The short answer
Cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage. Early cancer may be treated with surgery, while more advanced cancer is often treated with radiation combined with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used for some cases.
Treatment depends on the stage of the cervical cancer.
Very early cancer may be treated with surgery that can sometimes preserve fertility.
More advanced cancer is often treated with radiation plus chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used for some cervical cancers.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage. Early cancer may be treated with surgery, sometimes in a way that preserves fertility, while more advanced cancer is often treated with radiation combined with chemotherapy.
Early cancer
Very early cervical cancer may be treated with surgery. Depending on the situation, some procedures can preserve the ability to have children, so it is worth discussing fertility with your team before treatment.
Some early cervical cancer treatments can preserve fertility — ask about this early.
More advanced cancer
More advanced cervical cancer is often treated with radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation). Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are options for some cases.
Preventing cancer
Precancerous changes found by screening can be removed or treated before they become cancer — one of the main ways cervical cancer is prevented. Ask about the goals of treatment, side effects, and clinical trials.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸How is early cervical cancer treated?
Very early cervical cancer may be treated with surgery. Depending on the situation, some procedures can preserve the ability to have children, which is worth discussing.
▸How is more advanced cancer treated?
More advanced cervical cancer is often treated with radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are options for some cases.
▸What about precancerous changes?
Precancerous changes found by screening can be removed or treated before they become cancer, which prevents many cervical cancers.
▸What guides treatment?
The stage of the cancer, your health, and whether you wish to preserve fertility all help guide the treatment plan.
Questions to ask your doctor
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