Cervical cancer is divided into several stages.

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 01, 2024
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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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Oncology
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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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Cervical cancer leukorrhea characteristics

The characteristics of vaginal discharge in cervical cancer may include the presence of blood in the discharge. This is because cervical cancer often leads to increased vaginal discharge, which may also increase in quantity and might contain streaks of blood or bloody material. The discharge could be thin and watery or resemble rice wash water, and it might have a foul smell. In advanced stages, due to necrosis of the cancer tissue accompanied by infection, there can be a substantial amount of foul-smelling, purulent discharge resembling rice wash water. Therefore, these characteristics of the vaginal discharge are specific symptoms of cervical cancer. If such symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical consultation promptly to evaluate for cervical cancer.

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Late-stage symptoms of cervical cancer

The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer start with vaginal bleeding. In the later stages, the bleeding becomes irregular and possibly heavy. The second symptom is vaginal discharge. In advanced stages, due to cancerous tissue necrosis accompanied by infection, there can be a large amount of foul-smelling, watery, or purulent discharge. The third point about advanced symptoms depends on the extent of the cancerous area involved. Secondary symptoms may appear depending on the adjacent tissues, organs, and nerves affected, including frequent urination, urgency, constipation, swelling and pain in the lower limbs. When the tumor compresses or involves the ureter, it can cause ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, and uremia. In the advanced stages, patients may experience symptoms of systemic failure like anemia and cachexia.

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Oncology
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Cervical cancer treatment

For the treatment of cervical cancer, it should be based on the patient's physical condition, nutritional status, pathological staging, and pathological type to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than a general, single approach. The treatment principle for cervical cancer mainly involves surgery and radiotherapy, supported by a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chemotherapy. However, the treatment plan should be based on clinical staging, age, overall health, and consider the level of technology and equipment available to formulate a suitable treatment plan. It is important to focus on individualized treatment and the method of initial treatment. Therefore, each person is different, and treatments vary from person to person and disease to disease.

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Written by Yan Qiao
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Does cervical cancer hurt?

For patients with cervical cancer, the most common clinical manifestations are bleeding during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding. Patients who have undergone menopause may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding post-menopause, and some patients may not show any clinical signs at a very early stage. As the cancer progresses, and when it invades nearby organs and metastasizes, it may cause lower abdominal distension and pain, and even more severe pain if the metastatic organs compress nerves or directly invade areas containing nerves.