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Cervical Cancer

Also called: Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

- Summary
- About cervical cancer
- Types and differences
- Risk factors and causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment options
- Prevention methods
- Ongoing research
- Staging cervical cancer
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Martin E. Liebling, M.D., FACP
Mark Oren, M.D., FACP

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Ongoing research regarding cervical cancer

In addition to the approval of the vaccine Gardasil for human papillomavirus (HPV), researchers are working on additional vaccines. In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a review of a second vaccine, Cervarix. Studies have suggested that this vaccine may prevent infection against HPV-31 and HPV-45 in addition to HPV strains 16 and 18. The vaccine has not yet been approved for use in the general population in the United States.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also is funding research to determine if a new DNA test can aid with Pap test interpretations. In addition, NCI is addressing the higher incidence of cervical cancer deaths among minorities and populations with poor access to health care. The failure of these populations to receive regular Pap tests contributes to the higher rate of invasive cervical cancer.

New studies have been conducted in imaging tests to detect cervical cancer. Specific imaging tests used with colposcopy to examine cervical tissue have identified more precancerous tissue that was missed by colposcopy alone.

In cancer treatment, physicians are attempting to cure early-stage cervical cancer by removing less tissue, which may allow women to maintain the ability to have children. There are numerous clinical trials being conducted for improved methods of detection, treatment and prevention of cervical cancer. Women should discuss their options of enrolling in clinical trials with their physicians.

Staging cervical cancer

The prognosis (predicted outlook or chance of survival) of cervical cancer depends on the cancer’s stage. The stage indicates the extent of the cancer, or how widespread the disease is in the body. The staging system for cervical cancer is called the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system. The FIGO system for staging cervical cancer is a clinical staging system, which means that staging is based on the patient’s physical examination and test results. The FIGO system categorizes the cancer in stages 0 through IV, and divides some of the stages even further (e.g., stages I, IA, IA1 and IA2):

Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ. The tumor is very superficial, affecting only the cells that line the cervix with no evidence of invasion.
Stage I: The cancer is contained in the cervix and has not spread into the connective tissue outside the cervix, and may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
Stage II: The cancer has spread from the cervix into neighboring areas, such as the parametrial tissue (tissue located next to the cervix), but is still inside the pelvic region.
Stage III: The cancer has spread from the cervix into the lower region of the vagina or the pelvic wall. It may be blocking the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters).
Stage IV: The most advanced stage of cancer of the cervix. The cancer has invaded nearby organs and other body parts, such as the bladder, rectum or spread to the lungs.

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Review Date: 06-08-2007