STAGES OF CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer develops in various stages, such as:
Stage 0. Carcinoma in place. Abnormal cells are in the surface layer of the cervix and has not yet invaded deeper tissues. This stage is not cancer.
Stage I. Invasive cancer stage with cancer confined to the cervix only. Limited to the uterus.
Stage IA. Earliest form of stage I cancer. Small amount of tumor visible with a microscope.
Stage IA1. Tumor has penetrated an area less than 3 millimeters deep and less than 7 millimeters wide.
Stage IA2. Tumor has penetrated an area between 3 to 5 millimeters deep and less than 7 millimeters wide.
Stage IB. Tumors can be seen without a microscope.
Stage IB1. Tumor is no bigger than 4 centimeters.
Stage IB2. Tumor is bigger than 4 centimeters.
Stage II. Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but is still limited to the pelvic area.
Stage IIA. Cancer has spread at the upper part of the vagina, but not to the surrounding tissues. (parametria)
Stage IIB. Cancer has spread to the tissue next to the cervix (the parametrical tissue).
Stage III. Cancer has extended beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic area. It may block the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
Stage IIIA. Cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina but not extension to the pelvic wall.
Stage IIIB. Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall, or blocks urine flow to the bladder.
Stage IV. Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis or to the mucosal lining of the bladder or rectum. Most advanced stage of cervical cancer.
Stage IVA. Cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum.
Stage IVB. Cancer has spread faraway organs beyond the pelvic area, such as the lungs.