Stage 0 (also called carcinoma in situ) – Stage 0 is the
earliest and most treatable. The abnormal cells are found only in the first
layer of cells lining the cervix (epithelium). This treatment at this stage
will include one or more of the following: cryosurgery, conization, laser
surgery, LEEP, or total abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Carcinoma in situ
has a 100% 5-year survival rate.
Stage I - The cancer is in the deeper tissues of the cervix
but has not spread to nearby organs. This stage is divided into IA and IB.
Stage I cervical cancer has an 85% 5-year survival rate.
Stage IA has no legions visible to the naked eye; it is
diagnosed only by microscopy. It is usually an invasion less than 3mm in depth
and 7mm or less in horizontal spread. It is treated with one or more of the
following: conization, internal radiation therapy, total abdominal
hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and lymph node dissection.
Stage IB is an invasion between 3mm and 5mm deep and 7mm or
less in width. It is treated with one or more of the following: internal
radiation, external radiation therapy, radical hysterectomy, lymph node
dissection, and chemotherapy.
Stage II – The cancer is still contained within the pelvic
area but has spread to nearby areas. Stage II cervical cancer has a 50-60%
5-year survival rate. Stage IIA has spread beyond the cervix
to the upper two-thirds of the vagina and is treated with one or more of the
following: internal radiation, external radiation, chemotherapy, radical
hysterectomy, and lymph node dissection. Stage IIB has spread
out around the cervix and is treated with internal radiation, external
radiation, and chemotherapy,
Stage III – Cancerous cells have invaded the pelvic area. Stage III
cancer has a 30% 5-year survival rate.
Stage IIIA has invaded the lower one-third of the vagina and is
treated with internal and external radiation plus chemotherapy.
Stage IIIB has extended to the pelvic wall and may have also caused
hydronephrosis, a blockage of the tubes that connect the kidneys to the
bladder. This is also treated with internal and external radiation plus
chemotherapy.
Stage IV – The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Stage IV
cancer has the bleakest outlook with a 5% 5-year survival rate.
Stage IVA has spread to the rectum or the bladder and is treated with
internal and external radiation plus chemotherapy.
Stage IVB has greatly advanced and spread to organs as faraway as the
lungs. This is treated with chemotherapy, and the patient is given radiation therapy
to relieve the symptoms caused by the cancer.
Recurrent – The cancer has returned to the pelvic area or other areas
in the body. If the return is to the pelvic area, radiation will be used in
combination with chemotherapy. If the cancer has returned to other areas, the
doctor will assess the situation and choose a treatment accordingly. The
survival rate for recurrent cancer is based on where the cancer appears and
when it is discovered.