5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER STAGES

1. Carcinoma in Situ

Stage zero is the least progressed stage of all cervical cancer stages. This stage, often referred to as carcinoma in situ, occurs when abnormal cells are present, or cancer cells present in the epithelium or lining of the cervix. At this point, the cancer hasn't moved from the location where it began. It hasn't yet permeated into the deeper tissues of the cervix. Frequently, doctors treat this stage of cancer the same as they treat abnormal cells found in the cervix. Treatment options at stage zero include the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), laser surgery, conization, cryosurgery, hysterectomy or internal radiation.

2. Invasion of Deeper Cervical Tissues

Stage I cervical cancer occurs when the cancer spreads deeper into the cervical tissue. In this stage, the cancer hasn't yet spread past the cervix. Doctors divide this stage into two categories: IA and IB. A cancer in stage IA is very small and requires a microscope to see it. These early stage IA cancers are less than 1/4 inch wide and have grown only about an 1/8 inch into the cervix tissue. Cancer in stage IB is observable without the aide of a microscope. Early stage IB cervical cancer is no larger than 1.6 inches. Later stage IB cervical cancer is larger than 1.6 inches, but hasn't permeated tissues other than the cervix. Stage I treatment options include hysterectomy, conization, radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

3. Beyond the Cervix

Stage II marks a turning point in the progression of cervical cancer as it moves beyond the cervix. By early stage II, the cancer has spread into the upper portion of the vagina. Later stage II cervical cancers move into the tissues adjacent to the cervix. Hysterectomy is still an option at stage II, in addition to chemotherapy and internal and external radiation.

4. Blocking the Flow of Urine

Once cervical cancer reaches stage III, it has moved into the lower part of the vagina. By the later part of stage III, it's permeating the pelvic wall. Sometimes, it even presses against the ureters, which are tubes that facilitate the flow of fluid from the kidney to the bladder. At this point, kidney functioning may be impaired. Treatment options at stage III include internal and external radiation as well as chemotherapy.

5. Metastasis Into Other Organs

When cervical cancer reaches stage IV, it's at its most advanced point. Early stage IV cervical cancer invades nearby organs, such as the bladder and rectum. At this point, cervical cancer may spread to the lymph nodes and pelvis. Once the cancer has reached the later part of stage IV, it has metastasized beyond the immediate area surrounding the cervix. At this point cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the intestines, liver or lungs. While radiation therapy and chemotherapy are recommended treatment strategies at stage IV, the use of palliative therapies minimizes the symptoms of the disease.