Cervical Cancer Staging
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Staging Cervical Cancer
If cervical cancer is identified, further diagnostic testing is required to determine the size and extent of the tumor. This is called the staging process. Unlike some other staging processes that require surgery, cervical cancer is usually evaluated through a clinical exam. Likewise, a different staging system is used.
The FIGO system, developed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, provides the guidelines for assessing the progression of cervical cancer. There are two main differences between the FIGO staging process and other traditional methods. First, the assessment is based on a clinical exam (whereas other methods require surgery). Second, as a result of the non-surgical approach, the FIGO method does not take into account whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
The FIGO system characterizes cervical cancer in stages using Roman numerals, 0-IV, as follows:
- Stage 0 Cervical Cancer: The cancer cells are only on the lining of the cervix. Also called carcinoma in situ (CIS) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade III (CIN III).
- Stage I Cervical Cancer: The cancer has grown beyond the cervical lining and into the tissue, but has not spread beyond the cervix. The extent of the cancer is evaluated and further delineated into stages IA and IB based on measurements.
- Stage II Cervical Cancer: The cancer has spread within the cervix and uterus. The walls of the pelvis or the lower part of the vagina remain free of cancer. Stages IIA and IIB more specifically define the extent of the cancer within the cervix and uterus.
- Stage III Cervical Cancer: At this point, the cancer has spread into the walls of the pelvis and the lower vagina. Stage IIIB is characterized by the blockage of the ureters, limiting the flow of the urine from the kidneys. Note: the American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) alternate staging system recognizes the spread of the cancer throughout the pelvic lymph nodes as part of stage IIIB.
- Stage IV Cervical Cancer: The cancer has spread to organs near the cervix (stage IVA: cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum) or elsewhere in the body (stage IVB: the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to areas such as the lungs or liver).
Understanding Cervical Cancer Staging
The staging process for cervical cancer may involve a combination of diagnostic tests to assess the spread and extent of the disease. Your doctor may use a lighted tube to examine the inside of your bladder (cystoscopy) or the lower colon (proctoscopy) to determine if there are signs that the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
The staging process for cervical cancer typically does not involve surgery. For this reason, information about the the spread of the cancer to the lymph nodes is not described by the FIGO staging system. In the event that a surgical procedure is used to assess the lymph nodes during the staging process, the FIGO staging remains the same regardless of the resuls. Your prognosis and treatment options will likely be based on The FIGO stage.
Treatment Possibilities for Cervical Cancer at CTCA
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we believe in patient-centered cervical cancer treatment. That is why treatment at CTCA is guided by your preferences and needs. Working with your multidisciplinary care team, you can explore advanced cervical cancer treatment options that are best suited to you.
When you're ready to learn more, call 800-615-3055 or Chat Now to talk with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. We're ready to help, at any stage.
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