Cervical Cancer Treatments
Northwestern Medicine specialists work together to determine the best therapy or combination of therapies for your personal needs. 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.
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.
Dr. Emma Barber, a gynecologic oncologist at Northwestern Medicine, discusses a rare procedure called uterine artery-sparing trachelectomy for women undergoing cervical cancer treatment who want to preserve fertility and childbearing.
Barber is one of the only surgeons in the region who performs this procedure.
Barber is one of the only surgeons in the region who performs this procedure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clinical trials focus on new treatment options for cervical cancer. Your physician can discuss your eligibility for participating in a clinical trial.
