Treatment Options for Stage 1 & 2 Cervical Cancer

 Conization (Cone Biopsy) – For Microinvasive Cancer (Stage 1A1)

• Definition: A surgical procedure that removes a cone-shaped section of abnormal cervical tissue, allowing both diagnosis and treatment in early-stage cancer.
• Procedure: Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or Cold Knife Conization (CKC).
• Ideal for: Small, localized Stage 1A1 tumors (women wishing to preserve fertility).
• Cost: €5,000 – €12,000
• Prognosis: 95-100% survival rate with clear margins.

 Radical Trachelectomy (Fertility-Preserving Surgery) – For Stage 1A2 & 1B1

• Definition: A surgery that removes the cervix and nearby tissues but preserves the uterus, allowing future pregnancy.
• Procedure: Performed laparoscopically or robotically, often with pelvic lymph node removal.
• Ideal for: Young patients with early-stage cervical cancer who want to have children.
• Cost: €15,000 – €35,000
• Prognosis: 90-95% survival rate with good pregnancy outcomes.

 Radical Hysterectomy (Standard Surgery for Stage 1B & Stage 2A)

• Definition: A surgery that removes the entire uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and nearby lymph nodes to prevent recurrence.
• Procedure: Performed robotically, laparoscopically, or via open surgery.
• Ideal for: Stage 1B2, 2A1, and some Stage 2 cases.
• Cost: €25,000 – €55,000.
• Prognosis: 85-90% survival rate when combined with radiation or chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy (For Stage 2 or Inoperable Cases)

Definition: The use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells, either as a standalone treatment or combined with chemotherapy.

Types:

•  External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers precise radiation to the pelvic region.
•  Brachytherapy: A form of internal radiation therapy, placing radioactive material near the tumor.
• Ideal for: Patients with Stage 2 cancer or high-risk Stage 1B tumors.
• Cost: €18,000 – €45,000
• Prognosis: Reduces recurrence risk by 40-50%.

Proton Therapy (For Precise Radiation Targeting & Organ Preservation)

• Definition: A highly advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers proton beams directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy organs (bladder, bowel, ovaries).
• Ideal for: Women with tumors near critical structures who want to preserve fertility.
• Cost: €50,000 – €90,000 per treatment plan
• Prognosis: Reduces long-term radiation side effects while maintaining tumor control.

Chemotherapy (For Stage 2 & High-Risk Cases)

• Definition: The use of anti-cancer drugs to shrink or eliminate tumors, often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation).
• Common drugs Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel.
• Ideal for : Stage 2B cases or when surgery is not an option.
• Cost: €10,000 – €30,000 per cycle
• Prognosis: Enhances radiation effectiveness & prevents spread.

 Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

• Definition: Precision medicine that blocks cancer growth signals (targeted therapy) or boosts the immune system (immunotherapy).
• Checkpoint Inhibitors (Pembrolizumab): Activates the immune system in PD-L1-positive tumors.
• Anti-VEGF Therapy (Bevacizumab) : Prevents blood vessel growth in tumors.
• Cost: €40,000 – €80,000 per treatment plan
• Prognosis: Increases survival in select patients.