Patient's question:
Mother was referred to Xi'an Tangdu Hospital for postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. On January 29, 2019, she was diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma stage 4B. The gynecological experts at the hospital said that surgery was not possible and directly referred her to the radiotherapy department for radiotherapy. After consulting with the radiotherapy department, they said that the earliest appointment was available in about ten days before treatment could be initiated. Due to concerns about the progression of the disease, she went to the gynecological outpatient department of Xi'an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital to consult with an expert. The doctor advised her to come to the hospital on February 10 for treatment. The plan was to start with one round of chemotherapy to see if the lesion enlarges, then surgery would be considered. If one round of chemotherapy does not meet the surgical criteria, another round of chemotherapy would be needed. If both rounds of treatment are ineffective, she would be referred to radiochemotherapy.We have already completed one round of chemotherapy, and we will go to the hospital for tests in a few days. In these days, we have also visited several authoritative local hospitals to consult about the specialist.
Doctor's answer:
Stage IV cervical cancer refers to the tumor extending beyond the true pelvis, invading the bladder or rectal mucosa. Stage IVb cervical cancer involves distant metastases and is considered late-stage cancer, where surgery is of little significance. Even if surgery is performed, it is palliative and cannot completely remove the tumor. Therefore, surgical treatment is not recommended. The main treatment methods are radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drug therapy, along with symptomatic treatment.For gynecological patients, while understanding symptomatic treatment, dietary therapy can be used as a complementary treatment in daily life. A balanced diet should be maintained in daily eating habits, and irritating foods should be avoided.