Treatments

Cervical Cancer Treatments

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on your overall health, extent of the disease and your tolerance for various therapies. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for cervical cancer is surgical removal of the tumor, the affected organ, as well as the para-aortic or groin lymph nodes. Depending on your condition, you may receive minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci® surgical system.
• Radiation therapy: External beam therapy sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Internal radiation (brachytherapy) uses small, radioactive seeds or capsules that are implanted directly in the tumor. This allows for a higher dose of radiation for a shorter course of treatment.
• Hormone therapy: Your physician may ask you to take a hormone receptor test to determine if the hormones in your body are causing your cancer cells to grow. If so, hormone therapy can help prevent the growth, spread and recurrence of cervical cancer.
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Part of the chemotherapy treatment for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer can be administered directly into the abdominal cavity. This approach has significantly improved long-term survival for appropriate patients.
• Clinical trials: Clinical trials focus on new treatment options for cervical cancer. Your physician can discuss your eligibility for participating in a clinical trial.

Northwestern Medicine specialists work together to determine the best therapy or combination of therapies for your personal needs.