Stages, types and grades of cervical cancer
The stage of a cancer tells you about its size and whether it has spread. The type means the type of cell the cancer started from. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
Your doctor uses all of this information to help them decide on which treatment you need.
Types and grades of cervical cancer
There are different types of cervical cancer. The most common type is squamous cell cancer. Cancer cells are divided into 3 grades.
Stage 1 cervical cancer
Stage 1 means that the cancer is only in the neck of the womb (cervix). Surgery is the main treatment. Very rarely, some people may need combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).
Stage 2 cervical cancer
Stage 2 means the cancer has spread outside the cervix, into the surrounding tissues. The main treatments are a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) and sometimes surgery.
Stage 3 cervical cancer
Stage 3 means the cancer has spread from the cervix into the structures around it or into the lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen. Treatment is usually a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).
Stage 4 cervical cancer
Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to the bladder or back passage (rectum) or further away. Treatments might include chemoradiotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, a targeted cancer drug and an immunotherapy drug.
Small cell cancer of the cervix
Small cell cancer of the cervix is a rare type of cervical cancer. It is a type of neuroendocrine cancer. Treatment is with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
