Final answer:
Cervical cancer treatment often involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with the choice depending on the stage of cancer. For localized tumors, surgery can be curative. Esophageal cancer treatments are similar, with innovations like temporary brachytherapy using iridium-192 underway to improve outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment Options for Cervical and Upper Third of the Esophagus Cancer
The treatment of cervical cancer is contingent on the stage at diagnosis and can encompass a range of therapies including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. An early diagnosis increases the potential for successful treatment outcomes. Surgery aims to completely remove the cancerous tumor along with affected lymph nodes and is considered curative if cancer has not spread.
In cases where the tumor is inoperable due to its location, other methods such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are utilized. However, these treatments are not without limitations, as they can also harm healthy tissues. To overcome this, research continues into pharmaceuticals targeting proteins involved in cancer progression.
For esophageal cancer located in the cervical and upper third of the esophagus, treatment options may be similar to those for cervical cancer, often starting with surgery if the cancer is localized. Additional treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof, and may also involve novel treatments like targeted therapy or immunotherapy. One specific type of radiation therapy mentioned is temporary brachytherapy using iridium-192 needles to deliver targeted radiation doses.