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 Cervical Cancer Staging

Cancers progress through different stages, each stage being more complex than the one previous. Cervical cancer staging describes the extent of the cancer, the size of the tumor, its depth and whether it is localized (within the cervix) or has spread to surrounding areas. Cervical cancer staging can be determined by the results of a biopsy, pathology report, cystoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This information allows an oncologist to customize treatment and accurately predict prognosis.

Cervical cancer staging is described by the FIGO system of classification, which was formulated by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The FIGO system groups cervical cancer in stages running from 0 to stage IV.

Stage 0

Stage 0 cervical cancer is localized within the epithelial cells (outer most cells) of the cervix and has not yet progressed to deeper tissues.

Stage I is invasive cervical cancer that is subdivided into:

Stage IA: This is the earliest form of stage I. The tumor can be viewed under a microscope.

Stage IA1: The tumor is less than 3 millimeters deep and 7 millimeters wide.

Stage IA2: The tumor is between 3 and 5 millimeters deep and 7 milimeters, or less, wide.

Stage IB: The tumor is large enough to be viewed with the naked eye. It is greater than 5 milimeters deep and 7 milimeters wide.

Stage IB1: The tumor is 4 centimeters or less in width.

Stage IB2: The tumor is greater than 4 centimeters and has spread to tissues outside the cervix and to nearby organs.

Stage II is invasive cervical cancer that extends beyond the cervix. It is subdivided into stage IIA and stage IIB.

Stage III is invasive cancer that spreads beyond the vagina and presses on the bladder, disrupting the flow of urine. Stage III is subdivided into IIIA and IIIB, depending on the extent of spread.

Stage IV cancer spreads to other organs. It is the most advanced and serious stage of cervical cancer.  It is subdivided into stage IVA and IVB.

In general, the lower the stage number, the smaller its size and the healthier its prognosis.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for Cervical Cancer, call today.

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