Cervix Cancer Treatment

Question: Pregnancy and Cervical Cancer Treatment? I have just been treated for cervical cancer and had the cells burnt off, while it came back and they found the cancer in the gland near my cervix, so they did radiation treatment, i have also been taking antidepressants for the last 6 months, i found out today that i am 6 weeks pregnant and my doctor and specialist have told me that it is best to terminate the pregnancy as the radiation and tablets can cause some serious birth defects, im devastated and wanting to know what other people think i should do, Any advice would be great thanks

Answer: Any procedure or medication that interferes with the functioning of the testes or ovaries affects fertility. The choices made before cancer treatment begins can determine whether the patient will remain fertile after treatment. Radiation is known to damage the highly sensitive sperm and eggs. Just as chemotherapy attacks healthy cells, so does radiation. If the area needing irradiation is the pelvis, the reproductive organs are at great risk of damage. When radiation is done to the pelvic area, women often experience a pause in menstruation, along with other symptoms of menopause. There may also be vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. Radiation may affect sexual desire as well. These changes may be temporary or permanent, and it may take up to a few years to determine if the effects were temporary or permanent. Since radiation can be harmful to the fetus, pregnancy during radiation therapy is contraindicated, and because the full effect of the radiation on fertility cannot be predicted. So, in your case it is highly recommended to terminate the pregnancy. I do not think there is any chance to save the pregnancy not to speak of other shortcomings and difficulties. Please do as advised by your doctor and do not worry or get depressed. If everything goes on alright you will get pregnant again and have a child depending on the severity of cancer and radiation treatment given to you. Best of luck. -

Question: Any complete cure for Cervix Cancer? A relative of mine has been diagnosed with cervix cancer stage 2. Apparently she doesn't want to seek any treatment because she feels that no matter what treatment she is having, she will die of this illness eventually... I told her to go for chemo but she said it will kill the cancer cells fast... but it will also kill her faster. Can she be completely cured of it? If yes, what treatments are available that I can recommend to her, just to let her have a piece of mind that she can be completely well. Thanks in advance!

Answer: I'm sorry, I am not sure that is as good as one would like to hope but here is what I found: Stage II: In stage II, cancer has spread outside the uterus to adjacent tissue, but has not reached the lower third of the vagina or all the way to the lateral wall of the pelvis. Five-year survival is 65 to 69 percent. Common treatment for stage II cervical cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy It is possible that she just doesn't want to put herself thru that. It is also very expensive and some do not want to leave that much debt for their relatives to take care of. My mom has breast cancer and her chemo is over $2000 a mo. The chemo has been extremely hard on her and is painful for me to watch. Also, some insurance companies won't cover the cost of treatment. My grandma also died of cervical cancer. My advice is to support her and tell her that you are there for her. I hope she seeks information from many different doctors because they can tell you many different things... My advice for her, if she hasn't already is to find a few recommended Dr.s and see what they say. Good Luck

Question: Can hpv and cancer cells inside the cervix be removed with laser treatments?

Answer: Laser is used in the treatments of abnormal cell changes. Here are some links to the information on this treatment Good luck with your treatment. I wish you well. http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC3476.HTM Laser Treatment of the Cervix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is Laser Treatment? Laser is a very strong and thin beam of light that can be focused on pinpoint areas of skin or abnormal cells. It destroys abnormal cells by burning or vaporizing them. Normal cells nearby are not harmed. Laser can be used to Treat "dysplasia" or abnormal cells with ablation or cone biopsy, Treat venereal warts Some of the advantages of Laser are that It can be used to treat the abnormalities of the cervix, vulva and vagina Some laser treatment can be done in the outpatient clinic There is less damage to normal cells during the treatment There is usually less bleeding than with surgery How is Laser done? Laser treatment can be done in the office or in the operating room as out-patient surgery. You will be given medicine to decrease cramping and to numb the area to be treated (or to put you to sleep if the procedure is being done in the operating room). Everyone in the room will wear special glasses and surgical masks. Because Laser burns or vaporizes cells, there will be a small amount of smoke present. A smoke evacuator is used to remove the smoke from the air. For laser ablation of the cervix (done in the clinic) the procedure may take approximately 5 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the abnormal area. Recovery time is minimal. Most women leave within 10 minutes following the procedure. Instructions after Laser Treatment of the Cervix You may have some vaginal discharge. It may be pink, blood tinged or dark brown. You may have spotting or bleeding for 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment. You should call a doctor if you soak greater than a maxi pad in one hour. You may have mild to moderate discomfort similar to menstrual cramps. You may take a pain medicine such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) as directed to relieve this discomfort. DO NOT have intercourse, douche or use tampons for three weeks, unless given other instructions by your doctor. This helps with healing and reduces the risk of bleeding or infection. You may take a tub bath or shower. You may return to work and your normal activities the day after your treatment. If ANY of the following happen, please call the clinic immediately: Fever above 100 degrees or 38 degrees C. Vaginal bleeding heavier than a menstrual period or soaking of a maxi pad in one hour. Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by pain medicine. If you normally have monthly periods but the next month you do not have a period, please call. Additional Instructions Follow-up Pap smears are recommended 6 months and 12 months - treatment, then annually if normal. http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/obgyn/patedu/cancer/lasertreat.html

