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CERVICAL CANCER
STAGES
- Stage 0 - carcinoma in situ: Cancer is limited to the
layer of cells lining the cervix.
- Stage I - Cancer has spread from the lining into deeper
cervical tissue. Cancer is still limited to the uterus.
- Stage II - Cancer has spread beyond the cervix, but not
outside of the pelvic region.
- Stage III - Cancer is extremely advanced and has spread
to other parts of the body.
PREVENTION
Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease. Smoking should
be eliminated and a diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables
should be implemented.
Young women should delay sexual activity until they are older.
The use of condoms should be routine, especially outside of a monogamous
relationship.
All women should have Pap tests done beginning at age 18, or when
sexual activity begins.
Women who are past menopause and/or have had their uterus removed
should still have regular Pap tests.
TREATMENT
Laser Surgery - Laser beam is used to burn off cells. This
is usually reserved for treatment of pre-invasive cervical cancer.
Cone Biopsy - Option only used for women with early cancer
who may want to have children, wherein a cone-shaped piece of tissue
is removed from the cervix.
Simple Hysterectomy - Uterus is removed. Pregnancy is not
possible after this surgery.
Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection - The
uterus, surrounding tissue, upper part of the vagina, and pelvic
lymph nodes are removed. Pregnancy is not possible after this surgery.
Pelvic Exenteration - In addition to the removals listed
with the radical hysterectomy, the vagina, bladder, rectum, and
portions of the colon may also be removed. This surgery is used
when cancer has recurred.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered orally or intravenously
to kill cancer cells. These anti-cancer drugs reach all parts of
the body via the bloodstream.
Radiation Therapy: High dose x-rays are used to kill cancer
cells.
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