What is it Risk Factors Symptoms Lab Tests Staging Treatment Sources

Staging
If cancer is found, it will then be “staged.” Staging is a careful and thorough examination and classification of how far the cancer has spread and what body organs are involved. Stages range from Stage 0 (the cancer is found only in the cells covering the cervix) to Stage IVB (the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs). Staging is a very important part of the diagnostic process; treatment options and patient prognosis depend in large part on the stage of the cancer.

On This Site

Tests: Pap smear, HPV
Conditions: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Screening: Cervical cancer (ages 13-18), (ages 19-29), (ages 30-49), (ages 50 and up)
In the News: Should HPV Tests Replace Pap Smears? (2007), FDA Approves New Cervical Cancer Test (2003), New Developments Help Redefine Approach to Inconclusive Pap Smears (2002)

Elsewhere On The Web

Personal Pap Smear Scheduling Reminder
National Cancer Institute: What you need to know about cancer of the cervix
American Cancer Society: All About Cervical Cancer
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
American Academy of Family Physicians: Cancer Screening Guidelines
CancerLinks
Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Require Reeducation of Women and Physicians
ASCCP: Consensus Guidelines