Cervical cancer is the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix. It may originate in this part and spread to nearby organs if undetected. You may be advised to perform routine tests to check its presence and eliminate possibilities of its onset. Cervical cancer treatment is advanced these days. Various new methods and medications are offered in a customized treatment plan that helps address individual issues. One such treatment is chemotherapy or chemo.

It may be one of the oldest forms of treatment, but it is considered effective in eliminating cancer growth in a majority of patients. Chemo may be suggested as the primary treatment or as a supplement to another treatment plan such as radiation therapy:

1. What you should know about chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the adoption of medications in treating cancer. It is a cytotoxic drug that eradicates the malignant cells. Usually, it is administered intravenously and maybe a reliable method in killing these anomalous cells. Doctors may prescribe chemo for patients with recurring cancer or cancer that has spread extensively. A few prominent drugs used in chemotherapy are:

• Carboplatin
• Topotecan
• Gemcitabine
• Cisplatin
• Paclitaxel

2. Concurrent chemotherapy

Cervical cancer treatment through chemotherapy may include a combination of one or more chemo drugs in addition to concurrent chemotherapy, which includes both radiation and chemo in intervals. It is commonly recognized that an interspersed type of treatment, consisting of chemotherapy and radiation increased the productivity of radiation therapy. However, the actual treatment plan will be prepared by your oncologist after considering your medical health protocols and other eminent factors.

3. Side effects

A major effect of chemo may be the reduction of white blood cells. As it is open knowledge that these cells make our immune system, cancer patients experience a lowered immunity against infections. Excessive bleeding from cuts and injuries may be an outcome of chemo, since the body lacks blood platelets during this treatment. Breathlessness or scarcity of oxygen is normal in such patients owing to the decreased blood counts. Hence, they are required to take adequate measures to safeguard their daily health. Sadly, when radiation and chemo are administered together, the patient may experience heightened side effects. In addition to these discomforts, they could develop skin rashes, joint pain, body imbalance, and hearing issues.

4. Palliative care with chemotherapy
Chemo serves two purposes effectively. Firstly, it may be the accepted form of treatment for certain patients and offers high chances of erasing cancer altogether. Secondly, in conditions of further penetration, where it is expanded away from its origin, chemo drugs may not eliminate cancer. However, it does work well to decrease the intensity of the tumor and provide some relief from the long-term pain of the patient and could enable them to feel better. This type of treatments are referred to as palliative chemotherapy.

Cervical cancer can be managed by careful treatment and care. Moreover, precise pre-diagnostic tests are developed for women to follow periodically and maintain their health. Cervical cancer is a disease that can be treated with proper analysis. Modern types of treatment for cervical cancer help patients live a better life.