Staging is a careful attempt to determine whether the cancer has spread and, if it has, what body parts are affected.The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer and the greater the need for more aggressive therapy. Cure rates decline as the stage of the tumor gets higher.
The following stages are used to classify cancer of the cervix:
- Stage 0The abnormal cells are found only in the first layer of cells lining the uterus.
- Stage ICancer involves the cervix, but is still confined to the uterus. This stage has six levels, depending upon the size of the cancer: IA, IA1, IA2, IB, IB1, and IB2.
- Stage IICancer has spread to nearby areas, but is still inside the pelvic area. This stage has two levels, depending upon whether the cancer has spread to the vagina: IIA and IIB.
- Stage IIICancer has spread throughout the pelvic area. This stage has two levels, depending upon whether the cancer has spread to the vagina or bladder: IIIA and IIIB.
- Stage IVCancer has spread to other parts of the body. The stage has two levels, depending upon which organs the cancer has spread to: IVA and IVB.
Treatment involves the following:
Lifestyle changes
Medications
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Other treatments
Alternative and complementary therapies
Surgery
References:
American Cancer Societywebsite. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp.
National Cancer Institutewebsite. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/.
Last reviewed April 2007 by Barbara Harty-Golder, MD, JD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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