Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells in the cervix begin to multiply uncontrollably. It is usually caused by a type of sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatments for cervical cancer depend on the size and location of the cancer. The earlier it is found, the easier it is to cure it. Listed below are some of the different types of treatment methods for cervical cancer.

1. Chemotherapy
This is one of the most commonly used methods to treat cancer. Chemotherapy uses high doses of medication to destroy cancerous cells. For women with cervical cancer, chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy. The combination may lead to severe side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite.

2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy to destroy cancerous cells. It is usually combined with other treatments of cancer, such as chemotherapy. It may also be used before surgery for cervical cancer. After chemotherapy, a woman may fail to get pregnant.

3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy utilizes strong doses of medication that help interfere with the system that allows the growth of cancerous cells. In cervical cancer, immunotherapy is used to treat cancer that has recurred or spread to other parts of the body. This helps shrink the tumor or even delay the growth.

4. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy aims to find specific tissues, genes, or proteins that assist cancer in surviving and growing and destroys them. A person’s cells need to be tested to determine what kind of treatment is fitting. Targeted therapy may be paired with chemotherapy or another treatment method for better results. It helps slow down the growth of the tumor and treats cancer that has spread or recurred.

5. Surgery
Surgery is usually performed to remove parts of the body that are affected by cancer. Different types of surgeries are possible for cervical cancer. These include:

• Full hysterectomy
  In a full hysterectomy, the doctor removes the uterus and cervix. Sometimes, the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be done to check if cancer has spread. One may be unable to get pregnant after this surgery.
• Radical hysterectomy
  In this type of hysterectomy, the doctor removes the cervix, upper vagina, uterus, and some lymph nodes. This method is usually considered when cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
• Conization
  In this method, a doctor uses a thin wire or a laser to remove some or all of the cancerous tissue. It is used for early-stage cervical cancers that are visible using a telescope.
• Exenteration
  When cancer spreads despite radiation, exenteration is used. In this procedure, a doctor removes several parts such as the uterus, vagina, rectum, and sometimes, even the bladder.
• Trachelectomy
  This option is ideal for women with cervical cancer who wish to get pregnant after treatment. This is because trachelectomy ensures that the uterus is intact when the cervix and upper vagina are removed. This option is considered only for early-stage cervical cancers.