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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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical cancer be cured?

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the cervix, severely endangering the health of a broad demographic of women. Currently, treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While these methods can extend the patient's lifespan, clinically, cervical cancer cannot be completely cured. For early-stage cervical cancer, various treatments can significantly prolong the patient's life, but a complete cure cannot be guaranteed.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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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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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does cervical cancer cause anemia in the early stages?

Cervical cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in gynecology, and a small number of patients with cervical cancer may experience anemia in the early stages. This is because the main clinical symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer patients are mainly vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge. As the amount of vaginal bleeding in patients with cervical cancer is not significantly related to the stage of the cancer, some patients in the early stages of cervical cancer may have a large amount of vaginal bleeding, which can lead to mild anemia. In some cases, patients may experience severe bleeding, which can lead to anemia-induced shock. For patients with cervical cancer, in addition to vaginal bleeding, some patients may also experience an increase in vaginal secretions and vaginal discharge. Young women may also experience an extension of the menstrual cycle and an increase in menstrual volume, all of which can cause anemia in patients clinically.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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early symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is usually discovered when abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor or bloodstains, prompts a hospital visit. Upon examination, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Another typical symptom may be light bleeding after sexual intercourse, which can also lead to discovery upon medical examination. Therefore, the best approach to detecting cervical cancer is to regularly undergo cervical cancer screenings to identify and treat any early changes, improving treatment outcomes.