Abnormal cells: get them treated


Once cervical cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine its stage. Staging is a system used to describe the spread of a cancer. Cervical cancer is staged mainly based upon the results of physical examination, which includes a complete pelvic (internal) examination of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

Stage 0 or "in situ:" The term "in situ" literally means "in place." Stage 0 describes cancer that has only been found in the layer of cells lining the cervix. The cancer has not invaded the deeper tissues of the cervix. Treatment options are the same as those used for pre-cancerous conditions and include cauterization, cone biopsy, cryosurgery, laser surgery, simple hysterectomy may be performed if the woman does not want to have children in the future. Stage 0 cancers can be effectively treated, but patients should be closely monitored by physicians for any possible recurrence.

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