Types of treatment for cervix cancer – Part 2

 

Hi, there are treatments out there for cervix cancer and l have tried to explain them….l had laser treatment and there was cramping for weeks afterwards and a pink discharge.

Diathermy and laser treatments:

Diathermy and lasers treatment are only used if the abnormal cells are only

on the outer part of the cervix, then the dysplasia can be treated by using heat. The method, called electro-diathermy, uses electric currant to produce heat which destroys the cells. This treatment has a 98 percent cure rate after a single treatment and is used to treat even the most severe dysplasia. Laser treatment, using a laser beam to destroy the abnormal cells, may be used instead of the diathermy. Both of these treatments can be preformed either while awake or a sleep. Most women who have this treat are in the day surgery unit and you will be in the hospital for around 4 hours. You have to fast and have nothing to eat before surgery.  After the surgery you may have no pain or cramping pain rather like a period pain – this is normal. The treated area will take a few weeks to heal and there may be some pink discharge and your period might come early. If you have any heavy bleeding you need to contact your doctor or hospital….you may be asked to use some cream to help it heal or antibiotics

Cone biopsy:

The cone biopsy is a minor operation to remove a cone-shaped piece of the cervix, including the abnormal cells. A cone biopsy may be recommended in the following circumstances.

• The abnormal cells extend into the endocervical canal. In older women who have had children there is a greater chance of needing a cone biopsy because the transformation zone is in the canal. The abnormal cells can therefore not be seen by colposcopy.
• The smear test repeatedly shows abnormal cells but the colposcopy is normal. The abnormal cells may be coming from the canal.
• The Pap smear has shown abnormal endocervical (columnar) cells.
• The doctor is concerned that the abnormal cells have actually formed a very early cancer.

The cone biopsy is examined carefully to make sure that all the abnormal cells have been removed and to confirm the diagnosis. As well as making an accurate diagnosis, the cone biopsy is usually an effective way to curing the problem at the same time. For a cone biopsy you need to be in hospital for at least one day but usually two. On the day you are admitted you will have a chance to talk to the doctor about the operation. The operation is performed on the day of admission, you will be given a general anesthetic, when the anesthetic has worn off there is usually little discomfort. You may be packed with gauze after the operation to stop bleeding. They will be removed before you leave hospital. The following 2 weeks you will need to avoid too much physical activity, particularly any lifting as there is a slight risk of bleeding. There may be some pink discharge and your period might come early. If you have any heavy bleeding you need to contact your doctor or hospital.

 There are also some other treatments as well that might have to be preformed, if you need them

Hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus.

Radiotherapy - the use of x-rays to destroy the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy - anti-cancer drugs that stop cancer cells from multiplying.

Check ups after treatment

These are to make sure all the abnormal area has been treated and that the cervix has healed well. You will need another colposcopy examination after 3 months. If all is well, the examination is repeated 6 months later and then again 12 months after that. You will then be asked to see your GP for yearly smear tests. Your GP will be informed by the clinic of the results of your tests and treatments.