to remove dangerous cells and small sections of tissue to be analyzed.
Conization- This procedure involves the removal of a cone shaped portion of the cervix with a surgical, laser or wire knife intended to remove cancerous cells. If all cells are not removed during this procedure further treatment may be needed.
02│Cancer Procedures
After the cells have progressed to cancer the following procedures may be necessary for treatment:
Trachelectomy- This procedure removes the cervix and the upper part of the vagina but not the body of the uterus. An artificial opening of the cervix is created inside the uterine cavity. This procedure allows a woman to possibly carry a child and deliver via cesarean. The nearby lymph nodes are also removed using laparoscopy.
Simple Hysterectomy- This surgery removes the uterus (both the body of the uterus and the cervix) but not the structures next to the uterus (parametria and uterosacral ligaments). The vagina and pelvic lymph nodes are not removed. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are usually left in place unless there is another reason to remove them.
Radical Hysterectomy- This surgery involves removal of the uterus along with the tissues next to the uterus (the parametria and the uterosacral ligaments) and the upper part (about 1 inch) of the vagina next to the cervix. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are not removed unless there is some other medical reason to do so. This surgery is usually done through an abdominal incision. Often, some pelvic lymph nodes are removed as well
For more information on cervical cancer and other oncological conditions, please visit: http://www.cancer.org/
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References
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-treating-surgery
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-surgery
