Tuesday, November 17, 2009

End Stage Cervical Cancer Treatment

As of 2009, over 4,000 women die from cervical cancer every year in the United States. There are treatments for those with end stage cervical cancer which include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and drugs with platinum compounds.


Identification


End stage cervical cancer is often referred to as stage 4 cervical cancer.


Definition


Oncologists diagnose stage 4 cervical cancer when tumors are found outside of the cervix and surrounding lymph nodes, including nearby organs such as the bladder or rectum.


Treatment


Most treatments for stage 4 cervical cancer include radiation therapy and a platinum compound such as carboplatin or cisplatin. Doctors also recommend participation in clinical trials and experimental treatments.


Alternative








Oncologists often suggest palliative treatment when the chances of successfully fighting the cancer are low. Palliative care options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are prescribed to treat the symptoms rather than to fight the cancer.


Prognosis


According to the American Cancer Society, end stage cervical cancer patients have a 16% chance of surviving after five years.

Tags: cervical cancer, stage cervical cancer, cervical cancer, radiation therapy, stage cervical, stage cervical