Cervical cancer refers to the type of cancer wherein there is an abnormal growth in the cervix and it begins to invade other tissues and organs in the body. If the cancer is invasive, the deeper tissues of the cervix may be affected, and then it may affect other parts of the body. Radiation therapy is the type of cervical cancer treatment that involves the use of high energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.

A radiation oncologist specializes in this technique of removing cancer cells with the help of radiation. While radiation therapy is used to treat cancer, it may also be used before treatment to reduce the size of the tumor:

1. Types of radiation therapy

There are different types of radiation therapies that may be used to treat a patient or decrease the size of the tumor. Among the most common types of radiation treatments is external-beam radiation therapy. In this type, radiation is given outside the body with the help of a machine. Another type of radiation therapy is by using implants, which is brachytherapy or internal radiation therapy. In a complete radiation therapy treatment, a combination of both types is involved, and radiation is given on the outside as well as from the inside. Recurrence, or the chances of cancer coming back, is fairly reduced with the help of this technique. This technique, however, involves a longer duration of time.

2. Cervical cancer treatment during an early stage

A combination of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy is used if the cancer is in its initial stages. The combination helps increase the effectiveness of cervical cancer treatment. The strategy is usually used to increase the chances of treating cancer without actually having to perform surgery. Also, the combination can be used to get rid of any microscopic cancer that may remain after surgery is done.

3. Effects of radiation therapy

Fatigue, mild skin reactions, loose bowel movements, and upset stomach are just some of the side effects of radiation therapy. Similarly, among other side effects of internal radiation therapy, the only ones vaguely common are abdominal pain and bowel obstruction. Once the treatment is over, the side effects usually get cured. The radiation, however, may lead to loss of elasticity in the vaginal area, thus making several women use a vaginal dilator. A vaginal dilator is a cylindrical object made of plastic or rubber that is inserted in the vagina to avoid narrowing. If external beam radiation has been performed on women, they lose the ability to become pregnant. If ovaries are not surgically moved out of the pelvis, women who are in the premenopausal phase will enter menopause.

During radiation therapy, doctors may also advise patients to not have sexual intercourse. Women may choose to resume sexual activity after a few days upon the completion of radiation therapy.