In stage 1 cervical cancer, the cancer is confined to the cervix and has not spread to nearby tissues or organs. During this early stage, symptoms may be minimal or absent. However, some women may experience the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This can include bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause. It may be characterized by heavier or longer periods than usual.
- Unusual vaginal discharge: You may notice an increase in the amount of discharge, and it may have a watery, bloody, or foul-smelling appearance.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort: Some women may experience mild pelvic pain or discomfort. This pain can be intermittent or constant and may be localized to the lower abdomen or pelvic region.
- Pain during sexual intercourse: You may experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia. This can occur due to the presence of a tumor in the cervix.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by various other conditions unrelated to cervical cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or gynecologist for further evaluation and appropriate testing. Regular cervical screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer, even before symptoms manifest.
What are the Stages of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is staged to determine the extent and progression of the disease. The staging system commonly used for cervical cancer is the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) staging system, which is based on the extent of tumor growth and spread. The stages of cervical cancer are as follows:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): The cancer is limited to the surface layer of cells lining the cervix and has not invaded deeper tissues.
- Stage I: The cancer has invaded deeper into the cervix, but it is still confined to the cervix. Stage I is further divided into:
- Stage IA: The cancer is microscopic and can only be seen under a microscope. It has not spread beyond the cervix.
- Stage IA1: The cancer is less than 3 mm deep and less than 7 mm wide.
- Stage IA2: The cancer is between 3 mm and 5 mm deep and less than 7 mm wide.
- Stage IB: The cancer is visible to the naked eye or is more extensive than stage IA.
- Stage IB1: The cancer is larger than stage IA2 but is still confined to the cervix.
- Stage IB2: The cancer has spread to nearby tissues around the cervix.
- Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the cervix but has not reached the pelvic sidewall or the lower third of the vagina. Stage II is further divided into:
- Stage IIA: The cancer has spread to the upper two-thirds of the vagina but not to the pelvic sidewall.
- Stage IIB: The cancer has spread to the pelvic sidewall.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina, the pelvic sidewall, or has caused kidney problems. Stage III is further divided into:
- Stage IIIA: The cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina but not to the pelvic sidewall.
- Stage IIIB: The cancer has spread to the pelvic sidewall or has caused kidney problems.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to adjacent organs beyond the cervix or to distant organs. Stage IV is further divided into:
- Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to adjacent organs, such as the bladder or rectum.
- Stage IVB: The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
It’s important to note that the stage of cervical cancer can affect treatment options and prognosis. A healthcare professional or oncologist will determine the stage of the cancer based on various diagnostic tests, including physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsies.