Question: severe cervix pre-cancer at 24? on my 6 week follow up after giving birth to my baby 3 years ago,i had a abnormal pap.the doctor said,it happens to many women and he did a cervix freeze.i went for a pap every 6 months as the doctor told me to.1 year later,abnormal pap again,they said they need to remove some tissue on my cervix.they removed in 3 places on my cervix.now,1 month ago,i found out,that i have severe pre-cancer and i need to be hospitalized to have my cervix removed with a laser-treatment.i have been married for 4 years,had sexual contact with my husband only,went to get a pap every 6 months.i have had a iud(mirena)for 1,5 years now.can someone help me to understand how i got severe pre-cancer of the cervix ,even though i had a pap every 3-6 months for the past 3 years.it does not run in my family history.can someone please help me?im scared of that laser treatment.is there anything i can do to make it go away?

Answer: Hi My situation is completely different from yours and yet very alike (I've had severe pre-cancer that's been treated already and going in for another session). I can completely sympathize with you as I am going through the same pre-cancer situation and it will be ongoing for the rest of my life. I've been dealing with a situation that has affected my womanly parts for the past 9 years. I'm late 20's myself. HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a strain of virus that can cause genital warts or pre-cancer of the cervix. It can be passed on from partner to partner even with condoms since the man's base of his penis is still in contact with your skin...it's skin on skin. Another thing, the HPV may not have been from your husband if you've had partners before him. HPV is not usually something that can be confirmed through tests on a man...unfortunately, it's not like the other STD's. A lot of women get HPV without knowing and it goes away on its own. I'm guessing (I'm not doctor k) the birth of your child may have caused some stress to your cervix and possibly aggravated the virus, causing it to react the way it has. I understand why the doctors had you go through so many series of different options. They like to use laser as one of the last options since it's the most stressful to the body. I'm not sure how it became severe pre-cancer in a month but everyone's bodies are different. It doesn't need to run in the family for this one...it's something that only affects women. There truly isn't anything you can do to make it go away. I wish I could say yes. Only time can tell what will happen next and you may be fighting this beyond this treatment. I'm not trying to scare you but you just never know. I have a feeling there's a lot more to your story but you can only put so much in answers as I can respond with. I can't tell you to not be scared but I can tell you to keep yourself educated about this. Talk to doctors. Tell them about your fears. Make sure you know what is going to happen in each procedure and what the next steps will be. Being self aware will help you stay upright. Make sure your husband knows what's going on...I'm sure your sexual life has had to take some breaks recently. He may not understand and it may help to have him part of a session with you and your doctors. My honest opinion...you're going to be okay. Good luck!

Question: PLZ SUGGEST ME AYURVEDIC TREATMENT AGAINST CANCER? my mother is a cancer patient(uterus with cervix and bilateral tubes), Plz suggest me for ayurveda is effective on it against alopathy(keemo & radio)?

Answer: You are posting this question in the United States section and we do not use Ayurveda to treat cancer.

Question: i have stage 1 cervical cancer and need treatment? asap. i wont be able to have children after i get the treatment. I dont know much about it even though my doctor has tried to explain it to me. all i know is i am having surgery to try to remove the cancer on nov 10th, i wont be able to have children anymore, and after nov 10th they will do a pathology report and be able to tell me if they removed all of the cancer. i am so stressed out and sickened by this. my cervical cancer is from HPV which makes it worse. Sometimes i just dont want to get the treatment and die a slow horrible death. When I tell people i have cervical cancer, they think im a slut. It really hurts. would you go and get a hysterecomy and get treatment?? I mean, im going to be put to sleep and they are also going to have to remove my cervix and stuff

Answer: To save my life, YES I WOULD...in a heartbeart. No you may not be able to have kids, but you still have your LIFE. You could always adopt, have a surrogate, etc.

