All types of gynecological cancer can be treated to reduce symptoms and the chance of recurrence. The type of treatment that a patient will receive depends on their overall health and the type, location, and stage of cancer. The most common treatments for gynecological cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Often, these treatment methods are used in conjunction with each other to improve effectiveness.

Radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells, and stop it from growing or spreading to other parts of the body. The radiation damages the cancer cells and destroys their ability to multiply. The cells eventually die off, since the cancerous cells lack the ability to regenerate from radiation damage, while healthy cells heal over a short period. There are two types of radiation therapy, which are:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy – a machine directs concentrated beams of radiation at the tumor, affecting the cancer cells and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue.

• Brachytherapy – in a minor surgical procedure, small tubes are placed next to the tumor. The radiation oncologist places a small amount of radioactive material into the tubes, allowing for more direct radiation exposure to the cancer cells.

To determine which form of radiation therapy is best for your treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor. You can also learn more about radiation therapy at Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center by visiting our Types of Radiation Therapy page.

Surgery is commonly used as a treatment for gynecological cancers, effectively removing cancer tissue from the patient. In the case of internal gynecological cancers, the surgeon may perform a hysterectomy, which is a procedure in which the uterus and cervix are removed. It is also possible for the surgeon to remove the lymph nodes in order to prevent cancer from spreading.

Chemotherapy treats gynecological cancer by using various medications that target and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is unique compared to other treatment methods because the medication targets the whole body instead of an isolated area. The dosage and frequency of chemotherapy treatments will be determined by a medical oncologist.

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

1-800-685-5531
www.nccc-online.org

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

1-888-OVARIAN
www.ovarian.org

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

202-331-1332
www.ovariancancer.org

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

212-268-1002
www.ocrf.org

Share

1-866-891-2392
www.sharecancersupport.org

Women’s Cancer Network

312-578-1439
www.wcn.org

Also see Helpful Links