The stage of cervical cancer refers to the extent to which it has spread. Stage 0 means that the cancer cells are found on the surface of the cervix, and stage I means the cancer is localized to the cervix. Spread to the upper part of the vagina signals a stage II cancer. Stage III tumors extent to the lower vagina, and in Stage IV, the tumor has spread to the bladder or rectum, or to distant sites in the body.
Treatment: Surgery
For cancers up to stage II, surgery is usually done to remove the areas of cancer. This generally means that the uterus is removed (hysterectomy) along with the surrounding tissue. The ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes in the area may also be removed.
Treatment: Radiation
External radiation therapy can be used to destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery. Internal radiation (brachytherapy) involves placement of radioactive material inside the tumor itself to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used together with chemotherapy to treat women with cervical cancer. Side effects of radiation therapy can include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and low blood cell counts.
Treatment: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be the main treatment if cervical cancer has spread to distant sites in the body. Chemotherapy is the use of toxic drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy also has side effects that can include fatigue, hair loss, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and easy bruising.