Question: Treatment for cells on cervix....i'm scared? I have been referred to see a gynaecologist as i keep have bleeding and really bad pain after sex and a blood stained discharge. I had a smear test and tests for STI's. Both tests came back normal, however during my smear i was told i have a circle of cells on my cervix and the doctor is worried they may turn cancerous as i get older as cervical cancer runs in my family. I may have to have laser treatment on these cells but i'm really scared as no-one has actually told me what this involves. Has anyone had it, does it really hurt? Can anyone tell me the technical name for this 'laser' treatment so i can look it up? It might help put my mind at ease? And what the hell is a coloscopy? It sounds like a torture device!!

Answer: I've had a colposcopy, it's not torturous by any means. The worst part is period-like cramping and a bit of bleeding, but ibuprofen and panty liners solve those problems. It's like a pap smear, but a small plug of tissue is removed so the suspicious cells can be analyzed. The "laser therapy" is called laser ablation, where a beam of light vaporizes the cells believed to be harmful. It has a much faster healing time than other methods, and involves very minor discomfort. Again, it's done like a pap smear, where you just hang out in the stirrups for a while and then go home. Neither one is really scary, and it's good that you're keeping up with your health and getting these cells treated. Precancerous cells don't always develop any farther, but it's always better to be safe.

Question: Mum might have swine flu. Not quite sure what to do.? Okay so my mum has come home from work today, (she works claims in asda so is around the public quite a bit) and in the past couple of hours she has been saying that she feels sick and achy all over and has a headache etc. She dosent really complain that often when she is ill and usually takes like illness in her stride. I mean she went to work while having cervix cancer treatment! So I bet she feels worse than she is letting on. I know im probably overreacting but Im worried she has swine flu and wont go to the doctors to check. So I was wondering what me and my brother can do to help her because I have never seen her this bad before just from like normal illness. Also what can we do to not catch anything from her? Plus anything else I need to know? Thanks :)

Answer: Don't worry too much about the swine flu thing. It sounds like a bad flu but that sounds just as bad as a regular flu. Tell her to get to a doctor though. Even the suspicion should be checked out.

Question: friend had some kind of cold treatment on her cervix? was it cancer or pre cancerous cells cant remember what the doc called it

Answer: It is called cryosurgery... very basic procedure. In and out. It is not really surgery, but that is what it is called. They freeze the cancer cells to kill and remove them, the same as you would a wart on your hand. They freeze precancerous cells. It has not yet become cancer.

Question: I was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, They are removing part of my cervix, can I still have children? I am curious to how long it will take to heal? And if anyone e;se has had the treatment? If so, tell me more...Please

Answer: I would assume so, if they're 'only' removing part of your cervix. It's likely that you'd have to be carefully monitored from late second trimester through your third trimester, and the obstetrician may need to put a stitch in your cervix or a ring to help keep it closed until you're ready to deliver. This is definitely something you should discuss with your oncologist.

Question: What is a natural way to deal with menopause? I had cancer of the cervix, and the radiation treatment threw me into early menopause. What is a natural alternative to hormones?

Answer: As far as I know, and I have read all the latest info about natural alternatives to hormones, nothing really helps. The only remedy (partly a remedy) was to take some of the anti-anxiety medication like Prozac etc. Of course there are natural anti depressants (look at this site) http://www.menopause.realage.com/content.aspx/topic/17 but I am not sure how well they alleviate the symptoms. I wish I kept these medical journals I get to give you the reference. If I find it I will let you have it.

