Staging of cervical cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The clinical staging of cervical cancer mainly uses the FIGO system, which adopts the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Staging should be performed before treatment, and once done it does not change after treatment. Since FIGO staging of cervical cancer primarily relies on pelvic examination, it emphasizes the necessity of this examination being conducted by two experienced gynecologic oncologists. If needed, a pelvic examination under anesthesia is performed to ensure the accuracy of the evaluation. So, how is the staging performed? It involves measuring the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, the infiltration of cervical tissue, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes, providing accurate information with the aid of radiological data, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is contact bleeding, which can manifest as bloody vaginal discharge and bleeding after sexual intercourse, as well as intermittent vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods. Additionally, it can present with malignant vaginal discharge, increased vaginal secretion accompanied by an unpleasant odor or foul smell, and sometimes purulent discharge. If the cervical cancer tumor spreads to adjacent organs, such as the bladder or kidneys, symptoms may include frequent urination, urinary urgency, back pain, and swelling of the lower limbs. In advanced stages, symptoms can also include anemia, fever, and weight loss.

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Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment principle of cervical cancer primarily focuses on surgical and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment plans. Therefore, it should be based on clinical staging and the specific condition of the patient, such as age and physical health, combined with the overall situation, as well as considering the level of technology and equipment conditions to develop a suitable treatment plan. Nowadays, emphasis is placed on personalized treatment and initial treatment. Cervical cancer treatment primarily involves surgery, including extensive hysterectomy and extensive cervical excision, where choosing the appropriate surgical method is key. Post-surgery, radiotherapy can be combined, and for those unsuitable for surgery, preoperative radiotherapy is an option. Additionally, preoperative or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can also be considered.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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Cervical cancer is divided into several stages.

Cervical cancer is categorized into four stages based on the extent of the cancer lesion, with different stages receiving different treatments clinically. Stage I cervical cancer is the earliest stage, while stage IV cervical cancer is the latest stage, often invading organs beyond the reproductive system. Clinically, early-stage cervical cancer is primarily treated with surgical resection, followed by postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. In contrast, late-stage cervical cancer is treated primarily with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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There are several types of cervical cancer vaccines.

There are three types of cervical cancer vaccines: bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent, and the recommended vaccination ages vary for each. The bivalent cervical cancer vaccine is suitable for females aged 9 to 45; the quadrivalent vaccine is suitable for females aged 20 to 45; the nonavalent vaccine is suitable for females aged 16 to 26. Vaccinations can be scheduled at hospitals within these age ranges. The younger the age at vaccination, the higher the antibody production after receiving the cervical cancer vaccine, meaning the effectiveness is better.

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Does cervical cancer hurt?

Women with cervical cancer usually have no specific clinical symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the tumor increases in size, some women may experience contact bleeding, which occurs after sexual intercourse. As the cancer grows and compresses the surrounding tissues, it can cause local feelings of distension and even pain. In some women, the spread of cancer cells can compress nerves in the pelvic area, also causing localized pain. However, this generally occurs in the later stages of the disease. By this advanced stage, the pain caused by the tumor cannot be alleviated by ordinary analgesics, and drugs like morphine are usually required for pain relief. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)