Comprehensive Guide to Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Each year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. While this diagnosis may sound concerning, advancements have led to a decline in mortality rates, largely due to early detection and effective treatment. Cervical cancer originates from abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connected to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus.

Although the immune system often suppresses HPV, the virus can sometimes remain dormant and lead to cellular changes, ultimately causing cancer. Environmental and lifestyle factors can also influence risk. Regular screening tests and HPV vaccination are vital for prevention and early detection.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
Routine screenings like Pap smears and HPV DNA tests are recommended from age 21 onwards. If abnormalities are detected, further examination is necessary. A colposcope helps visualize the cervix, and a biopsy—either punch, endocervical curettage, or cone biopsy—is performed to confirm cancer presence. These procedures can be done under local or general anesthesia.

Staging of Cervical Cancer
After diagnosis, additional tests determine the extent of cancer spread, which is crucial for treatment planning. Imaging techniques such as MRI, PET, CT, and X-ray scans assess whether cancer has metastasized to other body parts. Similarly, specialized scopes examine the rectum and bladder for invasion.

Based on these assessments, cervical cancer is classified into stages:

Stage 1: Cancer confined within the cervix, with high treatment success when caught early.

Stage 2: Cancer extends beyond the cervix into the upper vagina but stays within the pelvic region.

Stage 3: Spread to the lower vagina, pelvic walls, or kidneys.

Stage 4: Advanced spread to nearby organs like the rectum or bladder, or distant sites such as bones and lungs.