How Does Cervical Cancer Develop and Stages of Its Progression?

Cervical cancer emerges in the cervix, particularly the lowermost segment of the uterus attaching to the vagina. It generally emerges when cells within the cervix endure abnormalities.

This frequently happens as a virus recognized as human papillomavirus. It transmits through sexual connection. However, not all HPV diseases result in cancer. These adjustments begin with developing precancerous lesions.

According to the World Health Organization, it takes over 15-20 years to transform into precancerous changes and further cervical cancer cells. However, it could develop within ~5–10 years in a strong body immune system.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

The early phases of cervical cancer are generally asymptomatic. This is why annual early detection screenings are important.

These are common signs of cervical cancer:

  • Weird discharge from the vagina, sometimes with blood.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding, like between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
  • Pelvic pain.

As the cancer spreads, a person might notice:

  • Trouble peeing.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Swollen legs.
  • Difficulty having bowel movements.

Cervical Cancer Stages

Stage 1

  • The cancer has spread from the surface to deeper tissues of the cervix.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1A

  • Very small amount of cancer, visible only under a microscope.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1A1

  • Cancer is less than 3 mm deep.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1A2

  • Cancer is between 3 mm and 5 mm deep.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1B

  • Cancer has spread deeper than 5 mm but remains confined to the cervix.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1B1

  • Cancer is deeper than 5 mm but not more than 2 cm in size.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1B2

  • Cancer is 2 cm to 4 cm in size.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 1B3

  • Cancer is larger than 4 cm but confined to the cervix.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 2

  • Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but not to the pelvic walls or lower part of the vagina.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 2A

  • Cancer has extended beyond the cervix and uterus but not into the parametria.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 2A1

  • Cancer is no larger than 4 cm.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 2A2

  • Cancer is 4 cm or larger.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 2B

  • Cancer has spread into the parametria.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 3

  • Cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or pelvic walls and may block the ureters.
  • Possible spread to nearby lymph nodes, but no spread to distant sites.

Stage 3A

  • Cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina but not to the pelvic walls.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 3B

  • Cancer has invaded the pelvic walls and/or is causing hydronephrosis by blocking ureters.
  • No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage 3C

  • Cancer of any size has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3C1: Spread to pelvic lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3C2: Spread to para-aortic lymph nodes.
  • No spread to distant sites.

Stage 4

  • Cancer has grown into the bladder, rectum, or distant organs.

Stage 4A

  • Cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or beyond the pelvis.

Stage 4B

  • Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, bones, or distant lymph nodes.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking. Smoking improves the chance of developing cancer. People who smoke acquire HPV infections, those daring infections persist and’re further complicated to eliminate. HPV is responsible for the majority of cancers.

Having more sex partners. The more sex partners you and your partner get the more chances you both get HPV.

Having sex at a young age. The age at which you begin to have sex may put a lower age group at risk of HPV.

Contracting sexually transmitted infections. Being infected with sexually transmitted diseases: Infections such as STIs, make people get HPV and eventually it can convert into cervical cancer.

A weakened immune system. Compromising the immune system to disease circumstances might raise the subjective likelihood of cancer if HPV is present.

Exposure to miscarriage prevention medicine. If your mother utilized a medication known as DES diethylstilbestrol while pregnant, you probably may have been exposed since it is given to prevent miscarriages.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

The diagnostic measures for cervical cancer are as follows:

Colposcopy

An instrument called a speculum is utilized to gently stretch the vagina and monitor the cervix. Then, a vinegar aqueous solution is applied to notice and control the areas for any apparent representation of abnormalities. The cervix is examined up close using a colposcope device, having a bright source of illumination and a magnifying lens. A procedure in which a biopsy is normally taken.

Biopsy

Examination under the microscope of a specimen of cervical tissue carried out by a pathologist.

Several methods of biopsy are used:

1.Punch biopsy. A tiny round tissue patch is removed with a sharp tool. Numerous regions of the cervix might be acquired.

2.Endocervical curettage. The process is removing tissues or cells from the cervical canal using the curette.

  1. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Doctors use a thin wire loop wired with electrical current to help remove the tissue.
  2. Cone biopsy (conization). A procedure performed in the hospital using general anesthesia, and it is used to extract more specific, cone-shaped cervical tissue and cervical canal, used to diagnose or treat pre-cancer or early cancer.

When diagnosed with cervical cancer consult your healthcare provider about what to expect during and after your biopsy.

Get a Second Opinion

Some people want a second opinion to make sure their cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can be trusted. In this case, you will need to gather critical medical test results and reports by the first doctor to avoid doing more tests and share them with the second doctor.

The second doctor reviews the pathology report, slides, and scans before making recommendations.

They might concur with your first doctor, suggest different changes or approaches, or give more detailed information about your cancer.

When you need the best opinion, visit Oncowin Cancer Centre. As cancer experts, we are committed to providing you with the most accurate care, modern treatment, and care filled with compassion for the best possible results.

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