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Radiation therapy for cervical cancer is a very complex treatment, and a key factor in its effectiveness is its administration. While Moffitt Cancer Center offers the very latest in radiation equipment and machines, the expertise and technical ability of our specialists are even more impressive, and truly set us apart as a cancer center. Our staff is comprised of professionals who specialize in radiation therapy, but also have extensive experience in a specific subspecialty, such as gynecological cancer, as well as a certain aspect of the radiation therapy planning and delivery process. Moffitt’s team sees more patients with cervical cancer in a single year than most radiation oncologists will see during their entire careers. In sum, the breadth and depth of Moffitt’s tumor site-specific expertise is unparalleled, and our patients can count on receiving radiation therapy designed for their type of cancer.

At Moffitt, our radiation treatment options incorporate advanced technologies that are designed to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors and alleviate pain. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other patient-specific factors, radiation therapy for cervical cancer can be administered either externally or internally as follows:

  • Internal radiation therapy – Also known as brachytherapy, internal radiation treatment involves the precise placement of radioactive “pellets” or other sources (radioactive substances sealed within needles, wires or catheters) directly into a woman’s body at or near the cancer site. Brachytherapy delivers a high dose of radiation while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Following the completion of a series of treatments, the sources are either removed or will disintegrate over time so that no radioactive substances will remain in the body.
  • External beam radiation therapy – A state-of-the-art machine, which is located outside the woman’s body, sends high-level X-rays or other types of radiation toward the cancer cells to destroy them or inhibit their growth. Each treatment lasts only a few minutes and is similar to undergoing a regular X-ray, but the radiation dosage is higher.

Radiation therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments for the local and regional management of cervical cancer and its symptoms. Through a unique combination of modern approaches and expert radiation oncology professionals, Moffitt is able to address complex cancers like cervical cancer with a range of sophisticated treatments. As a result, our patient outcomes and survival rates outrank national averages, and our patients enjoy an enhanced quality of life.

To learn more about radiation therapy for cervical cancer and other treatment options, contact us at 1-888-663-3488, or schedule an appointment using our new patient registration form. No referral is necessary to consult with the radiation oncologists specializing in cervical cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center.