What Is Stage 2 Cervical Cancer?

Stage 2 cervical cancer involves abnormal cancer cells which are present on the cervix as well as the upper portion of the vagina. In some cases, cancer cells may also be found in the tissues surrounding the uterus. Treatment options for stage 2 cervical cancer may include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. In some cases, some of these treatment options may be combined. Any questions or concerns about stage 2 cervical cancer or the most appropriate treatment options on an individual basis should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Radiation therapy is the most common form of treatment for stage 2 cervical cancer. This form of treatment is usually given both internally and externally. For internal treatment, a small radiation device is implanted near or directly inside the cancerous tissue, working to shrink the tumor and destroy cancer cells. External radiation therapy focuses beams of radiation on the abnormal cancer cells. In many cases, external radiation therapy is used before the device is inserted for internal radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy may be used as a form of treatment for stage 2 cervical cancer. This form of treatment is often used following a round of radiation therapy. This type of treatment may also be used at the same time as radiation therapy. Chemotherapy involves the use of a combination of drugs which are comprised of various strong chemicals designed to slow progression of the cancer as well as destroy cancer cells which are already present.

Side effects of using radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat stage 2 cervical cancer are very similar. These side effects often include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of hair. Medications may be given during and after treatment in order to reduce the amount of nausea and vomiting which occurs as a result of these treatment methods.

Surgical intervention may be chosen by the treating physician as the best form of treatment for stage 2 cervical cancer. A radical hysterectomy is usually the chosen surgery for this purpose. This type of hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus, cervix, a portion of the vagina, and surrounding lymph nodes. In more severe cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may need to be removed as well. A woman is no longer fertile after her uterus has been removed, and she may need to go on hormone replacement therapy for the remainder of her life, depending upon the advice given by her physician.