Stage 2 cervical cancer defines the progression of the disease in the body. Observing the intensity of the indications, the spread of this disease can be curbed and appropriate treatment provided.
After breast cancer, cervical cancer is probably the second reason for a number of deaths among women across the globe. This cancer is due to the presence of malignant neoplasm, or a mass of abnormal tissue, in the cervix uteri. Just like the other types of cancers, cervical cancer also begins as a result of abnormal cell development and its growth is staged.
An Insight on Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the narrow passage between the vagina and the uterus. It is the connecting link of the uterus with the birth canal. Cancer of the cervix, also referred to as cervical cancer, is mainly caused due to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in this portion. This virus is spread during unprotected sex with an affected person, and also through bodily fluids.
The virus settles in the lining of the cervix and attacks the healthy cells and causes gene mutation. Thus begins the unhealthy growth of abnormal cells, which tend to develop at a faster pace. Cervical cancer begins as precancerous lesions which may turn malignant. There are five stages of cervical cancer (including stage 0), based on the spread of the cancerous cells.
In stage 2 cervical cancer, the cancerous cells are still contained in the cervix, but begin to spread to the vagina and the uterus. This stage of cervical cancer is further categorized as Stage 2A and Stage 2B. In stage 2A, the cancer (in the form of lesions) has spread till the top of the vagina and is about 4 cm in size. Stage 2B indicates the metastasis of the cancer to the healthy tissues at the beginning of the uterus. Early administration of cancer treatment, will prevent the spread of this deadly disease and increase the longevity of the patient.
Stage 2 Cervical Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical cancer are almost absent in the initial stages. Once the cancer stage advances, it may be revealed in the symptoms, which can intensify in nature as time progresses. The presence of this cancer is noticed only during a pap smear, where a small portion of the inner lining of the cervix is examined.
- Noticing spotting between periods and even after menopause. Some women may experience vaginal bleeding right after intercourse.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, that may be watery or sticky. Sometimes there may be traces of blood in the discharge.
- Heavy and painful menstrual cycle, which may prolong for more than a week. The presence of clots may make this disorder more evident.
- Experiencing pelvic pain and discomfort during intercourse. This pain may be so intense at times, that it may radiate towards the abdomen and back.
- Other symptoms, indicative of the second stage of cervical cancer are a feeling of generalized body weakness, nausea induced vomiting, loss of appetite, frequent mood swings and unexplained weight loss.
Stage 2 Cervical Cancer Treatment
The treatment for the second stage of cervical cancer is a combination of radiation and chemotherapy drugs. Before treating this cancer, the gynecologist will perform a series of tests like a physical exam, pap smear, blood tests and an MRI scan to check for the extent of this disorder. Once all the tests are complete, the doctor will proceed towards the treatment.
Chemotherapy and radiation is used to destroy the growth of cancerous cells and also to stem their metastasis. The affected lymph nodes may also be surgically removed to prevent the cancerous cells from invading the healthy organs and destroying their functioning. Stage 2 cervical cancer prognosis and life expectancy is determined on the patient’s age and health condition, stage at which the cancer was detected, pap smear results and the patient’s response towards treatment.
The stage 2 cervical cancer survival rate for 5 years is about 65 to 70 percent, due to proper treatment and care. But it is not so with stage 4 cancer survival rate, which is the final stage of cancer. A routine pap smear and other necessary tests will prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. Stay healthy!
