What surgical options are available? (6/6)
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Surgery, radiotherapy, medication - there are many ways to treat cervical cancer. Your gynaecologist and oncologist will carefully weigh up with you which approach is best suited to your circumstances.
Cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy or medication, i.e. chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of two or three treatment types may be the best approach. Support and psycho-oncological care can help restore your emotional and physical well-being following cancer treatment.
Surgical options
Your gynaecologist will propose a treatment plan based on the size, type and extent of the cancer. With smaller tumours and precancerous stages, a cone biopsy may be sufficient. If this is not deemed suitable, other procedures will be considered.
- Removal of part of the cervix: should you still wish to have children, a trachelectomy is an alternative treatment. During this procedure, up to two thirds of the cervix are removed whilst the womb and inner mouth of the uterus are conserved. Experts only recommend this intervention if the cancer is localised and no lymph nodes are affected.
- Hysterectomy - removal of the womb: if you no longer wish to have children or if the cancer is more advanced, your gynaecologist will normally recommend removal of the entire womb. Doctors will attempt to conserve the ovaries of younger patients so that hormones can still be produced. In the case of women who have already gone through the menopause, both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are normally removed.
- Surgery when neighbouring organs are also affected: if the cancer has spread to the pelvic wall, bladder or bowel, more extensive surgery may occasionally be proposed. An artificial opening for urine and faeces can then be created. This operation is also an option should the cancer return.
- Removal of the lymph nodes: cancerous cells can spread to the lymph nodes located on the pelvic blood vessels and along the main artery. To improve the chances of recovery, it may be helpful to have these lymph nodes surgically removed.
Your gynaecologist or treatment team will inform you of the possible risks, advantages and disadvantages and recommend the best treatment for you. You can, of course, consult other experts and get a second medical opinion
Ihre Frauenärztin oder Ihr Behandlungsteam werden Sie über mögliche Risiken sowie Vor- und Nachteile aufklären und die passende Therapie für Sie empfehlen. Selbstverständlich können Sie sich an weitere Experten wenden und eine ärztliche Zweitmeinung einholen.
Additional measures
Tumours can be treated with radiotherapy in addition to or as an alternative to surgery. Ionising radiation is directed at the tumour tissue in order to destroy it. The radiation is applied to a strictly circumscribed area in order to spare the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation can be administered from the outside through the skin or from the inside through the vagina. Chemotherapy is often also prescribed for advanced cervical cancer. Drugs known as cytostatics, which act throughout the body, can inhibit the growth of the tumour and destroy it.
Rehabilitation
Once you have completed the treatment phase, post-treatment care begins. This includes regular check-ups with your gynaecologist. Following your cancer treatment, you may also attend a rehabilitation programme. This is designed to help you cope with the consequences of your disease and recover both mentally and physically. These programmes are offered in special rehabilitation clinics after your cancer treatment and comprise sport and relaxation exercises, strength training, nutritional advice and psychological counselling.
You are not alone:
Psycho-oncologists will be on hand throughout your treatment to discuss any questions and concerns you may have. They can help you and your family members cope with the emotional stress of cancer and offer practical advice, for example on returning to work, relationships and sex. You also have access to a whole range of special offerings focusing on relaxation, sport and diet. Cancer advice centres and self-help groups may also be of assistance.