The International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) system usually is used to stage cervical cancer:
- Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ; non-invasive cancer that is confined to the layer of cells lining the cervix.
- Stage I: Cancer that has spread into the connective tissue of the cervix but is confined to the uterus.
- Stage IA: Very small cancerous area that is visible only with a microscope.
- Stage IA1: Invasion area is less than 3 mm (0.13 in) deep and 7 mm (0.33 in) wide.
- Stage IA2: Invasion area is 3–5 mm (0.13-0.2 in) deep and less than 7 mm (0.33 in) wide.
- Stage IB: Cancer can be seen without a microscope or is deeper than 5 mm (0.2 in) or wider than 7 mm (0.33 in).
- Stage IB1: Cancer is no larger than 4 cm (1.6 in).
- Stage IB2: Stage IB cancer is larger than 4 cm (1.6 in).
- Stage II: Cancer has spread from the cervix but is confined to the pelvic region.
- Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to the upper region of the vagina, but not to the lower one-third of the vagina.
- Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to the parametrial tissue adjacent to the cervix.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower one-third of the vagina or to the wall of the pelvis and may be blocking the ureters.
- Stage IIIA: Cancer has spread to the lower vagina but not to the pelvic wall.
- Stage IIIB: Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall and/or is blocking the flow of urine through the ureters to the bladder.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum.
- Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs.
- Recurrent: Following treatment, cancer has returned to the cervix or some other part of the body.
In addition to the stage of the cancer, factors such as a woman’s age, general health, and preferences may influence the choice of treatment. The exact location of the cancer within the cervix and the type of cervical cancer also are important considerations.