Question: Abnormal bleeding, post coidal and random...confirmation of cervical erosion by MD last week, cancer? I have experienced some abnormal bleeding the last two months, not much, until the last time I had intercourse with my boyfriend - then I bled a fair bit but it was too early for my period. I went to the MD who suspected it may be chlamydia (which I doubt) because I was also suffering some itching (which I thought was due to possible yeast infection). She also confirmed a cervical erosion. I had been using douche (which I normally don't) and a spermicidal gel and thought the itching was due to that, but when I had the bleeding I became concerned. I have a history of severe dysplasia (pre-cancer) of the cervix which was treated and am very concerned that it may have developed again and this could be the cause of the bleeding. I don't have any signs or symptoms of chlamydia and only had itching that subsided after treatment for a yeast infection. My last pap was in Dec or Jan and it was normal. I should get results this week. About what should I be concerned? I have received word that I was negative for Chlamydia or any other active STD. I am very concerned now that I may get bad news about my pap. I do hear that cervical erosions can spontaneosly occur and then heal without complications, but with my history I didn't know if maybe I had a greater chance of a problem.... anyone have any experience with this?

Answer: That's great that your tests came back negative! It is true that cervical erosions can heal on their own, but I would tend to be concerned about your pap results. All you can do now is wait and see, but I would remain on pelvic rest until you know for sure. It's also a good opportunity for you and your boyfriend to get tested and establish a baseline, make sure you are both disease free, and remain monogamous. Good luck! I hope your results are good. You can increase your intake of folic acid and try to avoid doing things that change the pH of your vagina (douching, ejaculation without withdrawal or use of condom, chemical spermicides....). Your pH and good nutrition and immune system are your best defenses against recurrent dysplasia.

Question: Have HPV virus. Had treatment & it's cleared. Wont I get it back off my husband though? I had laser treatment done to remove cervical cells that were affected from the virus (pre-cancer cells). After treatment and other tests the gyno told me that my body had cleared it's self of the virus. I'm married though and are assuming that my husband would also have the virus. We are both wondering if I would just catch it back off him and would again be in danger of damage to my cervix? The gyno never mentioned anything about my husband and the virus. Wouldn't it just be a vicious circle where if our bodies rid of the virus we just keep passing it back and forth? Confused.... please don't answer unless you have knowledge of a similar situation or are a professional. I really need to get serious info on this one. Thanks!

Answer: The virus will always be in your system There is no cure. Your husband needs to be checked out. He may not have it yet, unless he's the one that gave it to you. Men can be carriers without having symptoms. Ask your doctor all the questions you are asking us. He should have told you.

Question: enlarged cervix? I had a colposcopy done Wed. She removed a couple of polyps and mentioned cysts. She said my cervix is enlarged and she's not sure why. She took a couple of biopsies, we'll get the results next week but she doesn't think I have cancer. Last pap was normal and negative for HPV. Has anyone else been told their cervix was enlarged and was there any treatment? She said it could be from the cysts or from fibroids or maybe another thing or two and I might need to have a D&C. I had one after a miscarriage so I know what it is. I'm just wondering what other people have had done.

Answer: I don't understand why a D&C would be recommended for a cervical anomoly. Remember you're always free to obtain a second opinion, so I'd try to avoid a D&C unless the doctor can show JUST cause that the problem with your cervix is directly related to your endometrium (the lining of your uterus -- that's what they scrape away with a D&C). I might lean more toward an infection of the cervical tissues, or it COULD be the cysts - especially if they're very swollen and filled with fluids. Be sure to not just take this person's recommendations at face value....

Question: I have hpv, how possible is to have cancer?? I already have imiquimod, cryosurgery, and some other treatments, however yesterday my doctor ask me again for a biopsy in to order to see whats is going on because he said that I have some abnormal cells in my cervix

Answer: Click this link and look for bmalt34, that's my answer for you. Hope it helps! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmSzQWC6YPnuXleC8Uv7nvTty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080423223625AAZz2PI&show=7#profile-info-IPjcYTNJaa

Question: Pre-Cancerous cells in the cervix? what happens when a pre-cancerous cells are discovered after a smear test (pap test) for cervical cancer? what sort of treatment do they get and how long is the treatment?

Answer: Usually treatment in the way of laser treatment. I was first diagnosed with HPV at age of 28 had one laser treatment (life saving). Monitored through a doctor every 6 months for 2 years, I got the all clear but was not vigilant on my check ups, it came back and had more laser surgery when I was about 40 and the Dr told me I was close to cancer! Since then I have not missed an appointment with my specialist and just last year I was given the all clear ... not forever but for 2 years. Websites; health.qld.au/cervicalscreening/women.hpv There is now a vaccine so I recommend you look into it. When I was young the worst thing that could happen to you was to have an unplanned pregnancy. Nobody told me about this life threatening disease, and guess what, males can have it, pass it on and have no symptoms or effects!