Learn About the Stages of Cervical Cancer Part II

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Previously, we took a look at the first two stages in cervical cancer development. In this concluding piece, we take a look at the remaining three.

In stage III, cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina and may have spread to the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes. Stage III is divided into stages IIIA and IIIB, again based on how far the cancer has spread.

In IIIA, the cervical cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina but not to the pelvic wall. In IIIB, Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall and/or the tumor has become large enough to block the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). This blockage can cause the kidneys to enlarge or stop working. Cancer cells may also have spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis.

In stage IV, cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or other parts of the body. Stage IV is divided into stages IVA and IVB, based on where the cancer is found.

At IVA, the cancer has spread to the bladder or rectal wall and may have spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis. In IVB, the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis and pelvic lymph nodes to other places in the body, such as the abdomen, liver, intestinal tract, or lungs.

These basically sum up vital information about the stages of cervical cancer. It is your job to continue to educate yourself and have the feeling of power over cancer - and not let cancer take over you. I wish you the best of luck.