What Is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
Thanks to ongoing innovation, cancer treatment options are expanding, and more patients are receiving personalized treatment based on their specific type of cancer, as well
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer for females globally. This form of cancer generally grows slowly and is relatively nonaggressive, enabling many women to achieve excellent treatment outcomes. However, successful treatment depend in large part on the stage at which cervical cancer is treated, making early diagnose very important
The oncologists who specialize in cervical cancer at Regional Cancer Care Associates are equipped with the latest therapies for treating cervical cancer and other cancers and blood disorders. With locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, Regional Cancer Care Associates provides individualized healthcare close to home.
Cervical cancer is the irregular growth of cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. It generally is a slow-growing malignancy, and it can be identified by cervical screenings, such as a Pap test or liquid-based cytology test. Further, one thing many patients should realize about this type of cancer is that it is highly preventable, as discussed below.
Five stages are used to indicate the severity, location, and spread of cervical cancer. They are:
Cervical cancer signs and symptoms may be absent or difficult to detect during Stage 0 or Stage I. Possible signs and symptoms during these stages include:
Cervical cancer symptoms during stages II to IV may include:
Though these signs could be unrelated to cervical cancer, it’s recommended that patients consult their physician if they experience any of the above or other unusual symptoms.
Patients can take several steps to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. Having regular Pap tests or other forms of cervical screening from ages 18 until 65, depending on the person and her health circumstances, are critical to detecting abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Typically, the earlier the disease is found and treated, the higher the survival rate. Factors that may increase the chance of developing the disease include:
A combination of cervical cytology and HPV tests is the most reliable way to identify the presence and nature of irregular cell growth in the cervix. If precancerous or cancerous cells are found, they may be treated with one or a combination of the following methods:
Laser surgery can be used to destroy precancerous surface-level cervical cells. Other surgical options for managing precancerous cells include a cone biopsy and a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP. When cells have become cancerous, hysterectomy – or removal of the uterus – along with excision of nearby lymph nodes often is performed.
Immunotherapy is a more-advanced, less-invasive way to eliminate cancerous cells while preserving healthy ones. One type of immunotherapy involves administration of monoclonal antibodies, which mark abnormal cells for the body’s immune system to remove.
Chemotherapy eliminates cancerous cells using oral or intravenous drugs. Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that seek out and destroy cancerous cells with specific mutations while not affecting healthy cells.
Patients with cervical cancer can find the latest evidence-based treatment options at Regional Cancer Care Associates. The compassionate, well-trained physicians of Regional Cancer Care Associates treat a range of cancers and blood disorders at multiple locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. Contact us or request an appointment today to learn more about cervical cancer stages and treatments.
Although you’re not alone in facing cervical cancer, no other woman shares your unique combination of health status, lifestyle, family situation and age. For these and many other reasons, your care at RCCA is equally unique. From your first appointment, through treatment, while managing side effects and during post-treatment care, your RCCA team will be dedicated to your very individual journey back to good health.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Thanks to ongoing innovation, cancer treatment options are expanding, and more patients are receiving personalized treatment based on their specific type of cancer, as well
Regional Cancer Care Associates’ expert oncologists and hematologists bring the latest cancer therapies, treatment strategies and clinical trials to convenience, community-based care centers near your home.
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When standard cancer treatments aren’t providing the results you want, clinical trials may offer hope. Our physicians use clinical trials to study new treatments, helping transform cancer care for the better. You can enroll in a clinical trial to try groundbreaking treatment plans at zero cost to you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.