Cervical cancer is cancer that grows in the cells of the cervix, located at the lower end of the uterus. It may also be called the uterine cervix. This cancer is typically slow-growing, and Pap smears can help detect precancerous changes in these cells. Once cancer is diagnosed, the cancer is then staged according to the spread and extent of the cancer. The second stage of cervical cancer is still largely contained in the cervical area.
Features
Stage II cervical cancer is further divided into Stage IIA and IIB, with Stage IIA having two substages. The American Cancer Society describes Stage IIA1 cervical cancer as being a tumor 4cm or smaller with no cancer in the lymph nodes or in distant organs; and Stage IIA2 as being larger then 4cm but with no lymph node or distant organ involvement. Stage IIB describes cancer that has grown past the cervix into surrounding tissues, but the lymph nodes are cancer-free, as are other organs.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of cervical cancer can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding or pain after intercourse, vaginal discharge that may contain blood, and abnormal findings on a Pap smear. Early cervical cancer does not typically display symptoms until it becomes invasive.
Diagnosis
The National Cancer Institute lists several tests to help diagnose cervical cancer, including a Pap smear, or scraping of cervical cells. A biopsy of the cervical tissue may be taken to microscopically check for cancer and a pelvic exam may be done to feel for any tumors.
Treatment
For treatment of Stage IIA cervical cancer, the National Cancer Institute lists various treatments, including internal and external radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy, a radical hysterectomy and lymph node removal, or a radical hysterectomy and lymph node removal plus radiation and chemotherapy. For Stage IIB, treatment typically includes internal and external radiation plus chemotherapy, according to both the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.
Prognosis
Survival rates in cancer are typically described in five-year survival rates, which means the percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis. Five-year survival rates for Stage IIA and Stage IIB cervical cancer are 63 percent and 58 percent, respectively, according to the American Cancer Society.
